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 She was so desperately withdrawn and would not mix with the other horses, keeping to herself.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.
Hooves Crossed as Remus Horse Sanctuary Looks Ahead to July Open Day
Remus Horse Sanctuary is looking forward to welcoming visitors to its July Open Day on Sunday 5 July from 1pm to 4pm, with a fun afternoon planned for animal lovers of all ages.
Visitors will have opportunity to meet the Sanctuary’s rescued horses, ponies, donkeys, sheep, goats and cats, enjoy refreshments, browse stalls, and learn more about the charity’s vital welfare work. Admission is £8 for adults and £6 for children, with Cream Teas available by advance booking.
With much of the country currently experiencing a heatwave, the team at Remus are keeping everything crossed for suitable weather ahead of the event. While sunshine is always welcome, the Sanctuary is particularly mindful of heavy rainfall in the days leading up to an Open Day, as visitor parking is located on the paddocks. Unfortunately, this meant that June’s Open Day had to be cancelled at the last minute.
Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary, said: “Like everyone, we’re watching the weather forecast closely. Our Open Days are such an important source of fundraising for the Sanctuary and we love welcoming visitors to meet the animals. After having to cancel in June, we’re hoping conditions will be kind to us and that we’ll be able to throw open our gates on 5 July.”
For those unable to attend the Open Day, or if the weather has other ideas, there will be further opportunities to visit throughout the summer. The Sanctuary’s popular Afternoon Teas, usually held on selected Mondays, offer a more relaxed way to meet the animals, enjoy the beautiful surroundings and support the charity’s work.
Advance booking for the July Open Day is recommended. For further information and tickets, visit the Remus Horse Sanctuary website at www.remussanctuary.org/events.
Payroll Giving
Donate straight from your pay before tax
Since its launch in 1987, Payroll Giving has raised over £2 billion for charitable organisations across the UK. It offers a simple and effective way for employers to support charitable giving in the workplace. However, despite its long history, many people are still unaware of Payroll Giving and the benefits it can offer to both employees and employers.
Payroll Giving, also known as Give As You Earn, is a simple and tax-efficient way of making regular donations to UK charities directly from your salary. There are a number of Payroll Giving Agencies that administer the scheme and charge a small fee for their services. Employees can choose which charity they would like to support, provided it is recognised by HMRC as a charity.
Benefits for Employees
Payroll Giving offers a fantastic opportunity to support the charities that matter most to you. It is a highly tax-efficient way of giving because donations are taken from your pay after National Insurance contributions have been deducted, but before Income Tax is calculated. This means your donation costs you less while the charity receives the full amount you choose to give.
Benefits for Employers
Payroll Giving provides employers with an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to supporting employees, local communities and charitable causes. It can form an important part of a company’s responsible business activities and is both flexible and cost-effective to operate.
Employers can choose to cover the administration fees on behalf of their employees, helping even more of each donation reach the chosen charity. Any matching donations or costs associated with running the scheme may also be offset against profits, helping to reduce Corporation Tax.
Benefits for Remus Horse Sanctuary
For charities such as Remus Horse Sanctuary, Payroll Giving provides a dependable source of income that helps us plan ahead with confidence and continue our vital welfare work. Regular donations allow us to budget more effectively and focus on caring for the animals who rely on us.
Another advantage is that Payroll Giving reduces administration, as charities do not need to claim Gift Aid on these donations.
One of the greatest benefits of Payroll Giving is its flexibility. Employees can increase, decrease or pause their donations, change the charity they support, or even make a one-off donation if they prefer not to commit to a regular monthly contribution.
Why use CAF?
The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) helps individuals and businesses support the causes they care about through a range of giving and fundraising services. They also provide practical support and banking services for charities, alongside research and guidance that helps strengthen the charity sector.
CAF Give As You Earn is the UK’s largest Payroll Giving scheme, making it easy for employers and employees to get involved.
If your employer does not currently offer Payroll Giving, why not ask them to consider it? You could send them a link to the CAF Give As You Earn webpage for employers, which explains the benefits of the scheme and includes details on how to apply.
Every regular donation, no matter the size, helps Remus Horse Sanctuary continue providing specialist care and a safe haven for animals in need.
Our next Open Day is Sunday 5 July and we look forward to seeing you then!
