Christmas Shopping with a Little Bit of Remus Magic
Christmas shopping doesn’t have to mean heading into town and battling the crowds. The Remus Christmas Shop is open online 24/7, with plenty of gift ideas for animal lovers, stocking fillers and festive treats, all while helping to support the rescued animals here at the Sanctuary.
From unique Christmas cards featuring Remus residents to our ever-popular Plum Pudding, there’s something for all sorts of Christmas lists.
Christmas cards featuring our rescued animals
Our Christmas cards are always a favourite, and this year there are five unique designs to choose from. Featuring original hand-drawn sketches of animals at the Sanctuary, they’re a lovely way to send your Christmas wishes while supporting Remus at the same time.
Choose from:
- Festive Friends featuring Charlie and Dante and Ginger
- Home Comforts featuring Heidi and Mason
- Tea Time Drink featuring Minstral and Winston
- The Gathering featuring Wesley, Spencer, Coco, Harvey and William
- A Winter’s Day featuring Minstral, Lacey and Treacle
Each design has its own character, so you can pick a favourite or choose a few different packs for your Christmas card list.
Festive food and gifts for the pantry
The Christmas Shop also has a selection of food items that make lovely gifts, or that can be enjoyed over the festive season. This year we’ve introduced ‘Grandma Wild’s’ traditional hand-baked biscuits, renowned for their traditional, crumbly texture and rich, buttery flavour.
And then there’s our ever-popular Plum Pudding. Available in a choice of sizes, it’s a long-standing Remus favourite and makes a great addition to your own Christmas table or a thoughtful gift for someone else. If you’re a fan, it’s worth ordering early as the Plum Pudding has proved popular with supporters over the years.
A Remus Calendar for 2027
The Remus 2027 wall calendar is another lovely gift for animal lovers, with photographs of some of the horses, ponies and donkeys at the Sanctuary throughout the year.
The calendar is also a chance for us to say a special thank you to the businesses and organisations who sponsor it. Their support helps us to continue caring for the rescued animals at Remus, and we’re hugely grateful for their generosity. Thank you to Arrow Leasehold Management, Dengie, Big John Direct, Firebird Facepaints, Affinity Fostering and Phoenix Brickwork without whom this calendar wouldn’t be possible.
Our Christmas Favourites
There are lots of lovely things to choose from in the Remus Christmas Shop, but here are a few of our favourites this year.
- Biscuits and Shortbread
We couldn’t resist these! The two designs feature gorgeous illustrations of either cats or dogs, with a choice of shortbread or biscuits inside. A lovely little treat for the biscuit lover and the animal lover. - Horse and Donkey Cuddly Toys
A little horse or donkey to take home and cuddle? Yes please! These sweet cuddly toys are available as a pony, a donkey or a set of both, making them a lovely gift for younger Remus fans, or anyone who’s never quite grown out of loving a cuddly animal. - Tea-Time Drink Christmas Card Pack
We love the tranquil feel of this gentle scene, featuring Minstral and Winston enjoying a quiet moment together. It captures something of the companionship and character of the animals at Remus, making it a particularly lovely Christmas card design.
Gift sponsorships are another thoughtful option for animal lovers, giving someone a special way to support the care of the animals at Remus.
Christmas shopping that helps Remus
There’s a good reason to choose a Remus gift this Christmas.
Remus Horse Sanctuary provides rescue, rehabilitation and lifetime care for vulnerable horses, ponies, donkeys and other animals. The Sanctuary receives no government funding and relies on fundraising and the generosity of its supporters to continue its work.
So when you buy a pack of Christmas cards, pick up a stocking filler or order your Christmas pudding from the Remus online shop, you’re doing a little more than ticking something off your Christmas list.
You’re helping to support the animals in our care too.
Take a look at the Remus Christmas Shop today and find something for everyone on your Christmas list.
Shop the Remus Christmas collection
Help Remus Win £5,000 in the Movement for Good Draw
Please nominate Remus Horse Sanctuary in the Benefact Movement for Good Animal and Wildlife Special Draw. It will take you just one minute!
The Benefact Group has launched a special Movement for Good draw to recognise charities working to support animals and wildlife, and Remus Horse Sanctuary is eligible to take part.
Ten charities will each receive £5,000, and we’d love Remus to be one of them.
As a haven for more than 100 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys, Remus relies on donations to provide the food, veterinary care and ongoing support these animals need. Winning £5,000 would make a real difference to the lives of the animals in our care.
