24 April 2020

#CoronaChronicles: Week Five

We often wonder how our horses and donkeys would react if they knew what was happening around the world right now. For them, thanks to the hard work of our care teams and the love of our supporters, little has changed.

Even while we have adapted our working practices to adhere to the Government’s guidance, we have still ensured that our 1,500 rescued residents have received the essential care they need and, in return, they’ve provided us with plenty of heart-warming moments that remind us of why we do what we do.

Here’s a little run-down of just some of the ways our horses and donkeys have helped to raise a smile since the lockdown began.

Audrey makes new friends!

You may have seen the wonderful story of pony Audrey who was finally discharged from our Horse Hospital after five years of treatment for the serious hoof infection canker.

At one point, we believed the kindest thing to do would be to put her to sleep but, after lots of patience and determination by our vet team, this week she was turned-out with her new friends, Fleetwood and Clarence, for the first time and there was barely a dry eye in the house!

Audrey’s inspiring story has also been spreading happiness outside the Sanctuary – she’s so far been featured in Horse & Hound magazine and the Eastern Daily Press! Read more about her amazing recovery here.

Muffin turns 33!

Many of you may know Muffin the mule, the longest serving and oldest member of our Adoption Scheme!

This popular chap has lived at the Sanctuary since 1987 and celebrates his birthday with a special party every year at Redwings Caldecott.

Sadly, with our visitor centres currently closed, we were unable to invite his supporters to celebrate with him, but his carers made sure he still received plenty of extra fuss… and even a cake!

If you sponsor a Redwings Adoption Star and are unable to attend their birthday party due to the coronavirus outbreak, please keep an eye on your four-legged friend’s online diary, as well as our social media channels, as we do our best to make sure you can still join in the celebrations.

Retired Adoption Star Muffin was treated to a special cake for his birthday.

Redwings Guardian angels

While we have sadly had to suspend our rehoming scheme for now, we’ve been cheered by stories from our Guardians who have been keeping in touch, sending us lovely images of them and their horses during lockdown. Some have even gone the extra mile and raised money to help us through this difficult time.

We’d like to say a big thank you to Poppy and Millie, aged eight, who are young Guardians to Redwings Strawberry Shortcake. Along with their friends, they have raised £50 for Redwings, as well as £50 for their local foodbank to help those struggling during the outbreak. We have been very touched by their thoughtful gesture!

STOP PRESS: There’s a baby boom!

We’ve all heard the jokes about an impending baby boom due to the coronavirus lockdown, but we’re having one already! Since the outbreak, five adorable foals have been born to rescued mares at one of our Norfolk sites.

They’ve been a wonderful reminder that, even at the toughest of times, life goes on and we can’t wait to bring you more details about them soon. In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek!

One of the gorgeous foals recently born at the Sanctuary

Despite the smiles raised by these gorgeous tales, behind the scenes life is challenging and we are working hard to raise funds and reduce our costs so that these happy moments can continue.

Thank you #RedwingsAngels

Click here to read last week's #CoronaChronicles