Help Remus Horse Sanctuary Share in £120,000 This December!
The Benefact Group’s much-loved 12 Days of Giving campaign is back, and this year it’s even more generous than ever. As the festive final phase of the Benefact Group’s Movement for Good, a remarkable £120,000 will be donated to good causes throughout December. A total of 120 charities will each receive £1,000 – and Remus Horse Sanctuary could be one of them with your help.
This special seasonal giveaway runs from 1-16 December, with 10 charities drawn every weekday. The first draw takes place on 1 December and the final one on 16 December, giving multiple chances for charities like ours to benefit from an early Christmas gift. Voting closes at midnight on Monday 15 December.
How the 12 Days of Giving Works
Every charity that has previously been nominated in a Benefact Group £1,000 draw this year is already included – which means that we are in the running from day one. However, more nominations increase the chances of us being selected, and that’s where you, our friends, members and supporters, can make a huge difference.
Nominations for the festive draw are open now and will close at 23:59 on 15 December 2025. Each nomination counts as one entry into the daily draw, so the more nominations we receive, the better our chance of being chosen.
Why Your Nomination Matters
A £1,000 award may seem modest, but at the Sanctuary it can make a meaningful and immediate impact. It could help cover essential winter feed, veterinary care, warm bedding, or the ongoing rehabilitation of horses, ponies, donkeys and other resident animals who rely on us all year round.
Your nomination will help us continue offering safety, compassion, and lifelong care to animals who have nowhere else to go.
Nominate Remus Horse Sanctuary Today
It takes just a moment to nominate us, and your support could help bring a little extra warmth and reassurance to the animals in our care this festive season.
A Word from Our Founder, Sue Burton
“Each winter brings challenges for the Sanctuary, and campaigns like Benefact Group’s 12 Days of Giving offer a wonderful opportunity for organisations like ours to receive much-needed support. Every nomination really does count, and we are so grateful to everyone who takes the time to put Remus forward. Together, we can make this festive season brighter for the animals who depend on us.”
Make a Difference: Giving Tuesday 2025
As the noise of Black Friday (month) and Cyber Monday fades, many of us welcome a calmer, more thoughtful moment. Giving Tuesday. on 2 December, offers exactly that. It is a day to pause, reflect and choose kindness. Instead of filling shopping baskets, we are invited to lift up a cause we care about and to make a genuine difference!
For Remus Horse Sanctuary, Giving Tuesday is a lifeline. Animals like Holly and Davey mentioned here rely on the compassion and generosity of people like you who believe that every horse, pony and donkey – and indeed every animal – deserves safety and care.
Today, we hope you will join us in making a difference.
What is Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday began in 2012 as a global day of generosity following the shopping rush of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It arrived in the UK in 2014 and is now coordinated by the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. You can read more about the movement online.
Giving Tuesday encourages everyone to give in whatever way they can, whether through donations, volunteering, sharing a cause online or simply spreading kindness. According to research highlighted by Civil Society, Giving Tuesday has become one of the biggest donation days in the festive season.
At a time when we, like many charities, are facing rising costs and growing demand, this collective moment of generosity truly matters and really does make a difference.
Holly’s Story: From Fear to Flourishing
Watch Holly’s video monologue, by Sam Vize, filmed at our Red Carpet Gala Evening: youtube.com/shorts/aXNq_bG2NNY When Holly arrived at Remus, she was frightened, underweight and struggling. Her past had left her wary of people – the vets believe she was deliberately blinded – and in desperate need of patient and skilled care. Thanks to the dedication of our team and the kindness of our supporters, Holly has slowly regained trust and confidence.
Her gentle nature is now shining through. She enjoys calm grooming, soft bedding, nutritious feed and the simple pleasure of safety. Holly’s progress shows what is possible when compassion leads the way.
But it also reminds us that there are many more horses still waiting for help.
Davey’s Journey: A Donkey Who Learned to Trust Again
Watch Davey’s video monologue, by Tim Wood, filmed at our Red Carpet Gala Evening: youtube.com/shorts/Dn3XqR0FyZc
Davey came to Remus withdrawn and weak, his coat crawling with lice. After years of neglect he was nervous and lacking confidence. It quickly became apparent that Davey had a life-threatening penile tumour and was in urgent need of radical surgery to save his live. It took time, routine, patience and specialist care for him to feel safe again, but slowly Davey began to trust.
