News

This summer we partnered with the British Horse Society (BHS) to run special workshops focused on helping people spot the warning signs of horses and ponies suffering in plain sight and offer support to their owners. The training aimed to equip volunteer welfare advisors with the knowledge to identify when equines need extra care and support, preventing welfare issues from escalating. 

We are so grateful to officers from Devon and Cornwall Police Rural Affairs Team for visiting The Mare and Foal Sanctuary during Equine Crime Week. Their support and knowledge were incredibly helpful, giving us valuable insights into all aspects of equine crime and welfare. It really showed how working together is key to keeping our animals, property and land safe. 

Ten years ago this month the equine respiratory infection strangles swept through our Honeysuckle rehabilitation yard in Newton Abbot, claiming the lives of four ponies and leaving many more in a critical condition. 

A dedicated team member here at the Sanctuary is taking the plunge from 10,000 feet in a skydive on National Help a Horse Day, to raise vital funds for horses and ponies in need.

In recent months, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s Welfare and Rehoming team has faced an exceptional surge in workload, driven by the financial and environmental challenges confronting equine owners. Currently, we are monitoring around 200 horses across the Southwest, largely due to reports from the public expressing serious concerns about their welfare. 

We have some great reasons why you might want to consider rehoming one of our fantastic companion ponies instead and help save another horse in a life-threatening situation.  

Our Sanctuary is currently at full capacity, and we are looking to rehome around 50 non-ridden ponies this year who would make exceptional companions for other horses. By offering one of these ponies a loving home on loan, you will open up a space at the Sanctuary and extend a lifeline to another equine. 

He’s done it again! Our fantastic full-sized, horse mannequin, Max, played a key role in a recent specialist training day at our Honeysuckle Sanctuary. This practical training event, held in collaboration with the British Animal Rescue and Trauma Association (BARTA), was one of three large animal rescue events across the UK, attended by newly qualified vets. 

Education and sharing best equine welfare practice is at the very heart of all we do at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, and we embrace learning partnerships, such as our collaboration with Hartpury University.