About Us

Val Collingwood in 1976 wrote into RIDER magazine about the number of neglected horses in Australia and a way to help them. Her idea was to co-ordinate the rescue and rehabilitation of horses subjected to maltreatment or abuse.

Val had a name too, Project Hope, in memory of a mistreated buck-jumper she tried to save. She gave him the name “Hope.’ but sadly he died three weeks later from a massive worm infestation at the tender age of three.

Val’s letter resonated with RIDER’s readers and the scheme was loosely organised by districts with Val leading the charge. It took flight and in 1993 became a registered charity with the name Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria. The logo features Val and Hope.

The need for our existence is stronger than ever.

Project Hope Today

1. Assist horse owners through education, advice and support to rehabilitate their own horse.
2. Rescue and rehabilitate any horse found abandoned, sick, injured, mistreated or neglected or likely to become so in the imminent future.
3. Provide emergency care, treatment and assistance to horses
4. Educate the community on the plight of neglected horses
5. Contribute to the development of improved government legislation and policy to the welfare of horses.

PHHWV is a neutral, apolitical organisation that promotes equine welfare. Stakeholder relations have become an increasingly important part of achieving the welfare outcomes that PHHWV is striving for and whilst it is imperative that PHHWV remains independent of other bodies, it is hoped that by developing good working relationships with stakeholders in the equine sphere, improved outcomes for horses entering the welfare system can be achieved.