Counting the cost: Storm Darragh hits The Mare and Foal Sanctuary

Storm damage and disruption included:

• Two field shelters being ripped from the ground with one landing on its side and another flying through a section of fencing at Honeysuckle. (All ponies had been moved out of the field beforehand, so they were safe.) A tree was also blown down in the storm.

• The metal side of the feeder barn and wooden slats from outbuildings at Upcott Park Rehoming Yard near Holsworthy worked loose in strong winds.

• Our Yelverton Moorland Rescue Facility was without power all day on Sunday.
• The storm brought down a tree and set off a fire alarm at Coombe Park Education and Equestrian Centre.

We’re relieved that none of our horses, ponies or people were hurt in the storm largely due to careful planning and regular daily maintenance of its land and buildings.

Chief Operating Officer Iain Wylie says a team of on-site staff calmly dealt with the situation and monitored conditions closely throughout the weekend:  

‘Although our top priority is to provide safe sanctuary and shelter to every one of our horses and ponies, exceptionally severe weather like this can make our work extremely challenging. We look after 130 equines across our four sanctuary sites, with more than 400 living with Sanctuary at Home carers. Our horses and ponies live as naturally as possible in safe, secure pastures with field shelters.  

‘Despite the damage caused by Storm Darragh across the region, we anticipated these challenges and implemented measures to ensure everyone’s safety. Thankfully the only casualties were tree branches, barn panels, a fence and outdoor field shelters. The Maintenance team will be busy this week, clearing debris, assessing any damage and repairing structures. 

‘I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff for managing through such awful conditions. The Sanctuary’s equine care team kept our ponies safe, and our retail team kept our shops open, providing a vital community service during Storm Darragh and Storm Bert two weeks ago. I am incredibly proud of everyone for their resilience and commitment.’ 

Director of Fundraising and Communications Dawn Vincent said: ‘It’s been a huge team effort to keep operational and it’s something we do incredibly well as a charity, but safety had to come first at the weekend. We were very disappointed to have to cancel our special Christmas Tea and Tour event, which we know many visitors were looking forward to attending. Events like this help us to raise awareness of our work and money to allow us to  keep rescuing horses and ponies in critical need and give them life long, loving care and support.  

A massive thank you to all of our supporters for their understanding and kindness. As a charity we are entirely reliant on donations. Because of the generosity of our supporters we are able to give our rescued ponies and horses a much safer place to live and thrive. If you can help us help them, please donate to our Christmas appeal here.