Storms and flooding mean temporary closure for Glenda Spooner Farm

It has been all hands on deck at our Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Somerset following a weekend of heavy rain and flash flooding at the 200-acre site. 

Heavy rainfall affected not just the fields at the farm in Somerton as a flash flood also damaged the ground floors of two bungalows used as groom’s accommodation and the main Visitor Centre.  

Flood water continues to run through the fields where around 90 of our horses graze, but despite conditions being particularly challenging everyone is staying cheerful. 

Farm Manager Claire Dickie said:

“Despite everything our grooms have really pulled together to make sure all the horses are cared for, and their needs met. They have really embraced the joy of life with it all and I couldn’t be prouder of everyone. 

“The flash flood on Sunday really took us by surprise and has wiped out the Visitor Centre for the foreseeable future. Once we have an idea of how long the clean-up will take, we will hopefully be in a better position to let people know how long we will be closed for, but right now it’s too early to say. 

“We have received so many messages of support and offers of help, and I can’t thank everyone enough – it has been such a morale boost to know so many people care about us and want to make sure we are all ok. 

“As for the horses they are all doing well and I think it’s just been like any other wet, winter winter’s day for them. Many are out in the fields and don’t even use their shelters – being perfectly happy to weather the storm and get on with it as they always do.” 

All affected members of staff have been provided with temporary accommodation while the clean-up gets under way. 

Glenda Spooner Farm will be closed to the public until further notice. We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who has offered to help during this challenging time.

Find out more about managing horses over wet winters and preparing for flooding.

Supporters who would like to donate can give directly to Glenda Spooner Farm through our Sponsor a Stableyard scheme.