Redwings Horse Sanctuary has achieved another record-breaking year for its rehoming scheme, with more rescued horses and ponies than ever finding new homes outside the sanctuary.
This year, the charity has so far rehomed 128 ponies to new guardians, up more thank 50 percent on 2020’s total of 84.
As Redwings continues its welfare work throughout the pandemic, it has offered a home to 132 rescued horses and donkeys in need of their care this year, meaning that for the first time it is on course to rehome one horse for every horse rescued in 2021.
“As the Sanctuary has been operating at capacity for many years, this milestone is an important one, and emphasizes that one of the most important ways we can continue to help more horses in need is to try and make space through rehoming,” said Rachel Angell, Redwings’ Head of Norfolk Equine Operations, who heads the rehoming scheme.
“2021’s record figure is a testament to the hard work of our teams throughout the sanctuary who work tirelessly to rehabilitate our rescued horses, so they can go on to enjoy lives in guardian homes.
“Despite the challenges we continue to face with rehoming in the pandemic, our team are doing a fantastic job of finding long-term, loving homes for our rescued horses. We hope that even more people will consider rehoming from a registered charity next year.”
Treasured companions
Many of the horses on Redwings’ Guardianship Scheme find homes as companion ponies, as they are best suited to a life not being ridden.
Redwings Maverick and Galena (pictured top) who were rehomed to Wick Court, a farm run by the charity Farms for City Children in Gloucestershire – co-founded by Michael Morpurgo, the author of War Horse.
Rehomed in October, the pair are now settling into their new home, but in due time will be helping with sessions for children.
Native pony Galena was one of 35 ponies rescued by Redwings from a site in Norfolk in 2009. Many were emaciated, and were being kept in unsuitable conditions, on waterlogged land, with no grazing and surrounded by broken machinery and other hazards.
Meanwhile, Welsh cross Maverick was born at Redwings in 2008 after his mum and five other horses were rescued from a site in London. They had been turned-out on pasture without the landowner’s consent and were starting to suffer from lameness and poor body condition due to a lack of care.
“At Wick Court we offer children from urban areas the chance to experience farm life,” said Stevie Edge-McKee, Farm School Manager. “Our ponies are especially important as their sessions help to promote wellbeing and a connection with animals, and the children often bond especially with the horses.”
A star pony
Redwings is also remembering a special pony who championed the cause of rehoming rescued horses.
Redwings Noel was rehomed to Hayley Ward 20 years ago, and the partnership enjoyed showing and showjumping success together before he passed away in November, aged 25.
Noel, a Welsh cross Arab, was originally rescued in 1998 by Ada Cole Memorial Stables (as it was known before merging with Redwings in 2005) alongside his companion Mistletoe.
The pair had been left to fend for themselves while their owner was in prison. They were both underweight, infested with lice and Noel had a significant worm burden.
Throughout their time together, Noel and Hayley won countless rosettes and trophies and were Supreme Champions of the Kimpton Horse Show in Hertfordshire three times.
“When Noel arrived, we just clicked, and he had been a superstar ever since,” said Hayley. “He was an absolute cheeky monkey but was just cracking and won so much for me!
“Our successes always meant so much to us but were always even more of an achievement because of Noel’s background. Everyone knew he was a Redwings pony, and he would always be included in publicity – flying the flag for rescued horses – which always made it extra special.”
Rehoming a rescued horse or pony from Redwings is free, but £50 is requested towards the cost of their passport and additional donations are welcome.
Redwings rehomes horses on long-term loan but retains ownership so if the circumstances of the guardian were to change, the horse could return to the sanctuary.
To find out more about Redwings’ Guardianship Scheme and the ponies ready to be rehomed, visit www.redwings.org.uk/rehoming
