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.
Summer Open Day Offers a Chance to Meet the Animals Behind the Rescue Stories
Remus Horse Sanctuary is inviting families and animal lovers to enjoy a relaxed summer day out whilst discovering more about the vital work involved in caring for over 100 rescued horses, donkeys and other animals.
The Sanctuary’s next Open Day takes place on Sunday 2 August, from 1pm until 5pm, offering visitors the opportunity to meet many of the animals, explore the peaceful Essex countryside and learn first hand about the challenges of providing specialist care throughout the year.
Recent months have highlighted just how unpredictable life at the Sanctuary can be. After enduring prolonged wet weather and flooded fields, the recent spell of hot, dry conditions has left the ground baked hard. Both extremes create additional challenges for animal welfare, field management and day to day care, increasing the cost of keeping the animals safe, healthy and comfortable throughout the year.
Founder Sue Burton said: “Every season brings its own challenges. Whether we’re coping with waterlogged paddocks during the winter or trying to manage animals safely through long periods of dry weather, the work never stops. Our Open Days are a wonderful opportunity for people to see what goes on behind the scenes and understand how their support helps us continue caring for animals that have nowhere else to go.”
Visitors will be able to meet many of the Sanctuary’s rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and other animals, chat to the dedicated team and volunteers, browse a selection of stalls and enjoy refreshments in a relaxed rural setting. Children’s entertainment and activities will also be available, making it an enjoyable afternoon for all ages.
As an independent charity that receives no government funding, Remus Horse Sanctuary relies on the generosity of its supporters to continue providing lifetime care for animals that have often suffered neglect, abuse or abandonment. Every visitor, donation, purchase and membership helps make a real difference.
To find out more about the event and book your tickets, visit the Remus website at: www.remussanctuary.org/events/open-day-at-the-sanctuary-august or telephone: 01277 356191.
Why Reporting Equine Flu Matters
Equine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease affecting horses, and recent calls from the industry highlight just how important it is to report confirmed outbreaks. Sharing information quickly helps owners, vets and equestrian organisations respond appropriately, reducing the risk of further spread and protecting horses across the UK.
At Remus Horse Sanctuary, the health and wellbeing of our horses, donkeys and other animals is always our priority. Good biosecurity, vigilance and access to accurate information all play an important role in helping to protect equines and reduce the risks posed by infectious diseases.
This article from Horse & Hound explains why greater reporting of equine flu outbreaks is being encouraged and what it means for horse owners. It’s well worth a read if you want to understand more about the importance of monitoring and managing this disease.
If you would like to meet the animals at Remus Horse Sanctuary and learn more about our welfare work, we will be opening our gates for several special events throughout the summer months. We would love to welcome you to the Sanctuary and share more about the work we do. Full details of upcoming events can be found on our website: www.remussanctuary.org/event-category/all-events.
July Birthday Wishes for Our Residents
July is a wonderfully busy month for birthdays here at Remus Horse Sanctuary, with a whole group of much-loved residents marking another year of life, recovery, and companionship. Each has their own story, and each one is a reminder of why sanctuary life matters.
Belated Happy 19th Birthday Willow (1 July)
Willow was born here at Remus to her mother Rowan. Rowan came to the Sanctuary in August 2006 aged 18 months. She was so desperately withdrawn and would not mix with the other horses, keeping to herself. Little by little she put weight on and, very slowly, began to trust us. Then, without anyone realising, she produced a foal one night on her own.
Because of her age and the size of the foal, Rowan bled internally for a week. Left on her own, as she would have been, she would have died. The stallion was so big that the foal was too large for Rowan’s small frame, which caused immense complications. She then went down with colic, but thankfully we managed to get her through.
We named the foal Willow, and the pair have remained together ever since. They share a very strong bond and are never far apart in the field. It is hard to think what might have happened to them without sanctuary care. This is what your kind donations and sponsorship help to achieve.
Please click on the link if you’d like to sponsor Willow and contribute to her ongoing care: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/willow
Belated Happy 33rd Birthday Minstral (3 July)
This beautiful mare with striking head markings was found dumped in a field in Braintree. Her stomach was extremely swollen due to repeated breeding and her Linear Alba was torn, causing what is effectively a massive rupture.