Now he enjoys gentle attention, regular meals, proper hoof care and the comfort of companionship. His transformation is heartwarming, and a reminder that no animal is beyond hope.
Davey is living proof that rescue, rehabilitation and love can rebuild a life.
Why Giving Tuesday Matters to Animals Like Holly and Davey
After the intensity of November’s shopping season, Giving Tuesday feels like calm after the storm. Instead of focusing on what we can buy, it invites us to focus on what we can change.
For Remus, your support funds essential care such as:
- Feed and hay
- Veterinary treatment
- Farrier visits
- Warm rugs and shelter
- Rehabilitation and long-term care
Every pound makes a difference. Together we can ensure that animals who have suffered neglect or abandonment find safety, care and the chance to thrive.
How You Can Make a Difference Today
- Donate via our website: https://remussanctuary.enthuse.com/donate#!/
- Share Holly’s and Davey’s videos with your friends and family
- Follow and support us on social media
- Consider becoming a member or sponsor one of our animals
Your generosity, no matter the size, will help us reach the next animal in need.
Thank You for Supporting Remus this Giving Tuesday
Holly and Davey are only two of the many animals whose lives have been transformed by the kindness of our supporters and the team at Remus Horse Sanctuary. With your support this Giving Tuesday, we can continue this life saving work and offer hope to the horses, ponies and donkeys who need us most.
Please make a difference today. Your support truly matters.
Remus Horse Sanctuary Celebrates Spectacular Success at Red Carpet Charity Gala Evening
Remus Horse Sanctuary is delighted to announce the tremendous success of its first-ever Red Carpet Charity Gala Evening, held at the iconic Elstree Film Studios in Borehamwood on Saturday 15 November. The glamorous event brought together supporters and friends of the Sanctuary for an unforgettable night of entertainment, all in aid of creating a new ‘Gala Paddock’ – a dedicated, specially designed space for laminitic horses and ponies in the Sanctuary’s care.
Guests enjoyed an evening of exotic food, live music, casino tables and a dazzling auction featuring a range of exclusive prizes, generously donated by businesses and patrons alike. The highlight of the night was hearing stories of the Sanctuary’s rescue work, particularly Holly and Davey, reminding everyone why their support is so important. The atmosphere was one of joy and generosity, with guests showing incredible warmth towards the animals’ ongoing welfare.
The evening was organised and hosted by the wonderful Dena Schwartz, whose remarkable dedication, attention to detail and enthusiasm set the tone for a truly memorable night. Thanks to her efforts, and the generosity of all who attended, the Gala raised an impressive £22,270.51. These funds will go directly towards the creation of the Gala Paddock and will enable the Sanctuary to provide a safer and more supportive environment for horses and ponies living with laminitis.
Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with how the evening went. The warmth and kindness shown by everyone who joined us was inspiring. The Gala Paddock is an important project for us and knowing that the funds raised will help improve the wellbeing of some of our most vulnerable residents means so much.
“I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to Dena, whose commitment and passion made the entire evening possible. It truly was a night to remember.”
For more information about Remus Horse Sanctuary and how you can support its work, visit www.remussanctuary.org.
Veterinary Breakthroughs Transforming Pet and Equine Care
The world of veterinary medicine is changing fast, bringing with it incredible new ways to care for our beloved animals. From innovative diagnostic tools to advanced treatments that support quicker recovery and improved comfort, these breakthroughs are helping pets and horses alike to enjoy longer, healthier lives.
For those of us who care deeply about animal welfare, it’s inspiring to see how science and compassion are working hand in hand to enhance wellbeing in the equine and veterinary fields.
Discover more about the latest advances in animal care in Everything Horse Magazine’s feature: Veterinary Breakthroughs Making Waves in Pet and Equine Care.
Remember we still have a number of events coming up to celebrate the festive season, including our: Red Carpet Charity Gala Evening on Saturday 15 November at the iconic Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire – this event is SOLD OUT but you can join a wait list in the event of any cancellations; Christmas Sale on Saturday 22 November at the Billericay Reading Rooms; Curry Lunches; and of course our Christmas Cake Decorating Workshop on Saturday 29 November, again at the Billericay Reading Rooms.
You can view and book for all of our events via our website.
Generate Donations when you Shop your Favourite Retailers Online
Did you know, you can help Remus Horse Sanctuary generate additional funds to help support our vital work just by shopping online?