How to nominate
The nomination period is open until midnight on Sunday 18 October 2026.
All you need to do is:
- Visit the Benefact Movement for Good website.
- Nominate Remus Horse Sanctuary (charity no 1134951)
- Share the opportunity with your friends, family and social networks.
You can nominate all your favourite animal and wildlife charities, but please remember that each charity can only be nominated once per person.
And remember, the more nominations we receive, the greater our chance of winning.
Please support Remus
Your nomination costs nothing and takes just a minute, but if Remus is successful, the £5,000 prize could help us continue providing the care and support our rescued animals need.
Please nominate Remus Horse Sanctuary today and help us get as many nominations as possible before the draw closes at midnight on Sunday 18 October.
Nominate Remus Horse Sanctuary
Making a Difference: Affinity Fostering Supports Remus’s Artisan Market
There’s something rather special about a community coming together to support a good cause. Whether it’s buying from a local maker, enjoying something delicious, donating to a charity or simply turning up to an event, every contribution can make a difference.
That’s exactly what we’re hoping for when we welcome visitors to our Artisan Market at Stock Village Hall on Sunday 11 October, and we’re delighted to have local fostering agency Affinity Fostering supporting the event as our sponsor.
Taking place from 11am to 4pm, the market will bring together a lovely selection of handmade products and locally produced food, offering visitors the chance to discover some great local makers and producers while helping to raise much-needed funds for the horses, ponies and donkeys in our care.
For Affinity Fostering, supporting local communities is also an important part of what they do.
Based at Ingatestone Hall, the agency supports foster carers across Essex and beyond, with a focus on enhancing and empowering young lives. Affinity has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted and places a strong emphasis on supporting its foster carers, including dedicated social workers, local support groups and 24/7 support.
But fostering is about more than providing a safe and nurturing home. Affinity also aims to create a strong sense of community for its foster families, with family days, activities, support groups and events designed to give children and young people positive experiences and opportunities.
That shared belief in the importance of community makes Affinity a particularly fitting sponsor for our Artisan Market.
Andy Robins, CEO of Affinity EFS Group Ltd and Director & Responsible Individual of Affinity Fostering Services Ltd, said:
“We’re delighted to be supporting the Remus Horse Sanctuary Artisan Market. At Affinity Fostering, community is incredibly important to us, and we’re always keen to support local organisations and events that bring people and families together. Remus does fantastic work, and sponsoring the Artisan Market is a great opportunity for us to support a worthwhile local cause while being part of what should be a brilliant community event.”
If you’ve ever wondered whether fostering could be right for you, the Artisan Market could also be an opportunity to find out a little more about Affinity and the difference you could make to a young person’s life.
You don’t need to know whether fostering is definitely right for you before getting in touch. Affinity’s friendly team can answer your questions, explain what fostering involves and talk you through the process without any obligation.
As Affinity says, foster carers come from all sorts of backgrounds. What matters most is having the time, stability and commitment to provide a safe and nurturing home for a child who needs one.
To find out more about fostering with Affinity, call 01245 237158 or visit www.affinityfostering.com.
We’re delighted to have Affinity Fostering supporting this event, and hope this will be the start of a positive relationship. We’re always grateful to businesses that want to support Remus, whether through event sponsorship, fundraising or other opportunities to get involved. To find out more, please contact Alison via email to: funding@remussanctuary.org.
And, of course, we’d love to see you at the Remus Artisan Market on Sunday 11 October. Come along, enjoy the market, support our local makers and help us raise funds for the animals at Remus Horse Sanctuary.
Sunday 11 October 2026 | 11am–4pm
Stock Village Hall, Common Road, Stock CM4 9NF
We look forward to seeing you there!
Remus Horse Sanctuary to celebrate World Animal Day at final Open Day of 2026
Remus Horse Sanctuary will be opening its gates for the final Open Day of 2026 on Sunday 4 October from 1pm to 4pm, giving visitors one last opportunity this year to meet the Sanctuary’s beautiful rescue animals and learn more about the work that goes on behind the scenes. The event also coincides with World Animal Day, making it a particularly special day for everyone at Remus and the animals in its care.
World Animal Day is celebrated around the world every year on 4 October, raising awareness of animal welfare and encouraging people to take action to improve the lives of animals. For Remus, which provides a safe and loving home for more than 100 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and other animals, it’s a fitting occasion to celebrate the animals who have found their way to the Sanctuary and the people who help make their continued care possible.
