Cool hooves, warm hearts…a fresh chapter awaits three of our Icelandic horses

Hilda 

Sherlock, his dam Granny (officially named Ebony) and herd mate Hilda have each completed months of handling, training and assessment at our specialist facilities in the South West. All three are now looking for experienced carers who can offer them long‑term homes on loan, with ongoing support from us.  

In total, thirteen Icelandic horses arrived at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary last year following a 15 month, vet led, multi-agency operation involving 70 Icelandic horses across several sites in Devon. Many were semi feral, with limited experience of handling, and some needed urgent treatment for issues such as high worm burdens and unmanaged injuries. The operation brought together The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, World Horse Welfare and the RSPCA, supported by The Donkey Sanctuary, Redwings Horse Sanctuary and Blue Cross. 

Our Head of Welfare and Rehoming, Jenna Goldby, said the progress of these three horses shows what patient rehabilitation can achieve. ‘Sherlock, Granny and Hilda have come a very long way in a relatively short time,’ she said. ‘They arrived as semi handled horses who were not used to routine care. Now they lead quietly, stand for the vet and farrier and genuinely seem to enjoy time with their handlers.  

‘Icelandic horses are a wonderful breed. They are hardy, intelligent and very people focused once they build trust. Although they are not a rare breed, most Icelandic horses live in Iceland and there are thought to be only around a thousand here in the UK. Helping these amazing horses has been a real privilege for our team, and we know each of them will be a very special addition to the right carer’s home. Where possible we would love to see them rehomed together as a pair or in a small group, but we are just as open to rehoming them individually with suitable companions.’ 

Sherlock 

Sherlock, now a yearling gelding, is described as bright and inquisitive, with the potential to be backed as a riding horse once fully mature. Granny, also known to her carers as Granny, is a 20‑year‑old silver dapple mare who is blind in one eye and lives with a joint condition but has become a calm, steady companion. Hilda, a 12‑year‑old dun mare, is a gentle, watchful member of the herd who has grown steadily in confidence.  

Granny (Ebony) left and Hilda right

All three horses are based at Honeysuckle Farm in Newton Abbot. Potential carers will need to visit at least twice to get to know them and to discuss their needs with our team. The Sanctuary at Home scheme allows us to place horses with knowledgeable equine carers on long‑term loan while retaining ownership. Carers receive support from our Rehoming Advisors, including training guidance and advice on ongoing care.  

Jenna added: ‘Sanctuary at Home is at the heart of how we work. When we find the right homes for horses like Sherlock, Granny and Hilda, we can open up vital space at our sanctuary sites for other horses and ponies who urgently need our help. At the same time, the horses we match with carers remain part of the Sanctuary family for life. We stay involved and are always here to help their carers if they need us.’  

This year we launched a fundraising appeal focused on Granny, her foal Sherlock and the wider Icelandic group. Funds raised support the ongoing costs of caring for the Icelandic herd and other vulnerable equines across our four sanctuary sites in Devon: Newton Abbot, Totnes, Holsworthy and Yelverton.  

Our Interim Head of Fundraising and Communications, Charlotte Freeman, said: ‘We are so grateful to everyone who has already supported the Icelandic horses through our appeal. Their kindness has helped fund months of specialist care, handling and veterinary treatment for this herd. The reality is that our work continues every day. As soon as we have space, more horses and ponies will need that same chance of safety, lifelong sanctuary and, where possible, a home of their own through Sanctuary at Home.  

‘For our teams, there’s nothing quite like watching any horse that may have experienced trauma or neglect in the past start to relax, trust people and really flourish. It reminds us why this work matters so much. Ongoing donations, fundraising and even just sharing these stories make a real difference.’ 

We will continue to work with other charities, local communities and experts in animal care, education, farming, nature and wellbeing to improve equine welfare. We hope the story of the Icelandic horses will encourage more people to consider caring for a horse through the Sanctuary at Home scheme, or to support the fundraising appeal.  

Members of the public can find out more about Sherlock, Granny (listed as Ebony) and Hilda, the Sanctuary at Home scheme and the spring appeal by visiting our website and rehoming pages here.  

Potential carers are encouraged to apply online, while anyone who wishes to support our ongoing work with a donation, fundraising activity or by sharing the appeal can do so via our website here.