News

A new three-part education series is bringing together leading equine charities and professionals to help people understand the realities of taking on a feral or semi handled pony and to tackle the UK’s growing equine welfare crisis.  

As the UK heads for its hottest summer since records began, according to the Met Office, we are finding that the extended period of extreme heat is having a serious impact on our work and running costs.  

Filly foal Mika arrived at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary this summer, following serious concerns for her welfare. She was living in an unsafe environment and was not receiving the essential milk she needed to grow and stay healthy. Mika’s outlook was bleak, until we, as a charity that provides sanctuary for life to horses, ponies and foals in need, were able to find room for her so she could receive specialist care.  

(Pictured above, Granny and Senior Field Officer Leah.)

Three of the Icelandic horses taken into our care after a major multi agency welfare operation in Devon have made such impressive progress that they are now ready to seek new homes through our Sanctuary at Home scheme, freeing up vital space for more horses and ponies in need. 

With World Cup excitement building mid-tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, we created our own World Cup crowd pleaser here in Bovey Tracey, with local children’s kit designs stealing the spotlight.

We are entering the final stages of fitting out a new purpose-built welfare and education centre at Coombe Park near Totnes, dedicated to our founder.  

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s PR and Campaigns Manager, Pippa Quelch, was recently invited to write for a column in the Western Morning News about her move from 30 years as a BBC journalist and presenter to life working at the charity. 

We are pleased to share some good news about the recent equine flu case at our Beech Trees site near Newton Abbot.  

The single affected horse was in quarantine throughout, the virus did not spread to any other horses or ponies, and the case has now fully resolved.  

The horse in question had further tests after the resolution of all symptoms, and these tests came back clear, showing that the virus is no longer active or a threat. The virus was fully contained due to our robust protocols, vaccinations, and the diligence of all staff and vets involved.  

On the advice of our vets, Tor Equine we can now safely lift the strict biosecurity measures we had in place for this horse.  

We are deeply saddened to share the death of Breeze, our 13 year old Dartmoor hill pony whose story as an orphaned foal, and the much loved photos of him with his giant teddy bear, captured hearts across the world and helped raise awareness of equine welfare, while shaping how we and our partners care for horses and ponies with complex needs.