18 March 2024

Rest in peace our most golden of golden oldies

Grey pony Willow looks towards the camera while standing in her grass paddock.

We are so sorry to announce that our oldest Sanctuary resident, Welsh pony Willow, has passed away at the age of 46.

Willow came to Redwings in 2003 following a successful RSPCA prosecution. She had been living on the Welsh commons, and had received little or no handling from humans.

In the over 20 years she enjoyed at Redwings she became a friendly and precious girl, and was so loved by everyone who had the pleasure to care for her.

We know, from the numbers of #RedwingsAngels who joined us each year in wishing her a Happy Birthday, just how special Willow was to so many people. Her remarkable age even saw us be contacted by the Guinness World Records this year - not an email we ever imagined we would receive!

Willow had lived very happily at our HQ in Norfolk for many years. Very sadly, on Friday 15th March, Willow experienced a sudden and severe colic (extreme stomach pain). Our teams rushed to help and did everything they could for her, but we had to let her go so she did not suffer.

And on that very afternoon, a rainbow could be seen over our Horse Hospital. The last time we witnessed this happen was the day we lost our beloved Phoenix in 2021.

Redwings Vet Dawn, who is one of the team who have cared so brilliantly for Willow throughout her time at the Sanctuary, said: "She was so loved by so many, I feel for everyone. I’ve never known so many people come to say goodbye to a pony."

Rest in peace Willow - our most golden of golden oldies and truly one of a kind. We will miss you.