Happy 40th Birthday, Damson!

We’re thrilled to be celebrating an incredible milestone here at Remus Horse Sanctuary – our beloved Shetland pony, Damson, will be 40 years old on 1 June! This makes her the oldest resident at the Sanctuary, and we couldn’t be prouder of how well she’s doing.

Damson’s story is a little different from many of our rescue cases. While most of the animals at Remus come to us as victims of neglect or abuse, sometimes we’re called upon to provide a loving, secure home when an owner is no longer able to cope. That was the case with Damson, her daughter April, and her niece Mopsey.

A Life Full of Love and Loyalty

Damson, April, and Mopsey spent their entire lives together, cared for by a devoted owner. As the years passed, and both she and the ponies grew older, it became increasingly difficult for her to meet their needs – both physically and financially. Wanting to ensure the trio stayed together and received the care they deserved, she turned to Remus for help.

While taking on elderly animals – especially those with existing health concerns – comes with significant costs and long-term responsibilities, at Remus we’re committed to providing the very best quality of life for every animal that comes into our care.

The girls were understandably nervous at first. After all, they were leaving the only home they had ever known. But with time, patience, and gentle care, they soon settled in and began to thrive.

Courage in the Face of Ageing

At 40 years old, Damson is not just an old soul – she’s an inspiration! She suffers from Cushing’s disease (PPID), which requires ongoing treatment. She’s also prone to laminitis, so her diet and environment are carefully managed to keep her comfortable.

Despite these challenges, Damson’s spirit remains strong. She continues to enjoy her days with April and Mopsey by her side, basking in the sunshine and the affection of visitors and carers alike.

A Legacy of Longevity

Damson is not the first long-lived equine we’ve had the privilege of caring for. At Remus, we have a proud history of supporting elderly animals to live out their golden years in health and happiness:

Buttons, our much-loved black pony, lived to the extraordinary age of 54.
Shayne, the liver chestnut gelding once believed to be the oldest horse in the world, passed away aged 52.
And Orchid, a cherished member of our herd, celebrated her 50th birthday in January 2015 and lived to be 51.

Each of these animals remained well-covered, healthy, and active until the end – a testament to the power of expert care, good nutrition, and, above all, love.

Celebrate Damson’s Special Day

If you’d like to help us mark Damson’s 40th birthday, there are a couple of special ways to get involved:

🎁 Sponsor Damson – Give a birthday gift that helps support her continued care.
👉 Sponsor Damson

🍬 Send a Birthday Treat – Visit our shop and send a little something to make her day extra special.
👉 Animal Treats

We have a number of other animals celebrating their birthdays in June including: Bracken, Davey, Dickie, Dora, Harvey, Jilly and Toffee.

Why Your Support Matters

Every animal deserves to feel safe, loved, and respected – no matter their age. Damson’s story is a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when we offer compassion, commitment, and care.

Thank you for helping us give Damson – and so many others like her – the peaceful, dignified life they deserve.

Have you nominated Remus in the next Benefact Group Draw?

Benefact have shared that in 2024, more than 10% of winning charities received 10 or fewer nominations. Please don’t let us be one of them!

YOUR NOMINATION ALONE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

The third £1,000 draw of the year is fast approaching, so please get your nominations in by midnight on Sunday 1 June.

You can vote for Remus Horse Sanctuary online here:

NOMINATE REMUS NOW

The 50 winning charities will be announced on Friday 6 June.

The Movement for Good Awards is an annual programme of giving that anyone can get involved in, and again this year they’ll be donating over £1 million to charities and good causes. Benefact Group is an independent, specialist financial services group which gives all of its available profits to charity and causes. Owned by a registered charity, Benefact Trust, Benefact Group’s family of businesses provide specialist insurance, investment management and broking and advisory services in the UK, Australia, Canada and Ireland.

Furthermore, Benefact Group is the third-largest UK corporate donor to charity over a decade, according to the Directory of Social Change’s UK Guides to Company Giving 2017-26.

Don’t forget…

It’s one nomination per charity per person. And the earlier you nominate, the more £1,000 draws your chosen charities will be entered into. Nominations made from 1 January 2025 to 15 December 2025 will be entered into all remaining £1,000 draws. But nominations from previous years do not roll over.

Thank you so much for supporting the Benefact Movement for Good Awards!

NOMINATE REMUS NOW

PS. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday 1 June for our next Open Day. Full details and tickets via the website. Or call us on 01277 356191.