Visitors to the October Open Day will be able to meet many of the animals, find out more about their individual stories and see first-hand how Remus cares for its residents throughout the year. There will also be a range of stalls and activities to enjoy, making it a lovely day out for animal lovers of all ages. As the final Open Day of the year, it’s also a chance to say goodbye to the Sanctuary until the Open Days return in 2027, while continuing to support the vital work of the charity.
Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary, said: “It feels particularly fitting that our final Open Day of 2026 falls on World Animal Day. Every day at Remus is about putting the animals first, giving them the care, kindness and safe home they deserve.
“Our Open Days give people the opportunity to meet some of the animals, hear their stories and see why our work is so important. We’d love to welcome everyone to the Sanctuary on 4 October for what promises to be a very special day, and to celebrate the wonderful animals who are at the heart of everything we do.”
To find out more and book your tickets in advance, please visit the Sanctuary’s website at: www.remussanctuary.org/events/open-day-sanctuary-october/ or tel: 01277 356191.
September Birthday Celebrations at Remus
September has been a busy month for birthday celebrations here at Remus, with three very special residents reaching another year older.
We may be halfway through the month already, but we couldn’t let September pass without wishing Winston, Marmite 2 and Minty a very happy birthday!
These are also the last of our birthday celebrations for 2026, as we don’t have any animals with birthdays in October, November or December. Of course, that doesn’t mean the celebrations stop. Every animal here at Remus is special to us, and they’re loved, cared for and celebrated every single day.
Happy 20th Birthday Winston!
Winston celebrated his 20th birthday on 4 September.
Winston was found at an illegal Traveller’s sale, standing alone in a dirty trailer hidden around the back. He was extremely thin and totally terrified.
When Winston arrived at Remus, blood tests revealed that he had severe liver problems caused by ragwort poisoning. He’d been kept in a field full of ragwort with nothing else available, so he was forced to eat it.
Thankfully, Winston came through this difficult time and he now thoroughly enjoys his life at Remus, surrounded by the care and companionship he deserves.
If you’d like to sponsor Winston, you can find out more by clicking on the web page with the link.
If you’d like to get Winston a birthday present as well, you can choose something from our animal treats section.
Happy 9th Birthday Marmite 2!
Marmite 2 celebrated his 9th birthday on 6 September.
Marmite had an awful start in life. He and Flint were kept in a cage for much of their early lives and were desperately thin, as well as being full of worms and covered in lice.
Thankfully, their lives are very different now. Marmite and Flint enjoy their freedom here at Remus, living happily with their field mates and receiving the care they need.
If you’d like to get Marmite 2 a birthday present, you can choose something from our animal treats section.
Happy 33rd Birthday Minty!
Minty celebrated his 33rd birthday on 22 September.
Minty came to us with three other ponies from a riding school after the owner and their 12 other horses were evicted. We were able to find homes for 12 of the horses, while the four oldest came into Remus’ care.
These ponies had been much loved and well cared for at the riding school, where they taught many youngsters in Essex how to ride and respect horses. Now Minty enjoys his retirement at Remus with his best friend and fellow riding school pony, Scotty.
Minty unfortunately has breathing problems and, during the summer, needs a respiratory pump with medication to help him breathe more easily. He takes his medication very well, and is well cared for by the Remus team.
Click on the link if you’d like to sponsor Minty.
If you’d also like to get Minty a birthday present, you can choose something from our animal treats section.
Celebrating our Remus residents every day
Birthdays are always a lovely opportunity to celebrate some of the individual characters who make up the Remus family and share a little more of their stories.
But while Winston, Marmite 2 and Minty have had their special birthday treats this month, every day is about giving all of our residents the care, kindness and security they deserve.
We’ll be back with our next birthday celebrations in January, but in the meantime, we’ll continue celebrating our wonderful herd and pack every day.
If you’d like to help us care for the animals at Remus, there are lots of ways you can support the Sanctuary, from sponsoring an animal to choosing a special treat for one of our residents.
If you’d like to meet Winston, Marmite 2 and Minty – and the rest of our darling rescues – our last Open Day of the season will take place on Sunday 4 October.
A Lasting Gift for the Future of Remus
Remember A Charity Week takes place from 7–13 September, providing a timely opportunity to think about the charities and causes that matter to you and how you might continue to support them in the future.
For Remus Horse Sanctuary, the future is something we think about every day.
Our animals rely on us for food, veterinary care, shelter and everything else they need to live happy and healthy lives. With over 100 horses, donkeys and other animals in our care, ensuring that we can continue providing that support for years to come is incredibly important.
