15 January 2021

#CoronaChronicles 2021: Week Two

While the nation may be in lockdown, there has been no slowing down at the Sanctuary this week!

Despite the winter weather, our teams have been pulling on their coats and wellies to make sure our rescued herds receive all the care they need.

The reason for their efforts was never highlighted more than this week when, as we launched our New Year appeal telling you about the nearly 180 horses and donkeys we gave a safe home to last year, another horse in desperate need of help came through our gates.

Zac, who you may have seen on our social media pages, was signed over to the Sanctuary by his owner when they realised they could no longer give him the care he needed. Poor Zac was extremely underweight having been left in a paddock of ankle-deep mud with no feed, hay or water.

He is now undergoing veterinary assessments and we look forward to keeping you up to date with his progress.

Zac pictured upon his arrival at the Sanctuary.

This week we also brought you the story of Summer and Elsa, two Trakehner horses who came to us in February 2020 in an emaciated state.

Following the sentencing of their former owner in December, we can now tell you about the care they have received at the Sanctuary, as well as the arrival of Elsa’s foal Bruni. They are just three examples of many horses we have currently living at the Sanctuary who we are unable to talk about due to ongoing legal processes. Please be assured that much hard work is going on behind the scenes to ensure they are given the best chance at happy and healthy new lives.

Very sadly, we recently had to say goodbye to Summer, but Elsa and Bruni will now enjoy a forever home at the Sanctuary. The pair have moved to one of our private Norfolk sites and here’s a photo, taken just this week by their carers, of the mother and daughter settling into their new surroundings.

Elsa and Bruni settling in at one of our Sanctuary sites.

Since we revealed the stories of Zac, Summer, Elsa and Bruni this week, we’ve received many messages from supporters telling us they have donated, bought raffle tickets or set-up a monthly direct debit contribution to help fund their ongoing care. Thank you so much!

If you’d like to find out more about the ways you can donate, please click here.

And it’s not just individuals who have been inspired to help our rescued horses and donkeys. Recently we received donations of planters and blooms from Charlecote Garden Centre and LV Insurance to enhance the look outside our Oxhill and Aylsham visitor centres in time for spring.

Last year we were unable to spend any precious funds on things like flowers, so we’re really grateful to those two companies for helping to bring some colour to our centres as a pick-me-up for our teams… and hopefully, in time, our visitors!

Our new flowers at Redwings Aylsham in Norfolk

Another wonderful donation has also been in good use this week!

While our teams continue to tackle the challenges of lockdown, working hard to keep themselves and our residents safe, it’s nice now and again for everyone to let off a bit of steam.

Carers at Redwings Ada Cole in Essex have been making use of a revamped paddock, with materials generously supplied and installed for free by local company Farm & Country Fencing last autumn, by enjoying some athletics with their Shetland herd!

While a lot of fun, these frolics also have the serious aim of helping the ponies shed any extra winter pounds ready for the arrival of the spring grass.

We hope you enjoy and see you next week!