Darcey

Darcey

Darcey was an absolutely beautiful girl who had sadly been left permanently lame after she was used for drug smuggling across the Channel.

Location: Caldecott, Norfolk

Height: 14.3hh

Breed: German Warmblood

Colour: Dapple Grey

If you would like to support our work, you can donate in memoriam for a one off payment from just £5.

Beautiful Darcey was a stunning dapple-grey mare who had not had a happy life before she came to Redwings.

Found by Customs and Excise officers, Darcey was being travelled to and from mainland Europe as a cover for drug trafficking. No horse should be used for criminal activities, but Darcey was especially unfortunate to have fallen into the wrong hands as she was suffering from pain in her legs due to poor conformation and an untreated knee injury.

Redwings brought five year old Darcey into the caring home she needed in 2004. Our vet performed surgery to repair some of the damage to her knee and this lovely mare was able to start enjoying life again! Darcey moved to Caldecott where the flat fields were kind to her legs and she could enjoy lots of attention.

Darcey spent seven years at Redwings before the legacy of her early life caught up with her. She developed arthritis in her damaged joints and eventually our vets were unable to control the pain. We knew the kindest option was to put Darcey to sleep to ensure she did not start to suffer again and we sadly lost this lovely mare in 2011.

Adopt a new friend today

Adoption pack

Receive a wonderful adoption pack

Sponsor a horse or donkey from as little as £2 a month via direct debit or make a one-off donation and you’ll receive a wonderful adoption pack.

What’s included

  • Three postal updates a year from your new friend including one at Christmas!
  • Your Adoption Star’s photo and rescue story
  • Quarterly email updates with photos from your Adoption Star Friend
  • An invitation to their birthday party – yes really!
  • A certificate of adoption
  • A factsheet all about your chosen animal
  • A bookmark featuring your Adoption Star

You will also receive our twice-yearly newsletter or children’s magazine so you can keep up with all the latest news from Redwings!

How adoption works

1. Pick a horse or donkey to sponsor

Whether you’re a fan of a good sing-song or love nothing more than snooze, find your perfect Adoption Star partner for yourself or your loved one!

2. Set up your adoption

For gift adoptions we will need to get a few extra details to know who to send adoption star updates too.

3. Receive your adoption star pack

Your wonderful adoption pack includes a special certificate, stunning photo of your new friend and their story.

4. Get regular updates

We'll keep you up to date on how you're supporting our vital work including sending your adoption star updates with photos and stories throughout the year.

How adoption works video still

Adoption scheme FAQs

We aim to send your pack as quickly as possible and you can usually expect it to arrive within five working days. However, delivery can take up to 21 days, especially in busy times, so please be patient.

You can renew your adoption here or call our supporter engagement team on 01508 505246.

The majority of our adoption stars all live at one of our visitor centres around the UK. 

Opening times vary, you can find all the details here. Entry is free of charge and as part of your adoption package you'll receive an invite to their birthday party at the centre where they live - yes really!

Monarch is a 'special adoption' who currently lives at a closed site but we hope you'll be able to visit him in the not too distant future when he's had a bit more training!

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