One way you can help is by leaving a gift to Remus in your Will.
A gift in your Will, however large or small, can make a lasting difference to the animals at the Sanctuary. It could be a fixed amount, a particular item or asset, or a share of what remains of your estate after other gifts have been made.
There can also be Inheritance Tax benefits to leaving a gift to a registered charity. Charitable gifts are generally exempt from Inheritance Tax, and leaving at least 10% of your net estate to charity may reduce the rate of Inheritance Tax payable on the remainder of your estate. For the most up-to-date information, visit the [GOV.UK guidance on leaving gifts to charity in your Will].
Making a Will is a personal decision, and it’s important to make sure it reflects your wishes and circumstances. Remus has partnered with FreeWills, which provides a free Will-writing service, making it simple to put your wishes in writing without the usual cost of a solicitor.
If you already have a Will, it is also worth reviewing it from time to time to make sure it still reflects your wishes.
For Remus, a gift in your Will isn’t simply a donation. It is a way of helping to protect the future of animals who may need a safe home and lifelong care.
If Remus is a charity close to your heart, we would be incredibly grateful if you would consider remembering the Sanctuary in your Will.
Find out more about supporting Remus and leaving a lasting legacy on our website.
September Open Day: Come and Meet the Animals at Remus
Join us at Remus Horse Sanctuary on Sunday 6 September for our penultimate Open Day of the year. From 1pm to 4pm, you can come and meet our wonderful horses, ponies, donkeys and other rescued animals, explore the Sanctuary, enjoy refreshments and browse the stalls. It’s a lovely afternoon out for all ages, and, importantly, your visit helps to support the vital work we do every day.
This year has been particularly challenging for the Sanctuary, with the ongoing drought putting additional pressure on our fields and meaning we are having to rely more heavily on bought-in hay and other resources to keep our animals well fed. With no government funding, the support we receive from our visitors, donors and supporters really does make a difference.
The dry conditions also mean that the Sanctuary is 100% smoking and vape free. With the fields and surrounding land so dry, the risk of a fire is something we simply cannot take. We ask everyone visiting the Sanctuary to respect this rule and help us keep our animals, team and visitors safe.
So, why not make a date for Sunday 6 September? Come and meet the animals, enjoy a few hours at the Sanctuary and help support the work we do. And if you can’t make September, our final Open Day of the year is Sunday 4 October.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Remus Horse Sanctuary Launches Hay Appeal as Drought Pushes Up Costs
Remus Horse Sanctuary has launched an appeal for donations towards its hay costs as the extremely dry summer weather leaves the Sanctuary facing an unexpected increase in the cost of feeding more than 100 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and other animals.
Ordinarily at this time of year, Remus would not need to buy in hay as there would be plenty of grass in the paddocks for the animals to graze. However, the prolonged dry weather has reduced grass growth and affected farmers’ yields, putting pressure on hay supplies. As demand increases, so do prices. In January, a large bale of hay cost Remus £110. It is now £150, an increase of 36.4% in just six months, and the price is expected to continue rising. The Sanctuary is currently needing around nine large bales per week, costing approximately £5,400 a month, which was not included in its budget.
Every day, the rescued animals in Remus’s care depend on a constant supply of good quality hay. Unlike many other costs, feeding the animals cannot be delayed or reduced. As a Sanctuary providing lifelong care for more than 100 rescued animals, this unexpected increase in costs presents a significant challenge. Remus is appealing to supporters to help towards the additional cost of keeping its animals fed and cared for throughout what is proving to be an increasingly difficult summer.
Founder Sue Burton said: “We are facing a very challenging situation. Normally, by this time of year, our fields would be providing plenty of grass for the animals, but 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.”
You can support the Remus Hay Appeal by donating via their Facebook Fundraiser or through their JustGiving page. Every contribution, however large or small, will help ensure Remus’ rescued animals have the food they need.
Fireworks Consultation: Help Protect Horses and Other Animals
For many people, fireworks are a celebration. For horse owners, animal lovers and vulnerable people, they can be a source of real worry.
At Remus Horse Sanctuary, we know only too well the distress that loud fireworks can cause. Every year, horses, livestock, pets and wildlife can become frightened by sudden, unexpected explosions. For horses in particular, the consequences can be serious, with panic leading to injuries, damaged fencing and, in some cases, tragic outcomes.