Meet the Remus Residents Celebrating Birthdays this June
Every animal at Remus has had their own journey, and this June we’re celebrating eight very special residents and the lives they now enjoy in safety and care. From gentle donkeys to cheeky ponies and resilient horses, each one has their own remarkable story of survival, recovery and love.
As always, we’d love you to join us in celebrating them.
Happy 41st Birthday Damson!
1 June 1985
This year, Damson officially becomes the oldest resident at Remus Horse Sanctuary, an incredible milestone and one we are so proud to celebrate.
Damson arrived at Remus alongside her daughter April and niece Mopsey. The three mares had spent their entire lives together under the care of their previous owner. As both the owner and the ponies became older, caring for them became increasingly difficult and she reached out to Remus for help, determined that the trio shouldn’t be separated.
After leaving the only home they had ever known, the mares were understandably nervous at first, but they soon settled into life at the Sanctuary and now enjoy their days surrounded by care, companionship and safety.
If you would like to sponsor Damson, please visit: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/damson.
Happy 23rd Birthday Dickie!
2 June 2003
Dickie came to Remus in 2004 alongside Rosie and Harvey after concerns were raised about animals at a local market. At just one year old, Dickie was to be sent to slaughter for meat. He had even been drugged beforehand to make him appear placid whilst at the market.
When he first arrived at Remus, Dickie was extremely withdrawn and very poorly. Thanks to veterinary care and dedicated nursing from our staff, he recovered, although he remains a fragile little pony to this day.
Dickie suffers with weak lungs, making him prone to breathing difficulties and chest infections, alongside severe laminitis which requires careful management and a specialist diet. Despite everything he has endured, he is a gentle and much-loved member of the Remus family who now enjoys a peaceful and secure life.
If you would like to sponsor Dickie, please visit: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/dickie.
Happy 37th Birthday Toffee!
5 June 1989
Toffee arrived at Remus with another pony named Milo. Sadly, despite every effort to save him, little Milo was simply too poorly. Toffee herself was severely underweight and suffering badly from worms and lice, but thankfully responded well to veterinary treatment and intensive nursing care.
Sadly, the neglect she experienced earlier in life caused lasting damage to her intestines, leaving her prone to colic. Over recent years she has battled several serious episodes, including one that required overnight treatment on a drip. At times, we truly feared we might lose her, but Toffee has repeatedly shown us what a fighter she is.
Today, Toffee is full of character and has become quite cheeky in her older years. She shares a close bond with her best friend Dolly and continues to enjoy the safe and loving retirement she deserves.
If you would like to sponsor Toffee, please visit: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/toffee.
Happy 24th Birthday Harvey!
9 June 2002
Harvey arrived at Remus in 2004 from the same market as Rosie and Dickie. When our team first saw him, he was tied to the back of a worn-out trailer in blazing heat without water or shelter. He looked utterly defeated.
Later that day he entered the sale ring, handled roughly and shown no kindness whatsoever. No one wanted him and he was due to return to the people who had treated him so badly.
At the end of the sale, a deal was struck to bring Harvey safely to Remus. For several years he lived alongside Dickie and the horses, seemingly unaware that he was actually a donkey himself. Then one day he heard the donkeys calling and from that moment he knew exactly where he belonged.
Today Harvey lives happily as part of the ‘Donkey Gang’, where he and fellow birthday boy Davey are the best of friends.
If you would like to sponsor Harvey, please visit: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/harvey.
Happy 12th Birthday Dora!
15 June 2014
Before arriving at Remus, poor Dora spent three years chained to the ground by her neck.
One cold and wet night she developed colic and, despite desperately needing help, no assistance came. Thankfully, a compassionate local woman with an interest in animal welfare found Dora and stayed with her throughout the night, helping her pull through what could easily have been a fatal situation.
Today Dora enjoys life at Remus alongside her friends Heidi, Blax and Jakie and is finally experiencing the kindness and care every animal deserves.
If you would like to buy Dora a birthday treat, please visit our animal treats shop: www.remussanctuary.org/product-category/animal-treats.
Happy 26th Birthday Davey!
21 June 2000
When Davey arrived at Remus, it was immediately clear that he was desperately in need of help. He was suffering from a life-threatening penile tumour and urgently required major surgery to save his life.
The complex operation involved removal of the entire penile area and, despite the seriousness of the procedure, brave Davey amazed everyone with his recovery. He underwent surgery on the Tuesday and was back home grazing by lunchtime the following day.
