Welcome to The Mare and Foal Sanctuary
The place for people who want to make a difference to the lives of horses, ponies and foals. We’re unlocking a world of natural, wild beauty where ponies and people who were struggling can enjoy life again.
196
children and young people attended equine assisted learning and activity sessions last year
Explore learningRehome a Horse
For every equine we rescue, we must also ensure they have lifelong care. Our carers who rehome through our Sanctuary at Home scheme are a group of very special people who help make this possible for over 400 horses and ponies today.
What We Do
Visit Our Sanctuary
Connect with our rescued horses and ponies, hear their stories and meet the knowledgeable grooms who care for them.
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Get Some Advice
We provide advice and support to horse owners or people who are thinking about getting a horse or pony. We also offer support to smaller equine welfare sanctuaries and other equine professionals.
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Support the Charity
We rely entirely on donations and legacy gifts to carry out our work. A donation today can help to sustain our ability to offer sanctuary for horses and ponies.
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Success Stories
Crumpet
One of our Sanctuary at Home carers, Eleanor, rehomed Moorland pony, Crumpet, shortly after he arrived at the sanctuary in 2018.
Daisy’s Story
Daisy joined our equine assisted learning programme to help with feelings of anxiety. Working alongside our equine assisted learning facilitators and our rescued horses and ponies can help to build a sense of connection for participants.
Eva’s story
“When I mentioned that I love horses, my support worker told me about The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s This Girl Can Exercise with Equines programme funded by Sport England. I struggle with anxiety and had become quite isolated. I wanted to try something different and coming to the sanctuary felt like it might be a good fit.”
Hugo and Gabriel
Hugo and Gabriel were found severely underweight and suffering with sores when we rescued them in June 2022. We were shocked to find these two magnificent Andalusian horses in this state.
Mouse
Mouse had been through so much before he arrived at the Sanctuary: desperate conditions on the moors, a major round up and rescue mission and months spent at a holding centre.
Richard’s story
It’s being with the equine partner that makes the sessions so impactful. After doing equine assisted wellbeing with The Mare and Foal Sanctuary I certainly understand, at a much deeper intrinsic level, the benefits of developing a bond with a horse.”
Zahra
Zahra’s carer Lesley rehomed her just after the pandemic when we were able to restart rehoming. Lesley provides her with the best possible care and Zahra has become one of the family!
Ava
Our team worked round-the-clock to make sure Ava was safe and had everything she needed, including a teddy bear for company.
Myrddin
Life could have been very different for Myrddin and the 14 other very young colts taken in from the Whispering Willows horse sanctuary.
Tegan-Jai’s story
Tegan-Jai from Plymouth is a remarkable 14 year old. When she was born with an inoperable brain condition, her parents Toni and Adam were told she would never walk, talk, eat or live beyond her first birthday. But Tegan defied her prognosis with extraordinary bravery and determination, to do all the things doctors said she wouldn’t, with the help of our Equine Assisted Services sessions.
Tilly’s Story
When Tilly joined our equine assisted learning programme her anxiety was having a serious impact on her daily life. She was unable to go to school or leave the house.
Chandrani and Chandler
We rescued another mare and foal from a complex situation involving 12 other equines. The adorable Dartmoor colt foal, named Chandler, and his dam Chandrani are enjoying their new home.
Barbara’s story
Barbara has worked as a volunteer at our Brunel retail shop in Newton Abbot for eight years.
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