Rhodri Samuel – Chief Executive
I feel privileged to be the Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s Chief Executive and to be leading the organisation into its next phase of evolution. I am moved and inspired by our remarkable work with horses, people and the natural world and by our values of knowledge, kindness and loving care.
My career has spanned various roles in the charity and public sectors. As CEO of the Dartington Trust in Totnes I led more than 500 staff and volunteers across a 1,200-acre estate, championing initiatives in regenerative farming, wildlife conservation and well-being (including bringing the therapeutic horsemanship charity Sirona to Dartington). Before that, as Director of City Vision, Strategy, and Regeneration for the city of Bath, I drove a series of transformational projects including the revitalisation of the city’s riverside and public spaces with sustainable new buildings and biodiverse landscapes, as well as the creation of the world-renowned wellness project Thermae Bath Spa. All of my work has been rooted in a spirit of service and a belief in the power of listening, relationship and collaboration.
I believe that we are all an intrinsic part of nature and feel blessed to lead an organisation where the connection between humans, horses and nature is consciously fostered for the wellbeing of all.
David Spilsbury – Director of Finance
When I left university, I wanted to develop a career in public service. I took the opportunity to join local government, and they helped me train to be an accountant.
Building on that, I worked my way to becoming the Director of Finance at a council in Scotland. But I knew there was more to learn and do, so I moved on to become Director of Finance at two different national museum organisations, as well as working at a hospice and regional transport organisation for shorter spells.
In my spare time I became Treasurer, then Chair, of an older people’s charity, Chair of a community interest company and Chair of the Audit Committee in a sizeable housing association.
I joined The Mare and Foal Sanctuary in early 2023 and love being part of a team so full of passion, care, and expertise.
When I’m not working, I’m usually fully occupied by my two young children. They, like me, love that I’m part of such a valuable charity that cares for the welfare of foals, horses and ponies.
Dawn Vincent – Director of Fundraising and Communications
Since a young age, I have been involved with horses, ponies, donkeys and mules and I absolutely adore them.
I was delighted to join The Mare and Foal Sanctuary in March 2019 after a career of more than 20 years working at The Donkey Sanctuary, a charity my Granny (Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE) founded.
There, I had the privilege of working alongside Granny for many years, and I developed an extensive breadth of experience and knowledge of the charity and its fundraising and communications needs.
I was really drawn to this role at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary as I felt I could help make a difference at another deserving charity.
I loved the ambitious strategic plans created by the team to make the world a better place for horses and ponies, and now I’m here playing my part in it, together with our incredibly loyal supporters who so generously donate and help us out in various ways.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and have two Bengal cats.
I’m also a trustee of Navigate Charity, based in the South West.
Iain Wylie – Chief Operating Officer
I have a background, built over the last 25 years, in traditional estate management, modern facilities management and environmental practice. My driving passion is ensuring organisational sustainability is at the forefront of the decisions that we make together as a charity.
I thoroughly enjoy the process of building and leading high-performing teams. I’ve learned this is best achieved through solid professional relationships based on trust, kindness and respect.
I bring my own style, a logical mind and common-sense approach to my role here at the sanctuary and I relish the daily challenges and successes that come with it.
I am privileged to be part of a charity with such a great heritage and I am looking forward to the future.
Irene Breckenridge – Head of People and Culture
I began working in People and Culture over twenty years ago and have mostly worked in the hospitality sector. I moved down to Devon from the Highlands around 10 years ago to be with my partner and continued to work within People and Culture in education and hospitality before coming to The Mare and Foal Sanctuary.
The world of People and Culture is constantly changing which means there is always lots to do. I have relished the challenge of coming to work at the sanctuary. Developing policies and approaches that align with the charity’s values has been particularly rewarding. For me, the key to People and Culture being successful and having a positive impact is building relationships and immersing yourself in the ethos of an organisation. I’m excited to make a real difference at the sanctuary and to play my part in moving the organisation forward.
