10 November 2021

Big hooves arrive at Redwings Oxhill!

We're delighted to share the news of two new residents at our Oxhill visitor centre.

Shire horses Papillon and Peacock arrived earlier this month and they’re already making a big impression on the visitors and the Redwings Oxhill team!

After a successful introduction, fellow Shires Holly Blue and Adoption Star Lady have welcomed Papillon and Peacock onto their paddock and the four gentle giants have settled in well. Peacock is actually Lady's mum!

If you know your wildlife, you may have realised that this group are all named after butterflies. And that’s not coincidental – Holly Blue, Lady and Peacock were all rescued together back in 2017 and Papillion was born at Redwings shortly after.

Here's a video about Papillon's arrival at the Sanctuary, filmed in 2018.

The group came to light when Redwings received a call from a concerned landowner about 19 Shire horses fly-grazing on his land, near Kidderminster. Notices were issued for the owner to claim the horses, but sadly no one came forward. Concerns were raised for the welfare of the horses and for the youngsters and foals who were completely unhandled.

Redwings joined forces with the Blue Cross, Bransby Horses, HorseWorld, RSPCA and World Horse Welfare to round up and remove the Shires from the site and we offered a home to six of the horses.

Our equine carers at Redwings Oxhill said: "It was wonderful to be able to reunite the group and it has been fantastic to see them interacting with visitors so soon after their arrival. They seem completely at ease in their new surroundings, although they seem to be a bit undecided about the donkeys!”

If you'd love to meet the centre's new residents, click here for full details of opening times and how to book your tickets.