The operation was expected to cost around £5,000, a huge amount for the Sanctuary, so an appeal was launched to help save him. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of supporters, Davey was able to receive the treatment he so urgently needed.
Today, Davey enjoys a happy and secure life at Remus with his donkey friends and is especially close to his best friend Harvey, with the pair often seen playing together.
If you would like to sponsor Davey, please visit: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/davey.
Happy 18th Birthday Jilly!
24 June 2008
Jilly arrived at Remus from truly dreadful conditions in Southend, just one week after her mum Annie, who sadly has since passed away.
Jilly was terrified when she first arrived and refused to leave the horsebox. Then she spotted her mum and immediately walked straight over to her. It was an incredibly emotional moment for everyone at the Sanctuary.
Even now, Jilly remains deeply wary of people due to her traumatic past. To help keep both Jilly and our staff safe whilst she receives ongoing care and treatment, she still wears a head collar. Building trust with her has been a very gradual process, but over time she is beginning to feel safer around people.
If you would like to buy Jilly a birthday treat, please visit our animal treats shop: www.remussanctuary.org/product-category/animal-treats,
Happy 12th Birthday Bracken!
27 June 2014
Bracken was born right here at the Sanctuary to her mum Holly, who had herself endured terrible neglect before being rescued. Holly was found in Wales blind, emaciated, pregnant and wandering loose on the roads.
At first, Bracken appeared healthy after birth and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Sadly, it soon became clear that she was very poorly. Bracken had suffered brain damage during birth which affected her ability to regulate her body temperature. She was also deaf and lacked a menace reflex.
Our veterinary team and staff worked tirelessly around the clock to save her. After weeks of uncertainty and worry, Bracken slowly began to improve and thankfully grew out of many of her early health problems.
Today she has grown into a beautiful, strong and healthy horse and remains a very special part of the Remus family.
If you would like to sponsor Bracken, please visit: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/bracken.
Help Us Continue Caring for Animals Like These
Every animal at Remus Horse Sanctuary has their own story and many arrive needing extensive rehabilitation, ongoing veterinary treatment and specialist lifelong care.
You can also sponsor many of the other animals in our care by visiting the sponsorship section of our website. By sponsoring one of our animals, buying them a birthday treat or supporting the Sanctuary in any way you can, you are helping us continue providing safety, love and expert care to animals that have suffered neglect, abuse or abandonment.
Our next Open Day takes place in July, and we are looking forward to welcoming supporters back to the Sanctuary to meet some of our residents.
From all of us at Remus, and especially our June birthday boys and girls, thank you for your continued support.
A Special Day Out That Makes a Real Difference
There’s something very special about our Open Days at Remus Horse Sanctuary. They’re a chance for people to step through the gates, meet the animals, spend time in the beautiful Essex countryside and see first-hand the difference that compassion and kindness can make.
But behind every happy rescue story is a very real need for support.
When you visit our June Open Day on Sunday 7 June, you’re not simply enjoying a lovely afternoon out with family and friends. You’re helping us continue our vital work caring for horses, ponies, donkeys and other animals who have suffered neglect, abuse or abandonment.
Many of the animals who arrive at Remus need extensive rehabilitation, specialist diets, ongoing veterinary treatment and, above all, time, patience and love. Some come to us frightened and broken. Others are elderly. All require ongoing, specialist lifelong care. Every animal has their own story and every one deserves safety, comfort and dignity.
As a charity, we rely entirely on donations, fundraising and events like our Open Days to survive. We receive no government funding, and the cost of caring for more than 100 rescued animals continues to rise.
That’s why your support matters so much.
Simply buying a ticket, enjoying a cream tea, browsing our stalls or entering the raffle helps us provide feed, bedding, farrier visits, veterinary care and safe shelter for the animals who call Remus home. It all adds up and every pound genuinely makes a difference.
Our Open Days are also incredibly important for another reason: they help raise awareness of the ongoing horse welfare crisis here in the UK. Sadly, far too many animals are still suffering through neglect, irresponsible breeding and abandonment. At Remus, we work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate and give these animals the second chance they deserve.
We know times are difficult for many people at the moment, which makes every act of support even more meaningful to us.
So if you’ve been thinking about visiting, we’d love to welcome you to our June Open Day. Come and meet the animals, enjoy a fun afternoon of entertainment and refreshments, including a special appearance from Minnie Mouse, and spend a few hours surrounded by friendly faces and wagging tails, because your dogs are welcome too, provided they are kept on a lead.
