The Plaister Charity
We are a unique charity caring for and breeding quality Crabbet Arabians and providing education about their unique history and the importance of preserving their valuable bloodlines that trace back to the original importations from the Crabbet Stud of Lady Anne and Wilfrid Blunt.
We are a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) based in the UK and our Charitable Objects are:
1. For the benefit of the public: to relieve the suffering of Crabbet Arabian horses in need of care and attention by providing or assisting with their treatment, ongoing care, and rehoming.
2. To advance the education of the public: in the care, treatment, heritage, and breeding of thoroughbred Crabbet Arabian horses, and to promote the importance and value of Crabbet Arabians and their history to the widest possible audience.
3. To encourage, promote, and support the responsible breeding of quality Crabbet Arabian horses to ensure the preservation of the breed and its history, by maintaining and breeding quality stock, supporting others in conservation and breeding, and promoting the significance and heritage of Crabbet bloodlines widely for the public benefit.
OUR STORY
The charity was founded in 2017 through an exceptionally generous legacy left by Geoffrey Plaister, a highly respected and renowned breeder of Crabbet Arabian horses in England. Originally established as The Plaister Charitable Foundation, we have recently updated our name to The Plaister Charity to better reflect our identity and mission.
Today, we care for around 38 horses at the farm, encompassing a diverse group including welfare cases, retired horses, youngstock, geldings, broodmares, and stallions. Our in-house breeding program is dedicated to producing high-quality horses that truly represent the Crabbet legacy. Additionally, we actively collaborate with breeders across the country, with a particular focus on preserving the dwindling pool of 100% Crabbet Arabians, which remain incredibly rare in the UK.
From time to time, horses become available for placement in carefully selected, approved homes - especially those with a passion for competition. Increasing the visibility of Crabbet Arabians is central to our mission, and we firmly believe that showcasing their versatility and exceptional qualities in the public eye is key to securing their future.
Our Team
The charity is managed on site by our Stud Manager, Peter Robinson. Peter has been with the charity since its inception having worked for Geoffrey for a couple of years earlier staring as a handyman and then becoming Stud Groom.
Peter is the face of the charity and loves to show the horses to visitors and in competition. He is certainly keeping the promise he made to Geoffrey to always look after the horses.
Peter is supported on site by staff members Helen, who has been working part time with the Imperial Stud and the charity on and off for over 40 years, together with Isla and sister Lauren who joined us in the Summer of 2024. We are very grateful for all their hard work and also the significant voluntary contributions lately of Lauren, Isla's sister, who now work full time and other volunteers who come throughout the year.
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Peter occasionally likes to go out 'incognito'
Here, those in the know realise it's Peter with the stunning veteran stallion, Imperial Silver Star.
Both did really well in the costume class at the National Arab Horse Society Championships!
Trustees
The charity is managed by three Trustees, Mark Tindall (Chair), Tanya Betts (Secretary)
and John Illingworth (Treasurer).
The team all own Arabian Horses, and are dedicated to preserving Crabbet bloodlines.
They have exciting plans to ensure the charity has a bright future.
Our Mission
Our mission is rooted in the welfare, preservation, and promotion of Crabbet Arabians. We are committed to providing care and support for any welfare cases that come to our attention, ensuring that every horse in need finds the assistance it deserves. When necessary, we will seek alternative accommodation to safeguard the well-being of Crabbet horses in vulnerable situations.
A key focus of our work is to increase awareness of Crabbet Arabians, showcasing their exceptional qualities of stamina, versatility, trainability, beauty, and temperament. By bringing them into the spotlight, we aim to inspire new generations of owners and enthusiasts who will continue their legacy.
Preserving the rich history of Crabbet and Crabbet-Related Arabians is at the heart of our vision. Through the collection and display of historical artefacts, rare books, ephemera, and artwork, we aspire to establish a dedicated Heritage Centre where visitors can explore and appreciate this extraordinary bloodline’s remarkable past.
Looking ahead, we seek to encourage responsible breeding practices across the UK to secure the future of Crabbet Arabians. By supporting careful and considered breeding programs, we aim to ensure that these exceptional horses continue to thrive for generations to come.