DESCRIPTION

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary rescues horses and ponies that have been abandoned, neglected or abused. We also ensure that horses and ponies have a sanctuary for life. Most horses and ponies are given care for life through our network of knowledgeable carers. Those horses and ponies with more complex needs are cared for in our peaceful sanctuaries. Our work is focused in the South West but as part of the National Equine Welfare Council we collaborate locally and nationally with the RSPCA and larger equine welfare charities. The number of horses and ponies requiring crisis intervention continues to grow. We are now taking in more groups of horses and ponies at once from difficult and complex rescue situations. These groups are coming in with higher levels of need for specialist care and longer recovery times. The Mare and Foal Sanctuary was founded on the principles that horses and ponies, as sentient beings and close companions of humans over the centuries, have a value and a purpose. They deserve our kindness and care. Our equine assisted learning programmes enable people to connect with horses and ponies. Caring for ponies outside in nature is good for our health, happiness and wellbeing. We educate people of all ages in how to care for horses to prevent future welfare issues. We know how to make a difference to other people’s lives through horses, having had lived experience of how they’ve made a difference to ours.