Remus Appeals

Summer Drought Appeal

Remus Horse Sanctuary is facing an unexpected £5,400 monthly hay bill as drought reduces grass and hay prices soar. Help us keep more than 100 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys fed.

This summer has changed everything: At this time of year, we should be relying on the grass in our paddocks to feed the rescued horses, ponies and donkeys in our care.

Instead, the prolonged dry weather has left our fields struggling, and we are having to buy in hay much earlier than we normally would.

With the fifth heatwave of the summer looming this week, there is little sign of the conditions improving.

The cost of hay has soared: The dry weather is affecting farmers’ yields, putting pressure on hay supplies just when demand is increasing.

In January, we were paying £110 for a large bale of hay. Today, that same large bale costs £150. That’s a 36.4% increase in just six months, and we expect the price to continue rising.

We are currently needing around nine large bales every week. That’s: £1,350 a week and £5,400 a month.

This is an unexpected cost that simply wasn’t in our budget.

But our animals still need to eat: For the more than 100 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and other animals at Remus Horse Sanctuary, good quality food is not optional.

Every day, they depend on us for the food, care and security they need. Unlike many other costs, feeding them cannot be postponed, reduced or put on hold.

Founder Sue said, “Normally, by this time of year, our fields would be providing plenty of grass for the animals. Instead, the exceptionally dry weather means we are having to buy in hay much earlier than expected. With the fifth heatwave of the summer looming this week, there is little sign of conditions improving.

The cost of hay has already risen by more than a third since January and we simply cannot reduce the amount our animals need to eat. We are asking our supporters to help us meet this unexpected cost so that we can continue to provide the good quality food and lifelong care that every one of our rescued animals depends on.”

Cry for Help Appeal

The horse welfare crisis in this country continues to escalate and Remus is now on its knees financially.

Remus are desperate for funds and asking animal lovers everywhere to dig deep to make a donation and organise a fundraising event, to help continue the work of the Sanctuary and to help ease and eventually stop the daily suffering.

At present there are hundreds of horses and ponies around the country that are suffering daily. And sadly every day is a day nearer to death. Remus can and does help but, without serious financial assistance, will be forced to close.

Founder Sue said, “Normally at this time of year welfare issues ease and our costs go down giving us a chance to recoup much needed funds for the winter. However, this year there has been so many horses that have needed our help that it has proved impossible”. 

Remus needs additional financial support to help rescue many more animals and continue to provide lifetime care for our existing 200+ animals. To donate, visit our JustGiving page.