When Minstral came in, we did not expect her to survive long, but we were determined to do the best we could for her. Ten years later, she is still going strong. She lives in a paddock on her own but with other horses nearby for company, while remaining protected from being kicked or chased. She is understandably very distrusting of other horses, most likely as a result of her early life.
In 2016, a badly ulcerated eye would not clear up and, on veterinary advice, the decision was taken to remove it after it ruptured. Thanks to the care and expertise of our Veterinary Surgeon Mark Murrell, the Animal Health Trust, and the dedicated nursing of our staff, she came through this trauma well and copes wonderfully with just one eye.
If you would like to sponsor Minstral, and contribute to her ongoing wellbeing, please click here: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/minstral
Belated Happy 9th Birthday Jakie (5 July)
This pony was dumped behind Buttsbury Church at just under a year old. She was completely feral and no one could get within 10 to 15 metres of her. At the time, we had reports of two youngsters dumped in Tilbury which were killed on the road, and another pair loose in Aveley, one of whom was also killed, so we were determined this little girl would not become another statistic.
The only way to safely catch her was by darting, which meant bringing in a specialist team costing over £1000. Thankfully they succeeded, and she began to recover from the stress of being dumped alone in open fields with access to a flooded river and nearby roads, then darted and moved to a completely unfamiliar environment.
She is now a friendly, confident girl, loving life here at Remus with her friends Heidi and Dora.
If you would like to sponsor Jakie, to ensure her ongoing care, please click on the link: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/jakie
Happy 39th Birthday Mopsey (6 July)
Mopsey arrived at Remus with her aunt Damson and her cousin April. The three have spent their entire lives together, and given their age, that is a long time. Damson turned 40 this year, making her the oldest resident at Remus. They had been cared for by their previous owner, but as everyone grew older, it became increasingly difficult to manage them, so the decision was made to ask Remus for help rather than separate them.
They were nervous at first after leaving the only home they had ever known, but they soon settled and are now enjoying life at the Sanctuary together.
To sponsor Mopsey and continue her care, please click here: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/mopsey
Happy 31st Birthday Dolly 2 (18 July)
Dolly came to us after spending 22 years of her life on a tethering chain with many other horses. They were often hungry and thirsty, and like all tethered horses, she was lonely and bored.
On arrival at Remus she could not believe her luck and the freedom she now had. She settled in really well and is a beautiful mare. Dolly loves routine and is very keen to be fed at a set time. She’s known to bang on the gate if food is not delivered quickly enough! She has arthritis due to a serious foot injury when she was tethered, so she walks with a limp.
If you would like to sponsor Dolly 2 to help with her ongoing wellbeing, please visit: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/dolly2
Happy 18th Birthday Hovis (24 July)
Hovis came to us when his owners moved to Wales. The horse he was living with kept picking on him and the situation had been reported to the RSPCA a few times. During transport to Wales, the other horse attacked Hovis, and on arrival the receiving yard refused to accept him.
Poor Hovis was then forced to travel back to Essex, and the transporters were left with a donkey and nowhere to take him. We offered him a home at Remus, and he now enjoys life with his donkey friends. He is best friends with Wesley and Spencer and is very protective of them.
If you would like to sponsor Hovis to help with his ongoing care, please click here: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/hovis
Happy 29th Birthday Laddie (31 July)
Laddie was born and bred by Irish Travellers and later sold on within traveller communities before being purchased by someone who felt sorry for him. He came to us because he was difficult to handle, having learned to attack people in order to protect himself from the beatings he would have experienced in his early life.
Very gradually, Laddie has become more trusting. He lived with Bella until her passing, after which it was decided to integrate him into the donkey herd. At first, he would not engage with the others, but over time the donkeys individually approached him, encouraging him to join in. Slowly, he began to respond, and now he acts like a typical donkey and enjoys the company of his friends. His best friend is Harvey.
If you would like to get Laddie a birthday present, head to the animal treat section of our shop: www.remussanctuary.org/product-category/animal-treats
Wishing all of our July birthday residents a very happy day, surrounded by the care and kindness they deserve.
We have a number of events coming up, please take a look at our Events page to find out more.
Remus Drought
Other Appeal
