April Birthdays at Remus Horse Sanctuary

April is a special month here at Remus, as we celebrate three much-loved residents and reflect on the journeys that brought them to safety.

Happy 34th Birthday, April!

April arrived at Remus with her mum Damson and cousin Mopsey, and remarkably, the three have spent their entire lives together. Now in their 30s, with Damson in her 40s, they are a truly special family group and a lovely example of the deep bonds these animals form.

Their previous owner clearly cared for them, but as both she and the ponies grew older, it became harder to meet their needs. Determined not to see them separated, she made the decision to ask Remus for help.

It’s never easy for animals to leave the only home they’ve known, and they were understandably nervous at first. But with time, patience and kindness, they settled in beautifully. Today, they are relaxed, content and enjoying life exactly as they should.

If you’d like to sponsor April or send her a birthday treat, you can do so via our website.

Happy 30th Birthday, Clyde!

Clyde’s story is a very different one, and a reminder of why our work is so important.

Before coming to Remus, Clyde had been raced in Ireland and was later brought to the UK by a dealer when he was no longer considered useful. By the time we became aware of him, he had already suffered terribly. He bore scars on his legs, likely caused by chemicals, and had been subjected to long periods of stress and rough handling.

Sadly, his next home offered no relief. He was often left without food or water for days at a time, and when his owners did return, he was ridden excessively despite his deteriorating condition. Over time, he became dangerously underweight, with painful saddle sores along his back that became infected.

We worked hard to try and improve his situation, but eventually it became clear that the only way to help Clyde was to bring him into our care.

Today, Clyde’s life could not be more different. He is safe, well cared for, and spends his days with his best friend Dolly. Seeing him now, it’s hard to imagine the suffering he once endured.

If you’d like to send Clyde a birthday treat, please visit the animal treats section of our shop.

Happy 19th Birthday, Horatio!

Horatio’s early life was deeply distressing. Born into a travelling community, he was taken away from his mother far too young and kept in isolation in a dark shed for two weeks. We don’t know exactly what happened during that time, but the impact on him was clear.

When Horatio arrived at Remus, he was frightened and defensive, reacting with anger born out of fear and trauma. It took time, understanding and a great deal of patience for him to begin to trust again.

Slowly but surely, he learned that he was safe. Today, he is settled, calmer and enjoys the companionship of his best friend Winston.

If you’d like to mark Horatio’s birthday with a treat, you can do so via our online shop.

Why Your Support Matters

Stories like April’s, Clyde’s and Horatio’s are at the heart of everything we do.

Some animals come to us through no fault of their own, simply because their owners can no longer cope. Others arrive having experienced neglect, cruelty or long-term suffering. Every single one deserves the chance to feel safe, cared for and valued.

Providing that level of care, especially for older animals or those with ongoing health needs, is a long-term commitment. It requires time, expertise, space and, of course, funding.

We receive no government support and rely entirely on donations, sponsorships and purchases from our shop to continue our work.

If you are able to support us, whether by sponsoring an animal, sending a birthday treat or making a donation, you are directly helping animals like April, Clyde and Horatio live out their lives in comfort and safety.

Thank you, as always, for being part of their journey.

You can meet April, Clyde and Horatio at our first Open Day of the 2026 season on Sunday 3 May. You can find full details on our website here and buy your ticket in advance.