70 Icelandic horses were at risk of harm
Last year, we led a 15-month multi-agency operation to save 70 beautiful Icelandic horses and foals.
When concerns were raised by members of the public, our field officers took immediate action. They found a large number of semi feral Icelandic horses across several sites in Devon. There was unmanaged breeding, with pregnant mares living alongside fighting colts and stallions. Some were found with life-threatening injuries.
High worm burdens, especially among young horses, caused concern, with some samples showing levels in the thousands. Excessive worms can lead to malnutrition, poor growth and colic. We needed to act quickly.
Watch their journey so far…
We worked together with the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare to coordinate the response with the cooperation of the owner. The horses were signed over in stages over several months. Eight horses and five foals came into our care in total. Other equine welfare charities also offered spaces to those in need, as well as extra transport and equipment. We are so grateful to all involved.
Injured horses and those deemed most at risk by the vets were brought to safety first, followed by mares and foals in need of vital care, then stallions. Healthier mares and foals were taken last. By the end of summer 2025, all horses had been safely relocated. It’s thanks to your support that this outcome was possible.
Granny needed vital care
Granny was initially treated and cared for at an RSPCA holding base. She is an older mare at around 20 years of age – hence the affectionate nickname Granny, which has really stuck. Her official name is Ebony. She is blind in her right eye and has locking stifles, for which she is on pain relief.
Granny arrived with a vulnerable three-month-old foal who despite round-the-clock care and veterinary treatment experienced a serious infection and sadly died. Still grieving, she was already pregnant with her next foal, Sherlock. In May 2025 Sherlock was born safely at the holding base.
Six months later, Granny and Sherlock came into our care, along with Granny’s best friend Hilda and her foal Spirit. Granny and Hilda are a bonded pair, and the four are constant companions and happy field mates at Honeysuckle Farm. Sherlock, like his namesake, loves to investigate his surroundings – he is a very inquisitive young colt. Granny is progressing very well through her handling training. She is sweet natured and affectionate.
It’s your support that allows us to protect horses like Granny and Sherlock and bring them to the safety of our sanctuary. Thank you for helping us save them.
So please, if you can afford to, give a gift today to help horses in vital need. Together we can provide a safe home for them.
