Success Stories

5 years ago, Tulip was born at our Sanctuary, after her dam Taylor, was rescued in a multi-agency welfare case. From the beginning, Tulip was full of life and personality.

Our team worked round-the-clock to make sure Ava was safe and had everything she needed, including a teddy bear for company.

In April 2019, we welcomed a foal named Icon and his mother, Ice, who had serious health issues. They were rescued as part of a multi-agency rescue involving over 100 equines.

The filly foal was born at our Honeysuckle Yard but developed a life-threatening condition. 

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.

Six-year-old Benjamin takes part in Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) sessions at Coombe Park, our Education and Equestrian Centre near Totnes.

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. 

Alison Tyrrell-Smith, a semi-retired Accountant, and her husband Mark who’s retired from the Army and National Crime Agency, have been volunteers at Coombe Park since last October.