That’s why we’re pleased to see the UK Government has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to fireworks regulations, including a reduction in the maximum permitted noise level for consumer fireworks.
A Step Towards Positive Change
The consultation is an important opportunity for the public to help shape future fireworks legislation.
Alongside proposals to reduce the maximum noise level, the Government is also seeking views on whether additional high risk fireworks should be removed from public sale. The aim is to improve public safety while also reducing the impact fireworks have on animals and vulnerable people.
Whilst quieter fireworks will not remove every risk, lowering noise levels could make a meaningful difference to the welfare of horses and many other animals who experience fear and stress during fireworks displays.
At Remus, we’ve seen first-hand how frightening loud fireworks can be for the horses in our care. Even when no physical harm occurs, the fear and stress they experience can be considerable.
Thank You for Your Support
Many of our supporters have already helped raise awareness of this issue by signing petitions and contacting their MPs over the years. Every signature, email and conversation has helped keep the welfare of animals firmly on the agenda.
The launch of this consultation is an encouraging next step, but it is not the end of the journey.
The consultation is open until 7 October 2026, and everyone is invited to have their say.
Whether you own horses, care for animals, work with wildlife or simply believe that celebrations should be enjoyable without causing unnecessary distress, your views matter.
By taking a few minutes to respond, you can help influence future regulations and support better protection for horses, other animals and vulnerable people.
Together, we have the opportunity to help create positive change.
Take part in the Government consultation here: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/fireworks-and-pyrotechnics-in-the-uk
August Birthdays at Remus Horse Sanctuary
This August, we’re delighted to be celebrating six very special milestones with some of our rescued residents.
Happy 18th Birthday, Coco and William!
DOB: 1 August 2008
Coco and William’s story is one of hope and transformation. They were found standing tied to a horsebox at an unauthorised Traveller’s Fair, painfully thin and having seemingly given up on life. Along with their friend, Stix the Shetland pony, they were brought safely to Remus Horse Sanctuary where they began the long road to recovery.
It took many months to overcome their health problems, but today they are thriving. The pair are inseparable, adore their fellow donkeys and clearly love the safe, happy life they now enjoy.
If you’d like to help care for Coco and William, why not sponsor them through our website: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/coco-and-william
Happy 16th Birthday, Wesley and Spencer!
DOB: 7 August 2010
Wesley and Spencer arrived at Remus as frightened young foals after a desperately sad start to life. Found in Norfolk at just four or five months old, they were severely underweight, malnourished and living in thick mud. Their only food was whole carrots, which they were far too young to eat properly, and concerned local people witnessed them being mistreated before alerting us.
Once they had recovered, they joined the donkey herd where they were taken under the wing of Hovis Donkey, who remains wonderfully protective of them. Today they spend their days happily together, free from fear and full of character.
You can sponsor Wesley and Spencer and help support their ongoing care through our website: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/wesley-and-spencer.
Happy 9th Birthday, Flint!
DOB: 15 August 2016
Flint’s early years were heartbreaking. Alongside Marmite, he spent much of his life confined to a cage, suffering from malnutrition as well as worms and lice.
Thankfully those days are long behind him. Flint now enjoys the freedom every horse deserves, spending his days with his field companion and living life on his own terms.
If you’d like to send Flint a birthday treat, you’ll find plenty of tasty gifts in the animal treats section of our online shop: www.remussanctuary.org/product-category/animal-treats.
Happy 38th Birthday, Rosie!
DOB: 29 August 1988
Rosie is one of our oldest residents and a truly remarkable little mare. Before arriving at Remus she was forced to pull heavy carts despite suffering from severe arthritis and laminitis.
Today she can enjoy the peaceful retirement she deserves with her best friend, Dandy the Shetland. Although Rosie continues to need specialist care for laminitis, Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing’s Disease (PPID), she receives all the support and treatment she needs to remain comfortable and happy.
If you’d like to spoil Rosie on her birthday, you can choose a special gift for her from the animal treats section of our online shop: www.remussanctuary.org/product-category/animal-treats.
Every birthday at Remus is a reminder of why rescue matters. These animals have all overcome neglect, abuse or hardship to find safety, friendship and lifelong care. If you’d like to help us continue giving vulnerable horses, ponies and donkeys the second chance they deserve, whether by sponsoring an animal, sending a birthday treat or making a donation, we’d be incredibly grateful for your support.
If you would like to come and meet all of these amazing animals and more, our next Open Day will be Sunday 6 September. Details of all our events can be found on our website.
Remus Drought
Other Appeal
