Sanctuary News

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.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Rhodri Samuel as our new Chief Executive. Rhodri brings dynamic leadership and a wealth of experience to advance our mission of rescuing and providing lifelong sanctuary to horses and ponies in critical need across the South West of England. 

Merry Christmas!

Please find our Christmas opening hours below.