By signing up to Give as you Live Online, we’ll receive a donation every time you shop at any of their 6,000+ registered retailers, including Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Tesco, Boots, Booking.com, Screwfix and Asos. The best bit? It’s completely free!
As well as generous donations for the Sanctuary, when you shop via Give as you Live Online you’ll also have access to top offers so you can save as well as raise!
Sign up today >
How does Give as you Live Online work?
- Sign up – Simply create an account to join our community raising funds for Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary.
- Shop – Start shopping through the website, app or better still, download the Donation Reminder to never forget to shop and raise.
- Raise – There are 5,500+ retail partners involved who make a thank you donation to us when you shop through Give as you Live Online.
Signup today >
Thank you for supporting Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary.
Christmas Cards and Calendars – Supporting the Sanctuary This Festive Season
We’re delighted to share our beautiful new range of Remus Christmas cards and our ever-popular annual wall calendar – both perfect for spreading festive cheer while supporting the animals in our care.
Our 2026 wall calendar features a special Remus resident each month, with stunning photographs and heart-warming stories that bring their personalities to life. These calendars sold out early last year, so if you’d like one, please don’t wait too long! You can order yours now from our online shop: Remus 2026 Wall Calendar.
As for our Christmas cards, we’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new and exclusive design this year: Festive Friends – a charming sketch capturing three of our beloved residents in a moment of festive mischief, featuring Charlie, Dante and Ginger the Cat.
Alongside this new addition, we’re also offering some of our most popular and unique packs, including Christmas Post, Home Comforts, Tea Time Drink, The Gathering, and Treacle – each featuring original hand-drawn sketches of individual animals from the Sanctuary. These designs are exclusive to Remus, by Mike Sherard, making them extra special to send, and to receive.
All proceeds from our cards, calendars and other gifts go directly towards caring for the horses, ponies, donkeys, and other animals at the Sanctuary. Your purchase helps us provide food, shelter, veterinary care, and warmth throughout the winter months – a time when our costs are at their highest.
So, if you’re looking for a meaningful way to support animal welfare this Christmas, please visit our shop today and order your cards and calendar. Every purchase makes a real difference.
Get Crafty!
If you love getting creative – or fancy learning a new skill – Remus Horse Sanctuary has just the thing for you this autumn! We’re delighted to announce three fabulous craft workshops designed for both seasoned makers and complete beginners. Whether you enjoy arts and crafts, cake decorating or jewellery making, or simply want to try your hand at something new, these events promise fun, friendship and a sprinkle of creativity – all while helping to support the Sanctuary’s vital animal welfare work.
Halloween Cake Decorating – Saturday 25 October
Join us for a spooky (and delicious!) start to the season with our Halloween Cake Decorating Workshop, taking place at the Billericay Reading Rooms from 11am to 2pm. Under expert guidance, you’ll learn how to create your own ghoulishly good cake designs – perfect for impressing family and friends this Halloween.
Bracelet Jewellery Making – Sunday 2 November
Next up, join us at the Sanctuary itself for our Bracelet Jewellery Making Workshop, from 11am to 3pm. Create your own beautiful, beaded bracelet under friendly, professional tuition, and enjoy a special tour of the Sanctuary, where you’ll have the chance to meet some of our much-loved residents. It’s a lovely day out for anyone who enjoys a bit of sparkle and a lot of heart.
Cute Christmas Cake Decorating – Saturday 29 November
Rounding off the season in festive style, our Cute Christmas Cake Decorating Workshop will take place once again at the Billericay Reading Rooms, from 11am to 2pm. Learn how to make adorable, festive-themed cakes that are sure to steal the show at your Christmas celebrations!
Sue Moloney, who runs these workshops for us, has been cake decorating for an incredible 35 years! She has a C&G qualification in sugarcraft, was a member of the Guild for many years and even Secretary of the Chelmsford branch for some time too!
Each workshop includes full tuition, so you don’t need to be an expert to take part – just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to have fun. Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.
To find out more and reserve your place, please use the links above. You might like to view our other events which you can do if you visit the Events page on our website.
We can’t wait to see what you create!
PS. If you love a good pub quiz too – check out our Quiz Night on Saturday 1 November.
Acorns and Horses – A Seasonal Danger to Be Aware Of
As the autumn leaves begin to fall, you might have noticed just how many acorns are around this year. Acorns may look both beautiful and harmless, but did you know they can pose a very real risk to horses? They contain toxins that can be harmful, even fatal, if eaten in large quantities – and with oak trees so common in the UK countryside, it’s important for horse owners and riders to stay alert.
