From Pony-Mad Child to CEO - Sarah Leading HAPPA with Heart and Vision

In this episode of It’s Your Business, Kath is joined by Sarah, CEO of HAPPA, the Horses and Ponies Protection Association, for a moving and inspiring conversation about passion, purpose and leadership.

Sarah shares how her love of horses began as a very small child, despite not coming from a horsey family, and how that passion eventually led her to HAPPA, first as a young supporter adopting a pony called Grey Star, and later as a member of staff. Over more than 22 years, Sarah has grown with the organisation through a wide range of roles, from horse care and equine management to commercial operations, before ultimately becoming CEO. 

What comes through so clearly in this conversation is that HAPPA is about much more than rescuing horses. It is about rehabilitation, rehoming, education, community and creating meaningful experiences for people of all ages. Sarah talks about the emotional reality of the work, the deep bond between humans and horses, and the life lessons horses can teach us around resilience, confidence, empathy and trust. 

Kath and Sarah also explore how HAPPA has evolved into a visitor destination with an award-winning café, educational experiences, pony days, membership and sponsorship opportunities, all helping to support the charity’s core mission. Sarah speaks honestly about the challenges charities face in today’s climate, the need to think entrepreneurially, and her vision for HAPPA’s future as a place where welfare, tourism, education and community come together in a powerful way. 

This is a heartfelt and uplifting episode about following what lights you up, building something that matters, and leading an organisation with both care and courage.

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