Most importantly, know that by coming along, you are directly helping vulnerable animals receive the care and protection they need.
We want everyone to feel welcome at Remus Horse Sanctuary, and we do our best to make the site as accessible as possible. Please do be aware that some areas of the Sanctuary have uneven ground and can be affected by the weather, particularly following heavy rain or during very dry spells. A wheelchair accessible toilet is available on site, and disabled parking can be provided close to the yard if required.
Join us on Sunday 7 June from 1pm to 4pm for a fun and meaningful afternoon for all the family. Find out more and book your tickets via the Remus Horse Sanctuary website.
May Birthdays at Remus Horse Sanctuary
May is a special month here at Remus, as we celebrate the birthdays of five much-loved residents. Each one has their own story, and each one is here today because someone chose to care.
Birthdays are a lovely moment to reflect on just how far these animals have come, from difficult, often heartbreaking beginnings, to lives now filled with safety, companionship and kindness. If you’d like to mark their special day, there are some simple ways you can help, from sponsorship to sending a small treat or making a donation to support their ongoing care.
Happy 36th Birthday Tiffany!
Tiffany arrived with her best friend Daisy in 2018, both mares already in their later years. They had been living in appalling conditions alongside a number of other Welsh stallions and rigs before being rescued to safety.
When Tiffany came to us, she was suffering badly with PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction), which caused her to grow a thick, heavy coat. She had been left like this in the height of summer, with no shelter from the heat. Daisy, sadly, was suffering from severe melanomas and despite every effort, had to be put to sleep last year.
Tiffany has shown incredible resilience. Now in her mid-30s, she enjoys a calm, comfortable life where her needs are properly managed and she is cared for with the dignity she deserves.
Happy 12th Birthday Dante!
Dante’s story began in the most distressing way. In July 2014, he was simply dumped at our gates as a tiny foal, emaciated, cold and covered in filth. He had no understanding of food, how to eat, warmth or even basic comfort.
At just a couple of months old, there were real fears he wouldn’t survive. But thanks to expert veterinary care and round-the-clock dedication from our team, Dante pulled through.
Today, he is unrecognisable from that fragile foal, full of life and spending his days playing happily with his best friend Charlie. His journey is a powerful reminder of what care and compassion can achieve.
Happy 9th Birthday Mason!
Mason’s early life was marked by cruelty. At only three months old, he was found chained by the neck alongside Heidi and Alfie. Alfie was gravely ill and, heartbreakingly, passed away shortly after their rescue.
One moment captured on our cameras has stayed with us. As Alfie became weaker, Mason left his hay to stand beside him. The two lay down together, and shortly after, Alfie passed away. Even at such a young age, Mason showed a quiet, instinctive kindness that is hard to forget.
Mason and Heidi went on to receive intensive veterinary care and thankfully recovered well. Today, Mason is thriving, enjoying the life every animal deserves, safe, settled and free.
Happy 11th Birthday Jess!
Jess was a surprise in more ways than one. Her mother, Grace, came to us blind and vulnerable, having been left to wander roads alone. It was only after her arrival that we discovered she was in foal.
When Jess was born, we realised she was a hinny, a rare cross between a horse and a donkey. Sadly, Grace was unable to produce milk, so Jess had to be hand-reared, with bottle feeds every few hours, day and night, for months.
That dedication paid off. Jess has grown into a beautiful, characterful young hinny. She does, however, require careful management due to laminitis linked to EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome), so her diet and weight are closely monitored to keep her well.
Happy 9th Birthday Heidi!
Heidi shares her early story with Mason mentioned above. Found chained and neglected as a young foal, she too endured a harsh and uncertain start to life.
Following their rescue, Heidi received intensive treatment and care, including regular veterinary support to help her recover and grow strong.
Today, she lives peacefully at the Sanctuary, alongside friends, far removed from the suffering she once knew. Her story, like Mason’s, is one of survival and second chances.
Help Us Celebrate
Every animal here at Remus relies on ongoing support for food, shelter, veterinary care and daily attention. Birthdays are a perfect time for you to get involved.
You can sponsor one of these special animals, send them a birthday treat, or make a donation to help us continue this vital work. However you choose to support, you are directly helping animals like Tiffany, Dante, Mason, Jess and Heidi live safe, cared-for lives.
Thank you for being part of their story.
