The Remarkable Recovery of our Stunning Herd of Icelandic Horses  

Last year, concerns from members of the public about a large number of semi feral Icelandic horses across several sites in Devon led to a coordinated operation between us, the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare. In October, we released a joint news statement about the welfare operation and the complex work involved.  

Last year’s welfare operation brought equine charities together in a coordinated effort. 

Here at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, we welcomed eight horses and five foals into our specialist facilities in the South West, and now we are able to give our supporters an insight into what happened after their arrival, including the day-to-day rehabilitation, veterinary treatment and handling training that are now transforming the lives of the Icelandic herd.   

Granny and her foal Sherlock 

Our spring appeal centres on Granny, a 20 year old Icelandic mare whose calm nature and steady presence have helped her foal Sherlock and other horses in the group recover and adjust to their new lives at the Sanctuary.   

Granny, who is blind in her right eye and lives with locking stifles, a painful joint condition, now receives daily pain relief and lives out in the field to support her mobility. Despite her physical challenges, we have seen how her gentle nature has made her a steady, guiding influence on the younger horses. 

Jenna Goldby our Head of Welfare and Rehoming said:   

“Granny is at the heart of our spring appeal because she shows what ongoing care really looks like. The initial welfare operation was just the beginning of a long journey of recovery for the herd. Since then, our team has been caring for them around the clock, making sure Granny and her herd mates are comfortable, safe and learning to trust people.   

“She is an older mare with complex needs, but she’s also a calming presence for the younger horses. Before she came to us, she suffered the trauma of losing a foal, and soon after became pregnant again with Sherlock, who’s now 10 months old. Sherlock looks to her for reassurance, and other horses in the herd often follow her lead. When people support our appeal, they’re helping us provide that long-term, patient care that can’t be delivered in a single week or month.”  

We are glad to share that Granny’s foal Sherlock is thriving. Naturally curious and playful, he is progressing well with training, including grooming and learning to pick up his feet. Our Sanctuary Care team members have adapted their approach to suit his personality, rewarding him with scratches rather than treats when he becomes overexcited around food.   

Other members of the Icelandic group are also making steady progress. Hilda and her filly foal Spirit have been building confidence with careful handling. Youngsters Flint and Wurzel who arrived as very young foals, and Bowie who was born shortly after the herd arrived, are now enjoying life at our Sanctuary and learning the basics of handling and routine care.   

Granny seems at peace in her new home 

Jenna Goldby added:   

“This has been a real team effort. Our Welfare team and Sanctuary Care staff, vets, specialist handlers and volunteers have all played a part in helping these horses adapt from semi feral life to one where they can be safely handled, receive veterinary treatment and begin basic training. We also continue to work in a supportive way with horse owners who may be struggling. Our aim is always to prevent welfare problems wherever possible by offering no-shame advice and support at an early stage.”   

The Icelandics took winter in their stride, growing in health and confidence. 

Our spring appeal is raising funds to support the ongoing costs of caring for the Icelandic horses and other vulnerable equines across its four sanctuary sites in Devon. These costs include feed, bedding, veterinary treatment, farriery and specialist staff time.   

Director of Fundraising and Communications, Dawn Vincent, said:   

“We’re so grateful to everyone who has supported The Mare and Foal Sanctuary so far, including those who responded to last year’s coverage of the Icelandic horses. Their generosity has already made a real difference to Granny and her herd. In reality, the work doesn’t stop when horses arrive with us. Many will need months or years of care, training and veterinary support. Regular donations mean we can plan ahead and step in when horses and ponies urgently need our help.   

“This spring we’re asking people, if they can, to support Granny and the Icelandic herd by donating, fundraising or simply sharing their story. Every action helps us continue our essential equine welfare work in the South West and we really do appreciate it.”   

Supporters are being invited to visit our appeal page to learn more about Granny’s story, the wider Icelandic herd and how to contribute to the spring appeal here.