Supporters invited to back our major barn project bringing rescued ponies and people together

Supporters are being invited to become an important part of the next chapter in our story by sponsoring a stable at The Rosemary Kind Barn, through a special crowdfunding project.  The barn is due to be officially opened in the autumn. The building will provide the very best care for rescued horses and ponies and become a place where children, families and communities can connect with horses, nature and wellbeing for generations to come. 

Coombe Park is our main base for equine assisted services and educational visits. It hosts programmes where vulnerable children, young people and adults can build confidence and connection through time with rescued horses and ponies. Many of the people who attend have experienced trauma, anxiety or social isolation. They often feel a sense of peace and safety alongside a rescued pony who has also faced difficulty, neglect or fear in the past. 

The new Rosemary Kind Barn has been purpose built at Coombe Park to give these ponies the quiet, secure environment they need, while also creating a welcoming space for visitors. It will house 13 internal stables and dedicated areas for specialist care, education and wellbeing activities.  

Named in honour of our founder, Rosemary Kind, the new barn reflects her lifelong commitment to giving horses, ponies and foals in need a safe home and a second chance. It will also help us continue her legacy by inspiring future generations.  

Our Director of Fundraising and Communications, Dawn Vincent, said: ‘Rosemary believed that horses and ponies have so much to teach us about patience, kindness and resilience. This new barn will give some of our most vulnerable residents the calm, consistent home they need, while helping more people learn how to care for equines and build confidence through being with them.’  

‘The building now stands completed, and the ponies will start moving in in August. 5 of the 13 internal stables have been sponsored thanks to trusts, foundations and individual donors. We’re now inviting anyone interested to help fund the remaining 8 stables through a crowdfunding appeal.’ 

Among the first residents of the Rosemary Kind Barn will be ponies like Chesney, Seren and Sonnet, whose stories underline why specialist facilities are so important.  

‘When she came to live at the Sanctuary, we were told that Chesney once worked as a circus pony, jumping through hoops of fire,’ says Dawn. ‘That past has left her highly anxious and easily startled by sudden movement or noise. It has taken time and gentle, consistent handling for Chesney to learn that she’s safe. With lots of positive reinforcement in a familiar routine, she’s slowly beginning to relax and show more of her curious nature.  

‘Seren was orphaned at just a day old and she’s now losing her sight due to a degenerative eye condition. As a foal she missed out on a mother’s guidance, but she grew into a confident, vocal pony. When she began to show anxiety, we knew something was wrong and she was retired from ridden work. Today she receives regular eye checks and careful, steady handling to help her feel secure.  

‘Sonnet is another pony who’ll really benefit from the new facilities. She was rescued by RSPCA officers in 2012 after being found trapped in a barn with three other horses. The silence in the building, with no sound of horses eating or moving, told rescuers how serious the situation was. Sonnet was so weak and starved that she spent two weeks in a veterinary hospital before she was well enough to travel to us to begin her rehabilitation. Because of her ongoing health needs she’ll enjoy the security of a calm daily routine based at the new barn.’ 

‘We’ve worked hard to give ponies like Chesney, Seren and Sonnet a good quality of life. Having a home designed around their needs is a vital part of their long term wellbeing. Supporters have already played a crucial role in bringing the Rosemary Kind Barn to this point.’ 

Each fully equipped stable costs £5,000, including installation and essential fittings. Donations of any size will contribute towards these costs. Supporters can sponsor an entire stable, share sponsorship with others, or contribute smaller amounts that will still make a tangible difference to the ponies who will live there.  

Dawn added: ‘We are so grateful to everyone who has helped us reach this stage. Our supporters share our mission to give rescued horses and ponies the lives they deserve and to help people learn about good equine welfare. By sponsoring a stable in the Rosemary Kind Barn, people will be part of Rosemary’s legacy and part of the future for many more ponies like Chesney, Seren and Sonnet.’  

The official opening of the Rosemary Kind Barn is planned for later this autumn. In the meantime, we are encouraging those who would like to be involved to support the crowdfunding campaign and help welcome the first ponies into their new home. 

You can find out more and sponsor a stable via our crowdfunding page.