Three Redwings team members are leading three Shetland ponies onto the ramp of a horsebox

10 March 2025

It’s vital that we’re ready to rescue

Our Welfare team will be called on to help desperately vulnerable horses, ponies and donkeys in the months ahead. For a horse that needs to be rescued, it is critical that we can reach, treat and remove them quickly and safely.

From the moment we are alerted to a horse at risk, we know that we will potentially need to co-ordinate a team of handlers, vets and carers.

In the growing number of cases that involve multiple animals, we are often joined by staff from fellow equine welfare charities and local authorities. In those cases, the scale of the problem cannot be managed within the resources of any organisation working alone.

Rescue team with metal pen sections helping to catch a pony on a Welsh common

Donate to the appeal

£17

could help one of our Field Officers find, assess and give urgent help to a vulnerable pony like Elsa.

£23

could provide the tests, treatment and initial care for a new Sanctuary resident.

£29

could help meet the cost of regular dental assessments and treatments throughout the year.

Meet Elsa

In late January our team received a report of an underweight mare at a site in Norfolk. Senior Field Officer Julie attended and found an abandoned mare, who was severely emaciated and sick, suffering from life-threatening diarrhoea.

The mare was very fearful of people and could not be caught. Our team assembled straight away and, using pen sections to corral her, brought Elsa to the safety of Redwings.

Within 24 hours she had received emergency care and her condition began to stabilise. After a few days she received thorough dental treatment, which immediately helped her eat hay comfortably.

As part of a rescue, we document the health of each horse and the conditions they are found in. If someone is found to be responsible for the horse, our records form part of the evidence and need to stand up to the challenge of a prosecution hearing.

We specialise in caring for horses with the most complex needs. For years we have provided so many rescued horses with a future that they could not enjoy anywhere else.

A skinny pony with spine and hip bones prominent standing in stable

Elsa on arrival at Redwings

“Our welfare vets, Nicola, Chloe and Alex (and myself!) are experienced in undoing the damage of neglect. Through all the cases we have seen before, we have learnt so much about how to treat ponies in distress - when to push for intensive treatment, and when to let them have the time to heal without potentially stressful veterinary interventions.”

Nic de Brauwere

Head of Welfare and Behaviour

A skinny cob standing behind a barbed wire fence and mud

Our commitment

During these economically difficult times we remain committed to every horse who needs our help and to spending every donation as effectively as possible.

Your gift could help us reach a vulnerable horse, rescue them and bring them to a home of safety.

You can donate below, or text SAFETY 10 to 70470 to donate £10*