Tributes have been paid to the founder of Woodfield Animal Sanctuary, who dedicated her life to helping equines and animals in need. Robbie Bartington passed away on 20 June. Under Robbie and her husband David, the Gower-based charity has rescued more than 500 ponies since it was founded 11 years ago.
David paid tribute to his wife and thanked his family, staff, volunteers, close friends and all of Woodfield Animal Sanctuary’s supporters for their comforting messages and tributes to his “rock and soulmate”, Robbie.
“She will be very sadly missed by myself and everyone, but will forever be remembered for what she has done for me and all the rescued animals that have been helped by her,” he said. “My dearest has now also passed over the rainbow bridge to join so many of the animals that have crossed over before her who will now be re-united with her once again.”
In 2022, Robbie shared details with Your Horse about how Woodfield Animal Sanctuary was formed. Founding an animal sanctuary was not part her retirement plan when she and David moved to Welsh Moor in 2013 with their own horses, but one night everything changed.
“We received a call from someone who had seen a group of emaciated ponies on a local common,” she said. “They were in a bad state and some could barely stand, but I could see that there was still fight and life in their eyes, and without hesitation we stepped in.
“After gaining the Chairman of the Commoners permission, we were able to take all six emaciated ponies off the common and into the safety of our care. Before long word spread, and injured and emaciated ponies were turning up from all over South Wales. One night 20 ponies were abandoned on our property. Whoever did it had taken the gate off it’s hinges and put them loose on our driveway from the road.”
Never turning an animal away
Woodfield has never turned an animal away that needed their help, and if ponies are bonded they always take them in together and they are never rehomed apart.
“We soon realised the urgent need to create a sanctuary for these desperate creatures as more and more ponies found their way to our door,” Robbie continued. “With support from the Chairman of the Commoners and help and advice from our vet over the years, we have been able to take in ponies in the very worst condition, who have needed immediate attention.”
The sanctuary currently cares for over 70 horses and numerous other animals, employing part-time staff and volunteers to meet their needs. To help Woodfield continue its vital work in memory of Robbie, the public are invited to donate here.
Robbie’s funeral will take place on Friday 19 July. More information will be released on the Woodfield Animal Sanctuary Facebook page in coming days.
Lead image of Robbie and a group of horses Woodfield rescued from the slaughterhouse