This autumn is what’s known as a ‘mast’ year, when oak trees naturally produce a much larger crop of acorns than usual. While this is part of the trees’ natural cycle, it unfortunately increases the chances of horses encountering and eating them.
At Remus Horse Sanctuary, the safety and wellbeing of our residents is always our top priority. That’s why we’re sharing this helpful article from Horse & Hound, which explains why acorns can be so dangerous, the signs to look out for, and how best to keep horses safe. You can read the full piece here: Are acorns poisonous to horses?
Don’t forget our Wellness and Pamper Fair for humans on Sunday 12 October at Stock Village Hall! From 11am until 4pm, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide range of holistic treatments such as Reflexology, aromatherapy massage, crystal healing and plenty more. Plus there’ll be lots of stalls selling products and gifts. For full details please visit the website.
Celebrate 100 Years of World Animal Day at Remus Horse Sanctuary on Sunday 5 October 2025
Join the animals and humans for their final Open Day of the 2025 season and help celebrate the 100th anniversary of World Animal Day on Sunday 5 October from 1pm to 4pm.
World Animal Day, officially marked on 4 October, is a global celebration for all animals and the people who love and respect them. First established in 1925, it has grown into an international movement, uniting countries across every continent regardless of nationality, religion or political belief.
This year’s theme, ‘Save Animals, Save the Planet!’, emphasises the vital link between animal welfare and the health of our environment. Issues such as industrial farming, pollution, and habitat loss not only harm animals but also have devastating effects on the planet and people too.
Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary, said: “2025 is a landmark year for World Animal Day as we celebrate its 100th anniversary. This year’s theme – Save Animals, Save the Planet! – perfectly reflects the interconnectedness of all life. By protecting animals, we are also protecting the Earth we share. These are values at the very heart of everything we do at Remus, and we hope people will join us at our Open Day to mark this special occasion and show their support for animals in need.”
Visitors are welcome at the Sanctuary from 1pm to 4pm and can enjoy meeting over 100 animals, while also learning more about the charity’s vital work and operations. There will be fun for the whole family, with walkabout entertainment, facepainting and a bouncy castle, live music, stalls to browse, and a special visit from Disney’s Minney Mouse during the afternoon.
Parking is available on-site, with disabled access, and dogs are welcome on a lead. Refreshments will be served, including afternoon tea by advance booking.
Entry is just £8 for adults and £6 for children, or £16 to include the Cream Tea, per person. Tickets can be booked online via the website.
Remus provides rehabilitation and care for more than 100 animals – including horses, ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep and cats – many of whom have been victims of neglect, cruelty or abandonment. Founded in 1983, the Sanctuary has offered a safe haven for vulnerable animals for over 40 years.
Sue continued: “World Animal Day is a time for action, compassion and change. As we celebrate 100 years of this extraordinary global movement under the banner ‘Save Animals, Save the Planet!’, we invite everyone to come along, enjoy a wonderful afternoon, and stand together with us for animals everywhere.”
Purchase your tickets online now!
Happy 19th Birthday Grace
This October, we’re celebrating the 19th birthday of our beautiful mare Grace. Many of you will know her story, but for those who don’t, Grace came to us after being found wandering loose on the roads of Romford. She was terrified, pregnant and, heartbreakingly, blind.
It took 12 people four hours to safely catch her, as she was at huge risk of running into traffic or falling into the deep pond at the local kennels where she had strayed. Later, specialist ophthalmology vets at the Animal Health Trust concluded that her blindness was not natural, but deliberately inflicted – something had been put into her eyes to blind her.
A few months after arriving at the Sanctuary, Grace gave birth to her mule foal, Jess. Sadly, she couldn’t produce milk, so our team bottle-fed Jess around the clock for the first five months of her life. Despite the care and love she receives, Grace remains incredibly nervous of people. She requires sedation for both veterinary and farrier work, as she is simply too strong to handle otherwise.
Grace is a truly special member of our Sanctuary family, and we are so grateful that she has a safe, loving home here. If you’d like to support her on her special day, you can sponsor Grace directly via our website. And if you’d like to treat her for her 19th birthday, you’ll find plenty of goodies in our animal treats section.
Happy Birthday Grace – here’s to a gentle and peaceful year ahead.
Other Appeal
