Here at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, the coronavirus crisis came at the worst possible time, with over 200 resident horses and ponies still requiring expert care at our farms at the end of a very long, wet winter.

At the moment, we have only small teams of grooms going in each day to give this expert care, as we are doing our utmost to protect the NHS, and the health of our staff and their families, by asking them to do split shifts so they don’t come into contact with each other.

Our carer support team is working from home and continues to liaise constantly with the carers of over 470 horses in loan homes, but they cannot travel to make support visits. Many of our loan carers are worried about their own circumstances. Some are already returning horses and ponies to our sanctuary yards, which is putting an additional strain on our teams and resources.

We are a strong team, but the future is uncertain, and we need help from our loyal supporters at this worrying time.

Last year we rescued more horses than ever, in more complex circumstances. Among these were 11 foals, including Icon who arrived with his mother following a large multi-agency welfare rescue. These foals have done well and along with 20 other horses and ponies are ready for rehoming, but we have had to pause this crucial part of our work.

We don’t have extensive reserves and horses are costly animals to care for, especially ours which require specialist handling and retraining or ongoing veterinary medicines and care.

That’s why we’re asking for your help to support the Sanctuary at this difficult time.