Rescue Story

Chestnut Dartmoor Hill pony Arya arrived in 2016 as an orphaned foal. We soon learned that Arya has complex needs and must remain in the specialist care of the Sanctuary for life. Her extreme anxiety can lead to unpredictable behaviour, but she responds best when she has consistency and routine. She lives at our quieter, peaceful Yelverton Moorland Rescue Facility.

Polo’s second chance 25-year-old thoroughbred cross, Polo, recently arrived at the Sanctuary after we stepped in to help another charity that were struggling to manage his behaviour.

Sarah from East Devon is a Sanctuary at Home carer to 19-year-old Piebald Gypsy Vanner Chai. 

Kenn is a five-year-old Draft Cross who has been on box rest since he was found to have multiple issues with one of his stifle joints. When horses and ponies, like Kenn, are on box rest, their enrichment is planned for morning, lunch, afternoon and night-time, seven days a week.

Kerry and her daughter Lucia from Truro wanted to loan through our Sanctuary at Home scheme because they felt they had a lot to offer a pony that might not be easy to re-home.  

We rescued another mare and foal from a complex situation involving 12 other equines. The adorable Dartmoor colt foal, named Chandler, and his dam Chandrani are enjoying their new home.

This winter, we took in two mares with their foals at foot from two separate welfare cases. Nia was the first mare to arrive, with her beautiful two month old Welsh filly foal Netty. They were part of a large multi-agency rescue and arrived at our Beech Trees Veterinary and Welfare Centre on the 8th November.

Zahra’s carer Lesley rehomed her just after the pandemic when we were able to restart rehoming. Lesley provides her with the best possible care and Zahra has become one of the family!

When Galina let us know that she could provide a home for two of our rescued ponies, our team couldn’t have been happier.