Seven Million Horses at Risk – Remus Backs Call for Legal Reform

Remus Horse Sanctuary welcomes the recent call from World Horse Welfare (WHW) urging the European Union to strengthen animal welfare laws and better protect the continent’s seven million equines. The charity’s report, Invisible Horses, highlights the lack of species-specific legislation and enforcement across the EU, leaving many horses, donkeys, and mules vulnerable to neglect, abuse, and exploitation. The report reveals that equines often fall through the cracks of existing regulations, particularly during transport, at slaughterhouses, and when used for work or tourism.

WHW’s recommendations include creating EU-wide minimum standards of care for equines, improved enforcement mechanisms, and greater recognition of the vital role equines play in rural economies. The charity also stresses the importance of educating owners and authorities to ensure that all equines are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary, said: “This long-awaited review is not only necessary but urgent. Equines across Europe have suffered in silence for too long, and we wholeheartedly support WHW’s call for action. It’s time these animals were properly recognised in law and given the protection they need and deserve.”

The call for legislative reform also echoes the Sanctuary’s own Born to Die campaign, which highlights the thousands of horses in the UK bred each year only to be discarded, neglected, or slaughtered when they are no longer wanted. The campaign raises awareness of this heartbreaking cycle and calls for greater responsibility and accountability within the equine industry. Like WHW’s report, it reinforces the urgent need for stronger, enforceable laws to protect equines at every stage of their lives.

The White Paper ‘Good Welfare for Equids’ can be viewed online.

If you would like to find out more about the vital work at Remus Horse Sanctuary, you will be able to visit on Sunday 1 June from 1pm until 4pm, for one of the Sanctuary’s family and dog-friendly Open Days. Book your ticket online at: https://www.remussanctuary.org/events/open-day-at-the-sanctuary-june/ or contact the Sanctuary on: 01277 356191.

Fundraising Fashion Show and Discount Clothes Sale in aid of Remus Horse Sanctuary

Enjoy a unique afternoon of fashion at Stock Village Hall in Essex on Saturday 17 May and raise funds in aid of Remus Horse Sanctuary. The fundraising fashion show will feature over 100 individual styles made up of timeless wardrobe essentials from leading high street fashion stores* such as M&S, Wallis, River Island, Mango, H&M, New Look, DKNY, Guess, White Stuff, Next and Oasis.

After the show guests will have opportunity to browse the rails and try on those items they’ve seen on the catwalk and purchase them at heavily discounted prices – generally at least 70% cheaper than the in-store price. A range of matching shoes and accessories will also be available to complement the clothes. And, in the event you change your mind, all items purchased can be returned within 14 days of the event for exchange or refund.

Catering for all shapes and sizes, the styles will be available in a range of sizes* from 6-22 ensuring there is something for everyone. During the show, the compere will describe what each model is wearing, the sizes available, and both the original and sale price.

Guests will have the opportunity to win a £50 Colours Gift Voucher in the raffle, and refreshments will be available during the afternoon including tea, coffee, soft drinks, homemade cake and savoury snacks.

Doors open at 1pm for the Fashion Show to commence at 1.30pm. The fashion show itself will last approximately an hour and a half, followed by plenty of time to try on and purchase the items of choice.

Tickets cost just £7 per person and should be purchased in advance either by telephoning the Sanctuary on: 01277 356191 or via the website. Book your tickets online here for the Remus Colours Fashion Show and Pop-Up Shop.

The fundraising fashion show is being organised by ‘Colours’ a leading provider of professional fundraising events.

“Last year’s event was a sell-out and a great success”, said Dee Shadforth at the Sanctuary. “We all had a really enjoyable afternoon and raised over £600 for the Sanctuary – we’re hoping to beat that this year.”

For further information, please contact Dee Shadforth via email: funding@remussanctuary.org.

*Subject to availability.

Join Us in Supporting Strangles Awareness Week 2025

Strangles is one of the most common – and contagious – equine diseases, yet with the right knowledge, vigilance, and preventative measures, we can help minimise its spread. Strangles Awareness Week (SAW) 2025, running from 5-11 May, is an opportunity for the equestrian community to come together, share information, and promote good biosecurity practices to protect our horses.

At Remus Horse Sanctuary, we are proud to support this vital campaign, encouraging horse owners, yard managers, and fellow equine charities to take part. By working together, we can help stop the spread of this distressing disease and protect the wellbeing of horses across the UK.

What is Strangles?

Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection affecting horses, donkeys, and ponies. It causes fever, nasal discharge, swollen lymph nodes, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties. While rarely fatal, the disease can cause significant suffering and lead to prolonged recovery times. The best defence is awareness, early detection, and proactive prevention.

