The Mare and Foal Sanctuary

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.

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578

rescued horses and ponies currently in our care

Success stories

196

children and young people attended equine assisted learning and activity sessions last year

Explore learning

horses and ponies rehomed in the last 12 months

Rehome a horse

Breaking news…meet our latest rescue!

Just a few months ago, Arty’s life was very different. He was found abandoned in Somerset with a mare.

Arty was badly overweight and his headcollar had dug deeply into his skin.

As Arty needed continued care and a permanent home, we were able to offer him sanctuary for life and he’s continuing his recovery at our Honeysuckle Sanctuary, enjoying the beautiful fields and wildlife. This was all possible because of supporters like you.

What We Do

Advice and Support

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.

Equine Assisted Services

We offer human equine interaction through equine assisted learning, equine assisted wellbeing and equine assisted activities to children, young people and adults in our community with our rescued horses and ponies.

Lifelong Sanctuary

Care for life is provided through our network of knowledgeable carers and also in our peaceful sanctuaries for the horses and ponies whose needs mean that they cannot easily be cared for elsewhere.

Rehome 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.

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white horse named Nero, available for companion home.

Rehome Nero

Bay horse Komet, available for rehoming as a companion.

Rehome Komet

Blisland Boo Boo, a 15-year-old skewbald Moorland gelding.

Rehome Blisland Boo Boo

Alfie, a 14-year-old Iron Grey Hill Pony gelding.

Rehome Alfie

Hugo, a 10-year-old Fell Cross gelding with Blanket Spot markings, available as a companion.

Rehome Hugo

Success Stories

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.