We received full planning permission for this project on 7 April 2022 . Here is our progress so far..
Help us build a home for our most vulnerable horses and ponies
We are raising funds to create a new high intensity welfare unit where we can care for equines whose needs mean they require onsite sanctuary for the rest of their lives.
The new facility will become a UK centre of excellence in long-term, vet-led equine care and management for horses and ponies with complex needs.
This dedicated page will give you an insight into why this project is needed and how your support could make a real difference to horses and ponies lives by helping us build them a permanent, purpose-built home.
If you would like to support this project you can donate here:
Donate today
A permanent legacy for our 30th anniversary
This new home will replace the ‘American Barn’ which was demolished in 2020 due to subsidence on our site and will accommodate horses and ponies in need following the closure of our South Manor Sanctuary near Newton Abbot in 2021.
The Rosemary Kind Barn
We will be calling this new building the Rosemary Kind Barn in memory of our founder who sadly passed away in 2022. We think this will be a fitting way to commemorate Rosemary’s work and her vision of sanctuary for life for the smallest, weakest and most easily overlooked equines.
An opportunity to create a better world for equines and the people that love them
A safe space
The barn will contain 13 stables that can house 25 horses and ponies. We will also create crew barns which will allow some of the ponies to be housed together in small groups. This promotes natural herd behaviour and allows mutual grooming and more interaction.
Groundwork for the project began in February 2023. Your support will allow us to progress the build and give a permanent home to equines with ongoing, manageable health issues.
Once complete the barn will provide:
- an ideal environment for our horses and ponies with the most complex health care needs
- a gentle floor with a suitable gradient for older ponies with decreased mobility
- a permanent home for 25 rescued horses and ponies
- crew barns that can stable small groups of ponies together to promote natural herd behaviour
- handling areas for training and rehabilitation
- staff with shower and toilet facilities and a space to rest during breaks
- promote sustainability by increasing tree planting and harvesting rainwater for feed troughs
- a space for students to learn about caring for equines with complex needs
Thank you for supporting the project
We are incredibly grateful to the following donors who have donated so generously towards the project:
The Pets at Home Foundation – £90,000
The Ivo Trust – £50,000
Mandy Thornton Memorial Trust – £50,000
SEIB Giving – £7,000
Mrs D M France-Hayhurst Foundation – £5,000
Petplan Charitable Trust – £5,000
We will be recognising all of the wonderful supporters who donate to this project on our website.
We are raising funds for a high intensity welfare unit at our Coombe Park Equestrian and Education Centre. If for any reason we can’t progress with this project or there are surplus funds left over, we will use your donations to fund the general activities of the Mare and Foal Sanctuary, including the rescue and care of our horses and ponies.
Progress so far…
American barn is demolished
The high-intensity welfare unit will replace the ‘American Barn’ which was demolished in 2020 due to subsidence on our site and accommodate horses and ponies in need following the closure of our South Manor Sanctuary near Newton Abbot in 2021.
Temporary stabling erected
In 2021 temporary stabling was erected at the site to house 20 ponies from South Manor, and the American barn, as they await permanent residence in the new high intensity welfare unit.
Construction begins
On 13 February 2023 construction teams commenced work on the new high intensity welfare unit at our Coombe Park sanctuary. They’ve started by removing topsoil in preparation for pouring the foundations. More updates will follow as the building takes shape.
Taking shape
We’re pleased to share that all of the foundation groundwork was completed in autumn 2024. Since then the building has really started to take shape.
More ways to support us
Donate online
A donation today can help to sustain our ability to offer sanctuary for horses and ponies.
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Fundraise for us
We couldn’t do what we do without the fundraising efforts of our generous supporters. Find out how you can get involved.
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Major gifts, trusts and foundations
If you would like to fund large projects or one-off items please get in touch with our Philanthropy Team.
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