A horse walks across its field in the early morning frost and mist. He is silhouetted against the rising sun in the background.

04 November 2024

Facing the winter together

During the winter, 31-year-old Bobby is given soaked pony nuts that are prepared for him up to four times each day.

These supplementary feeds are important to helping him maintain a healthy body weight and support his immune system.

Every horse, pony and donkey living at Redwings receives round-the-clock care from a team of dedicated staff. During the winter, the weather conditions and shorter days add new challenges for the people who give specialist care to the resident sanctuary herd.

Bobby lives out over the winter, when the grass grows at a slower rate and is less nutritious. By closely monitoring his weight and body condition, his carers can ensure this senior resident receives the right amount of forage to support his wellbeing.

Two horses enjoy a haynet in their field on a frosty morning.

Donate to the appeal

£18

could provide supplementary feed to an older pony this winter.

£24

could give important preventative care to a horse in sanctuary care.

£30

could help a resident recovering from surgery or illness to keep warm.

A chance to thrive

Winter brings a range of challenges, but your support means that every horse, pony and donkey is given the chance to thrive.

Millie is prone to pastern dermatitis or ‘mud fever’ as it is often known. By regularly cleaning the lower part of Millie’s legs and applying a barrier cream, the skin is less prone to damage and infection.

After a very difficult start in life Tom Thumb’s health and weight have required careful management since he arrived at Redwings, almost 17 years ago. During winter we support Tom Thumb by rugging him during cold winter days to help him maintain body condition.

Bobby, Millie and Tom Thumb are just three of the over 200 horses, ponies and donkeys who live at Redwings' headquarters. Please help a horse in sanctuary care enjoy a safe, comfortable winter.

A pony stands in her wintry field wearing a rug.

Millie requires specialist care in winter as she is prone to pastern dermatitis.

“During the winter months, making and distributing feeds is a job that we’re working on from the start of the day to the end. We have a group of older residents who can no longer cope with forage as well as they once did, so supplementing their feed is important to them keeping condition throughout winter.”

Vincent

Senior Team Leader

“During January and February, the paddocks rarely dry out at any point in the day. I check that Millie’s legs are clean and dry and apply a barrier cream to her lower legs. Some days she’s not really in the mood for attention but this kind of preventative care is important for keeping Millie comfortable and happy.”