As an animal lover, I’ve enjoyed learning about the equines we care for here at the charity. I am always impressed by the amazing impact our work has on these beautiful creatures.
Sally Burton – Head of Sanctuary Care
I have always loved horses and wanted to work with them. I’ve worked full time in the equine industry since I was 17 in showjumping, eventing, racing and private yards but since joining the sanctuary I‘ve realised how much I enjoy working in equine welfare and wouldn’t want to do anything else. Alongside the practical experience I have gained, I’m qualified in Equine Legislation, Welfare and Field Skills. I am also trained as a fully accredited equine assisted learning facilitator.
As Head of Sanctuary Care, I lead our horse care teams and ensure we follow best practice. I enjoy developing our approach to help improve the lives of as many horses as possible.
I strongly believe that every horse should experience the best welfare we can possibly provide. Welfare isn’t something we should only talk about when horses are experiencing poor welfare. Often, it’s the small but important changes that can have the greatest impact.
Dawn Neil – Head of Education
My background is in primary education as a qualified teacher with school leadership experience. I have lived experience of the benefits of being with horses and ponies from a young age and love being outdoors in nature with them.
I am passionate about the positive difference equine experiences can offer to everyone including children and young people and adults. Our Education and Equine Assisted Services team offer a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for people working with our rescued equine partners.
We have a unique approach to Equine Assisted Services that is both person-centred and equine-centred. For us, the key is creating a genuine connection and partnership between people and equines. Through our work, we support both people-based pathways in personal development, development of transferable life skills and steps towards employability, as well as supporting pathways to rehoming for our rescued horses and ponies.
Horses and ponies have made a huge difference in my life. I consider it a great privilege that I can now share the positive effects of human-equine interaction with others who may not otherwise have been able to experience it.
Colin Day – Head of Property
My background over the past 35 years has been built in the Maintenance and Facilities Management sector.
This has allowed me the opportunity to work across a diverse array of areas such as sporting venues, IT companies, educational college campuses in the private and public sectors, museums, historic tourist sites, and private estates.
My previous three jobs of 13 years were overseeing the maintenance and refurbishing of land and buildings in heritage settings where the focus was to work for the benefit of future generations.
I bring that same approach to The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, not only dealing with today but also thinking about the future of staff, horses, ponies, and visitors who will come to work or visit our sites.
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary has great long-term plans that will not only benefit the equines but also the staff and visitors, along with the natural environment.
My main objective for The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is to provide a good quality level of service for the staff I work with.
Nothing gives me more job satisfaction than being able to deliver to a high standard, making a real and positive difference in the workplace.
I enjoy working in an environment where I can achieve, learn, and deliver the objectives set for me and hope I can make a difference by playing just a small part in a much bigger team here at the sanctuary.
Dawn Green – Retail Operations Manager
My role is to oversee the Sanctuary’s retail operations, ensuring the smooth running of all aspects, from our team of wonderful staff and volunteers, the customer service they offer, the donation management and stock control. I particularly enjoy sourcing new opportunities to support the raising of more funds for our horses and ponies.
Drawing on my extensive experience in high street retailing, I like to focus on creating a positive retail experience that supports the Sanctuary’s mission of rescuing and caring for horses and ponies. I am dedicated to driving sales in a way that aligns with sustainable practices, ensuring that the Sanctuary not only raises funds but does so in a way that benefits both people and the planet.
I am blessed with a wonderful family with my husband. We have a daughter and a son who both keep us young at heart and old before our time! My spare time is spent supporting Ipplepen Cricket Club as their Junior Chair and Membership Secretary. Both roles bring me a huge sense of pride for the work that we do in the local community.
I have been with the Sanctuary since 2015 and have witnessed first-hand the amazing impact of what we do to support the well being of our horses and ponies and also the positive impact we make on our people. It is a truly unique place to work.