The ‘BEST’ Approach to Strangles Prevention

This year, the SAW campaign highlights four key steps to help prevent and control Strangles, using the ‘BEST’ approach:

Boost immunity with Strangles vaccination
Engage with trusted information
Separate unfamiliar horses
Temperature check routinely

By following these simple but effective steps, horse owners and carers can play a crucial role in stopping the spread of Strangles.

Get Involved

SAW 2025 offers various ways to participate, whether by sharing educational content, implementing biosecurity measures at your yard, or spreading awareness through social media. The campaign’s new yellow ‘BEST’ graphic is available to download and share, making it easy for everyone to get involved. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #SAW25 to support the movement and help spread awareness.

At Remus Horse Sanctuary, we take the health and wellbeing of our equines – and all our animals – incredibly seriously as you can imagine. We are committed to raising awareness about Strangles and advocating for better prevention measures. By standing together as a community, we can help reduce the impact of this disease and safeguard the future of our horses. For more information and to access resources, visit Strangles Awareness Week’s official website. Let’s spread the word, not the disease!

#StranglesAwarenessWeek
#SAW2025
#SimplyTheBEST

Visitors Welcome at Remus Horse Sanctuary for Early May Bank Holiday Weekend

The humans at Remus Horse Sanctuary will be welcoming visitors to the Sanctuary to meet the many and varied rescued animals for the first time this year, on Sunday 4 May from 1pm to 4pm.

Open Days at the Sanctuary are fun for the whole family, with a children’s corner and face painting, live entertainment, a variety of stalls, tombola and raffle. Visitors might also be lucky enough to spot special guest Mickey Mouse!

A range of delicious refreshments, including a Cream Tea with two plain scones, butter, jam and clotted cream with your choice of tea and coffee, are also available. We kindly request advance booking of the afternoon tea, which costs just £16 per person including entry.

Parking is available on-site with disabled access, and dogs are very welcome on a lead. Admission will be charged at just £8 per adult and £6 for children. Advance online booking is recommended via the charity’s website.

The Sanctuary hosts a variety of events, workshops and Afternoon Teas, the details for which can be found on our website – find out about our Fashion Show on Saturday 17 May!

The Sanctuary provides rehabilitation and care for over 100 animals, including horses, ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep and cats. The Open Days are a vital source of fundraising for the charity which, due to its location on greenbelt land, can only open to the public for a limited number of days each year.

Sue says, “We’re keeping our fingers, hooves and paws crossed for a better summer this year – the weather was not kind last year and we had to cancel many of our fundraising events which sadly left a huge deficit in our funds.

“We’re immensely proud of what we do here, and love inviting the public to come and visit us to meet the animals and learn more about what we do.

“This year we’re introducing a number of new ways for the public to get closer to the animals and interact with them.”

For further information, visit www.remussanctuary.org or contact Sue Burton on tel: 01277 356191.

How Horse Owners can Learn about Animal Care from Zoo Keepers

Believe it or not, behavioural techniques used with zebras and rhinos can help us take care of our animals in a more stress-free way…

A World Horse Welfare webinar has revealed how horse owners could follow in the footsteps of zookeepers and encourage their animals to be a part of their own care.

Zookeeper and equine behaviourist Barbara Dreyer described how ‘cooperative care’ trains animals such as zebras and rhino to take part in their own care with tasks such as hoof maintenance, grooming and medical examinations. She explained that positive reinforcement was the key rather than using restraint or force, instead teaching animals the correct behaviours for required procedures.

She added that this method offers the animal choice and allows them to trust you as they view the task as a positive experience, making it easier and calmer for both the handler and animal. Co-operative care has been used in zoos for more than 40 years and encompasses marine mammals, bears, hippos and big cats. Barbara’s own successes include training eastern black rhino to accept blood-testing and Grévy’s zebra to take worming treatments.

She said the techniques can be used successfully in the horse world as long as the animal understands, for instance, what behaviour is earning it the treat. So horse owners need to make it clear to their animal how they are earning that much anticipated treat.

If you’d like to come and meet our animals and find out more about what we do at Remus Horse Sanctuary, our first Open Day of the 2025 season will take place on Sunday 4 May from 1-4pm. Find out more and book your tickets online.

You might also be interested in our Cake Decorating Workshop on 12 April.

Ensuring the Best Care for Elderly Horses: Remus Horse Sanctuary Hosts Specialist Workshop

Remus Horse Sanctuary is inviting horse owners, carers, and equine enthusiasts to a dedicated Elderly Horse Workshop on Sunday 6 April 2025 at its premises near Ingatestone in Essex. This informative event will provide essential guidance on how to best support and care for ageing horses, offering expert advice on welfare, nutrition, and common health concerns.

