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

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. 

Open days will take place at our Coombe Park Education and Equestrian Centre nestled near Totnes in Devon. Mark your calendars for these not-to-be-missed free events.

  • Sunday 9th July
  • Sunday 6th August
  • Sunday 20th August
  • Sunday 24th September
  • Sunday 22nd October
  • Sunday 26th November

There will be activities for all the family including a behind-the-scenes self-guided tour with a brand-new guide leaflet and information boards, a kids’ seasonal trail and the opportunity to participate in our first citizen science project observing equine behaviour. There will also be a variety of interactive demonstrations throughout the day and the chance to speak with our knowledgeable grooms about the horses and ponies in our care. Visitors will see first-hand how their support makes a real difference to the lives of the horses and ponies who are cared for at the sanctuary.

Refreshments will be available to purchase on the day from our new horse trailer café and a pop-up shop will be selling the latest range of Mare and Foal Sanctuary sustainably sourced products. Visitors will be able to meet our adoption ponies Sir Didymus, Ludo, Geronimo and Vogue and even ‘adopt’ one of them after meeting them in person.

It will also be a unique opportunity to see the building progress of our new high intensity welfare unit. The Rosemary Kind High Intensity Welfare Unit is poised to become a UK centre of excellence in long-term, veterinarian-led equine care and management. Designed to care for horses and ponies with complex needs that require onsite sanctuary for the rest of their lives, this facility will accommodate up to 25 residents at a time. With its range of purpose-built amenities, the unit aims to ensure the highest quality of life for some of our rescued horses and ponies. The build is happening in several phases, but we anticipate the first equine residents will move in by Christmas. Click here to find out more about the project.

Booking in advance for the open days is essential and tickets will be available until the afternoon of each event. Book your tickets here. Admission to the open days is free.

Visitors can also join the sanctuary for two exclusive events. On 21st July artist Kathy Nettles brings her extraordinary collection of 30 horse and pony paintings to our Coombe Park Education and Equestrian Centre. The exhibition will be the final event in our 30th anniversary celebrations filled with incredible art and inspiring insights into our vital work with rescued horses and ponies.

On 12th October, join us again for a Gillian Higgins Horses inside Out Evening Demo at Coombe Park. This is an amazing opportunity for everyone interested in horses to learn more about these amazing creatures and how they move. Click here for more details.

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