Redwings Horse Sanctuary is appealing for potential new Guardians for three of its equine residents who have been up for rehoming since February, but have not had any applications to date.
Spirit, Quince and Etta have been fully assessed by the charity’s veterinary team and are not suitable to be ridden but can provide vital companionship to other equines.
Rachel Angell, Redwings’ Head of Norfolk Equine Operations with responsibility for the rehoming scheme, explained the benefits of taking on one of their horses.
“The Redwings horse finds a loving home, where they also provide that all-important companionship for another horse or pony,,” she said. “And crucially, their rehoming opens a space up for us to take in another equine who desperately needs our help.
“Our larger companions like Spirit, Quince and Etta can sometimes be overlooked as companion horses compared to our smaller ponies, but if you are looking for a friend for your horse one of them could be the perfect fit. A companion of a similar size and type may be better matched in terms of their care needs, grazing requirements, and even simple things like being able to give each other a good mutual groom and scratch!”
Get to know Spirit, Quince and Etta
Redwings have shared details of each of the horses for prospective rehomers.
Spirit (pictured above), a 14hh, five-year-old Standardbred, is a “handsome gelding with a sweet nature”. Spirit can be nervous in new situations but is said to be very responsive to his handler and will look to them for reassurance, making him a rewarding horse to work with. Spirit cannot be left without a companion and would be most suited to life on a quiet yard, or private home.
Quince (pictured above), a 14hh,16-year-old thoroughbred cross is a “beautiful boy who is good to catch, lead and groom”. Redwings says he stands nicely for the farrier, vet and for routine care. He can be stabled at night, or live out 24/7, providing he is rugged appropriately in the winter. Due to his hoof conformation, Quince currently wears front shoes, and he will require these for the foreseeable future.
Spirit and Quince are available to rehome in Redwings’ rehoming area, covering Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Warwickshire and Worcestershire, in close enough proximity to the one of the charity’s sanctuary sites to facilitate home checks and any support needed in their new homes.
Etta (pictured above and top), a 13hh, nine-year-old cob, is available to rehome in the Warwickshire area. Etta is “friendly and sociable with other horses, making her an ideal companion”. She can become worried when alone, so would be best suited as a companion to another non-ridden horse.
Rehoming a horse from Redwings is free, apart from a deposit for their passport. All horses come with a report on their veterinary history, and further information to help set them up for success in their new home. Horses are rehomed on a long-term loan basis, where their Guardian takes on their daily care and costs, but Redwings retains ownership, so their Guardian has the peace of mind that they have a home for life in the sanctuary if needed.
Applications for Spirit, Quince and Etta can be made via the charity’s website here www.redwings.co.uk/rehoming.