As horses age, their care requirements change significantly, and understanding these needs is crucial for their long-term wellbeing. The workshop will be led by Remus staff member, Sue Moloney, covering key aspects of elderly horse care, including dentition, worming, colic, PPID/EMS and laminitis, arthritis, and enrichment. Additionally, Dengie Nutritionist Tracey Hammond MSc (Dist) will provide invaluable insights into feeding older horses, addressing age-related challenges such as poor teeth and weight loss that require careful dietary adjustments.

Attendees will gain practical knowledge and expert guidance to ensure their senior equines remain happy and healthy for as long as possible. This workshop is an excellent opportunity to learn from specialists, ask questions, and discover ways to enhance the quality of life for older horses.

Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary, said: “We are passionate about ensuring that elderly horses receive the care and attention they deserve. This workshop is designed to empower owners and carers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions for their horses’ later years.”

To book your place, visit: www.remussanctuary.org/events/elderly-horse-workshop.

Advance booking is essential.

Sue Burton: A Life Dedicated to Equine Welfare

Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary, has shared her journey of rescuing and caring for neglected and abused horses in this recent article in Your Horse magazine.

Inspired by the tragic story of Remus, a horse who suffered due to human cruelty, Sue established the Sanctuary over 40 years ago. Today, she and her dedicated team care for 74 horses, alongside donkeys, mules, sheep, goats, and cats!

Sue’s work extends beyond daily animal care – she tirelessly fundraises to meet the Sanctuary’s £500,000 annual running costs, organises welfare rescues, and collaborates with authorities to protect equines in need. Despite her background in historical research, a pivotal moment at an animal rights event changed her path forever.

The Sanctuary provides a safe haven for animals with heartbreaking pasts, including Holly, a blind mare rescued from neglect, and Minstral, a traumatised horse who defied the odds to survive. Sue’s motivation comes from seeing these animals thrive, knowing they are safe for life.

With unwavering determination, Sue and her team continue to fight for equine welfare, with their #BornToDie campaign ensuring that Remus Horse Sanctuary remains a beacon of hope for the most vulnerable.

You can read the article online here.

Remus Horse Sanctuary receives no financial support from the government and we would very much appreciate your help. You can do this in a number of ways:

Make a donation to our Winter Feed Appeal
Attend one of our Fundraising Events
Leave us a Gift in your Will

Exciting Spring Events at Remus Horse Sanctuary

As spring approaches, Remus Horse Sanctuary is gearing up for a vibrant calendar of events, offering something for everyone ahead of their much-anticipated Open Days, which begin on the first Sunday of the month from May through to October (weather permitting). With a diverse range of activities, supporters can learn, create, shop, and dine – all while raising essential funds for the Sanctuary.

March has some fantastic fundraising events to enjoy:

On Friday 8 March, put your knowledge to the test at our Quiz Evening at Stock Village Hall. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start – gather your team and join us for a fun and competitive evening.

On Saturday 16 March, there are two great opportunities to support the Sanctuary. First, our Online Auction via the Remus Facebook page starts at 11am, offering a fantastic selection of items to bid on. Later in the day, join us for the Curry Club at Nirvana Indian Restaurant in Ingatestone. For £22 per person, you’ll enjoy poppadoms, dips, a main course, side dish, and rice or bread. The event starts at 2pm for a 2.15pm sit-down, and advance booking is required. (These two events will also be repeated on Sunday 27 April.)

April kicks off with an Elderly Horse Workshop at the Sanctuary on Sunday 6 April, running from 11am to 3pm. This insightful session is designed to help horse owners understand how to support their equine companions in their later years. Attendees can enjoy tea, coffee, and homemade cakes while gaining valuable knowledge. The workshop costs £40 per person, and booking is essential by calling 01277 356191.

On Saturday 12 April, creative minds can take part in a Cake Decorating Workshop at the Billericay Reading Rooms from 11am to 2pm. Participants will learn to ice a cake with fondant and develop basic modelling techniques to craft their very own Easter Bunny cake! The workshop costs £45 per person, including sugarpaste, modelling paste, and a cake board. To secure your place, call the office on 01277 356191.

Look out for details on our website of our Fashion Show on Saturday 17 May and Enrichment Workshop on Sunday 25 May.

Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary, said: “Spring is an exciting time for us as we prepare for our Open Days, and we’re delighted to offer such a wonderful mix of new events for our supporters.

“Whether you’re learning, bidding, or dining with us, every event helps to raise much-needed funds for the animals in our care. We’d love to see as many people as possible getting involved!”

For further information about the invaluable work at the Sanctuary, visit www.remussanctuary.org or call 01277 356191.