News

People walking in the countryside

Discover the magic of horses and join us for open days and exclusive events

Have you have ever wondered what goes on in an equine rescue sanctuary? Or perhaps you are keen to meet horses and ponies and learn about their incredible lives? Look no further than our upcoming open days. These special events are packed with inspiring demonstrations, fun family activities and refreshments. 

Experience an unforgettable art exhibition at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary this summer 

Art isn’t just for galleries. This summer, Devon’s art scene will get a unique addition when artist Kathy Nettles brings her extraordinary collection of 30 horse and pony paintings to The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s Coombe Park Education and Equestrian Centre near Totnes in Devon. The exhibition will be the final event in the charity’s 30th anniversary celebrations. 

Children poo picking in a field

‘Big Help Out’ Opportunities at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary    

Thousands of organisations across the country are getting together to give us all the chance to help out in our own local communities to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III

Horse having a guttural pouch wash

Managing strangles: Learning from the past to protect the future 

In 2015 The Mare and Foal Sanctuary encountered a prolonged strangles outbreak. The outbreak lasted seven months, it had a profound effect on our ability to rescue horses and claimed the lives of four of our residents.

Arnie eating grass in the fields

Remembering Arnie

We are sad to share the news that a few days ago we lost one of our former adoption ponies, Arnie.

BEVA field castration day

Collaboration with BEVA helps create a positive future for ponies

At the start of March, 20 vets attended a field castration training day hosted by The Mare and Foal Sanctuary and held at the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT). Training was given by representatives from the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA).

Staff member next to sign

Horses Inside Out Conference

Recently Beth Orchard Mitchell, Team Leader from our Coombe Park sanctuary, attended the Horses Inside Out annual conference. This is a chance for professionals across all areas of the equine sector to meet and contribute ideas and best practice.

Building works in a field

Work begins on our new Rosemary Kind High Intensity Welfare Unit

We’re pleased to announce that at the beginning of February the construction team arrived at our Coombe Park sanctuary to begin building our Rosemary Kind high intensity welfare unit. So named after our late founder, Rosemary Kind, who sadly passed away last year. This very special project will help us to make a difference to our rescued horses and ponies with the most complex health needs.

RSPCA and World Horse Welfare staff at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary

Working together for better equine welfare

We recently hosted a training day in collaboration with World Horse Welfare and the RSPCA for RSPCA animal rescue officers. The day was a chance for animal rescue officers to get hands-on experience of welfare issues in horses and ponies and meet other animal welfare professionals.