News

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. 

We want to let you know about a recent case of equine flu at our veterinary and welfare centre at Beech Trees near Newton Abbot.  

The horse had only just arrived with us and was in quarantine when our Sanctuary Care team noticed something was not quite right. Tests later confirmed equine flu. 

As the South West’s largest horse rescue charity, we are experiencing intense pressure on our equine welfare services, but have pledged lifelong care to a foal and her severely underweight dam who was not expected to survive. 

Frontline animal welfare staff from across the South West have come together at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s Upcott Park site near Holsworthy for a day of practical training focused on spotting and responding to equine welfare problems.

As Volunteers Week approaches (1–7 June), we are seeking new volunteer drivers to support us raise vital funds for rescued horses and ponies. Would you be interested in joining our friendly retail team and help keep our four charity shops running smoothly in Newton Abbot, Bovey Tracey, Brixham and Babbacombe? 

We are paying tribute to Sir David Attenborough on his 100th birthday (8th May 2026) by celebrating his extraordinary contribution to understanding the natural world and animal behaviour. This milestone has special significance for us, as two of our Sanctuary at Home carers previously worked closely with Sir David on some of his landmark television series. 

This week we’re once again joining forces with equine charities, vets, researchers and industry partners to protect horses from the equine infection strangles. We’re proud to be an official partner of Strangles Awareness Week (SAW), a global campaign sharing clear, evidence-based messages.

One year on from a major multi-agency operation involving 70 Icelandic horses, we’re pleased to share an inspiring update on the progress of the herd members under our care, including a gentle older mare and her foal, who have won the hearts of their handlers here at the Sanctuary.   

We’re pleased to have joined forces with Devon & Cornwall Police’s Rural Affairs team and British Horse Society (BHS) to tackle the growing problem of horse-related incidents on rural roads.