Success Stories

Equine asthma is triggered by allergies. In Nutkin’s case he’s allergic to the dust present in hay and bedding, as well as pollen. This makes managing his condition tricky because he struggles in both the stable and field. Luckily, our expert Sanctuary Care team, under veterinary guidance, trained Nutkin to use a nebuliser.

It’s being with the equine partner that makes the sessions so impactful. After doing equine assisted wellbeing with The Mare and Foal Sanctuary I certainly understand, at a much deeper intrinsic level, the benefits of developing a bond with a horse."

Hugo and Gabriel were found severely underweight and suffering with sores when we rescued them in June 2022. We were shocked to find these two magnificent Andalusian horses in this state.

“When I mentioned that I love horses, my support worker told me about The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s This Girl Can Exercise with Equines programme funded by Sport England. I struggle with anxiety and had become quite isolated. I wanted to try something different and coming to the sanctuary felt like it might be a good fit."

Lola is an 11-year-old palomino Shetland who went to live with her carer family as a companion to a ridden pony last spring.

When Robin arrived at the sanctuary in 2018, he was already blind in his right eye but was managing to cope well. Earlier this year we noticed that his eye was starting to cause him some discomfort.

For Maisie, equine assisted activity sessions are about rebuilding confidence. Maisie has only recently begun her sessions at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s Coombe Park Education and Equestrian Centre, but mum, Lucy, is already noticing a difference.

Daisy joined our equine assisted learning programme to help with feelings of anxiety. Working alongside our equine assisted learning facilitators and our rescued horses and ponies can help to build a sense of connection for participants.