Ebony(Granny)
Rehome Classification: Companion
Age: 20
Breed: Icelandic
Height: 12.3hh
Gender: Mare
Colour/Markings: Silver Dapple
Personality
Ebony, also known as Granny, is a sweet-natured, relaxed mare who is now confident with routine handling and grooming, despite being blind in one eye. She is a sociable horse who settles well in a herd and enjoys the company of other horses.
She is good for the vet, farrier and all routine husbandry. Ebony responds well to reward-based handling and is continuing to build her confidence with hoof care. She engages well with her handlers and enjoys interaction such as scratching and grooming.
Health and Training
Health Status:
Ebony has been diagnosed with cataracts and is blind in her right eye. She also has locking stifles and is on a maintenance dose of bute (pain relief) for this. She will need lameness checks with the vet every six months. Her ideal home would offer a gently sloping field and someone who can give her regular maintenance exercises to support her condition.
Training Level:
Ebony arrived at the sanctuary with some basic handling but needed further training. She has now blossomed and is confident with all routine handling. She is good for the vet and stands well for the farrier with positive reinforcement. We will provide support and guidance on this approach so it can continue in her new home.
Ebony(Granny)'s Past
Ebony was rescued as part of a large multi-agency rescue in 2025. She arrived with her foal at foot, Sherlock. You can read more about her rescue here:
https://mareandfoal.org/news/major-charity-collaboration-safeguards-welfare-of-rare-horses/
https://mareandfoal.org/news/the-remarkable-recovery-of-our-stunning-herd-of-icelandic-horses/
Ebony(Granny)'s Future
Rehoming Fee: £200
Ebony is good to handle and well used to routine care. She can live in either a small or larger herd and has experience living alongside mares and youngstock.
Ebony currently lives out 24/7 but is also regularly housed in stables and crew barns. A fully turnout-based home or a part-stabled environment could therefore suit her. She feels most comfortable in the company of other horses and has not routinely been left on her own. This could be introduced gradually in a home where other horses are present in neighbouring fields or stables. A field with an incline would help with her locking stifles.
Our lovely Icelandic Horses have always lived in large herds, and wherever possible we would like them to remain together. However, we are happy to consider a range of rehoming options to suit their needs and those of their new carers. They can be rehomed individually, as a pair, or as a small herd. We will look at each placement carefully, based on the applicant’s experience, facilities and ability to provide suitable companionship.
Potential carers will need to visit Ebony a minimum of twice. She lives at Honeysuckle Farm in Newton Abbot, Devon.
Our Rehoming Advisors are available to help every day of the year. We will work to support you and Ebony as she settles in her new home and can offer training and advice as needed.
