HAPPA Rose Blossoms Thanks to Heart-Warming Gift from Cross Section Equestrian

The Horses and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA) has received a generous and forward-thinking donation from Cross Section Equestrian, who gifted one of their advanced turnout rugs to HAPPA Rose, an ex-racehorse currently being rehabilitated at the Charity’s Shores Hey Farm in Burnley.

The collaboration began earlier this month when Kirsty Wilson, Founder of Cross Section Equestrian, visited HAPPA to meet the team and learn more about the Charity’s welfare and rehabilitation work. During the visit, Kirsty personally delivered one of the company’s new 6ft3 turnout rugs, made with a cutting-edge membrane fabric that features a lighter, softer liner designed to enhance comfort and freedom of movement. The rug is currently undergoing a wearer trial at HAPPA to test its durability and performance in the challenging Lancashire winter weather.

The trial forms part of Cross Section’s commitment to continually refining its designs based on real-world feedback. By partnering with welfare organisations like HAPPA, the brand hopes to ensure its products meet the highest possible standards for comfort, fit, and longevity, particularly for horses recovering from neglect or rehabilitation.

Kirsty explained: “As a small, independent business, every design we produce is created from the ground up with the horse’s wellbeing in mind. We don’t replicate existing patterns or materials, we test, adapt and evolve based on what the horses tell us. The new membrane fabric rug is an exciting development and HAPPA Rose is the perfect candidate to trial it. Seeing her out on the hills, comfortable and content, helps us understand how our products truly perform in real conditions.”

The partnership also includes plans to donate 20% of sales from selected Cross Section products sold through HAPPA Direct, the Charity’s on-site retail outlet, generating vital income to support ongoing rescue and rehabilitation work.

HAPPA’s Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Arthur, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Cross Section Equestrian, a company that shares our values of welfare, innovation and care. When Kirsty approached us about testing her products, we saw a wonderful opportunity to not only help her refine a great design but to strengthen the link between ethical business and equine welfare. Rose is a wonderful representative of what collaboration can achieve, she’s thriving in her new rug, and we’re proud to help provide real feedback that supports continued innovation.”

Cross Section’s founder has also provided sample rugs and innovative over-reach boots for the team to assess, with a shared ambition to explore longer-term product partnerships and welfare-led testing.

HAPPA cares for more than 60 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys at any one time, offering them a second chance through rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming. Collaborations with brands like Cross Section Equestrian not only improve the lives of the animals in their care but also help influence higher welfare standards across the wider equestrian industry.

For more information about HAPPA and how to support the charity, visit www.happa.org.uk.

To discover Cross Section Equestrian’s innovative products, visit www.cross-section.co.uk or follow @cross_section_equestrian.