Our next Open Day will take place on Sunday 7 June from 1-4pm, we look forward to seeing you then!
Much-Loved 87-Year-Old Volunteer Honoured for Tireless Dedication to Animal Welfare
An 87-year-old volunteer from Essex has been recognised for her remarkable contribution to the voluntary sector, following more than a decade of tireless service to Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary.
Esme Fordham was presented with a silver plate award at a ceremony held at Chelmsford Cathedral on Wednesday 29 April 2026, organised by Chelmsford CVS (Council for Voluntary Service). The award was presented by the Mayor of Chelmsford, Janetta Sosin.
Named winner in the Adult category, Esme was recognised for contributing more than 40 hours a week to the Sanctuary, where she plays a vital role in the daily care of the animals, including preparing medication and supporting fundraising activities.
A cancer survivor, Esme begins her days as early as 6am, volunteering five days a week. Her unwavering commitment, resilience and compassion have made a lasting impact on both the charity and the wider community. Esme previously received national recognition as winner of the Horse & Hound Volunteer of the Year Award in 2020.
Described by the judging panel as ‘an absolute treasure’, Esme was praised for her extraordinary dedication and for turning personal challenges into an opportunity to give back.
Speaking about the award, Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary said: “We are incredibly proud of Esme and everything she does for the Sanctuary. She brings such energy, kindness and commitment to every single day, and we honestly don’t know what we’d do without her. This recognition is so richly deserved.”
Esme added “I feel very honoured, but I just do what I love. The animals mean everything to me, and it’s a privilege to help care for them.”
For further information, to support the Sanctuary or to find out more about volunteering opportunities, visit the Sanctuary’s website at: www.remussanctuary.org. The Sanctuary will be hosting its next Open Day on Sunday 7 June from 1-4pm – full details online.
Strangles Awareness Week: 4–10 May 2026
Strangles Awareness Week is a key moment in the equine calendar, bringing together yards, owners and equine organisations across the UK to raise awareness of one of the most common infectious diseases affecting horses.
At Remus Horse Sanctuary, caring for our horses, ponies and donkeys who have often come from challenging backgrounds, we understand just how important early detection, good biosecurity and open conversations are when it comes to protecting horses from illness.
What is Strangles?
Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects a horse’s upper respiratory system. While most horses recover with appropriate care, it can spread quickly within groups if not managed properly.
In rare cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, sometimes referred to as ‘bastard strangles’. These cases can be far more serious and, in some instances, life-threatening.
Why awareness matters
With almost 500 lab-confirmed cases of strangles reported in the UK last year, the disease remains a genuine concern for yards of all sizes. Increased awareness helps encourage quicker diagnosis, better containment and ultimately fewer outbreaks.
Strangles Awareness Week is also a chance to stay informed about broader equine health risks. On Tuesday 5 May, a special lunchtime live webinar will explore how strangles compares with the emerging threat of West Nile Virus.
The session will be presented by Richard Newton and Nic de Brauwere, offering valuable insight into current and evolving equine disease risks. Book your FREE place via Eventbrite.
How Strangles spreads
The infection can be passed on in two main ways:
- Direct contact with an infected horse
- Indirect contact via shared equipment such as buckets, tack, clothing or even hands
One of the challenges with strangles is that horses and donkeys can carry the bacteria without showing obvious symptoms. These carrier animals can unknowingly pass the infection on to others.
Signs to look out for
Early recognition is vital. Common signs include:
- Nasal discharge (a ‘snotty’ nose)
- Fever
- Lethargy or depression
- Swollen lymph nodes and abscesses, particularly around the head and neck
- Loss of condition
If you notice any of these symptoms, isolating the horse and contacting a vet promptly is essential.
Prevention and good practice
While strangles can be disruptive, there are practical steps that can significantly reduce the risk of spread:
- Maintain strict hygiene routines
- Isolate new arrivals before introducing them to others
- Avoid sharing equipment between horses
- Minimise contact with horses of unknown health status
- Monitor temperatures and health regularly, especially in higher-risk environments
Simple measures, consistently applied, make a real difference.
Keeping horses safe from infectious disease is something the whole equine community plays a part in. Whether you manage a large yard or care for a single horse at home, staying informed and practising good biosecurity helps protect not just individual animals, but the wider population.
Strangles Awareness Week is a timely reminder to review routines, refresh knowledge and remain vigilant.
#StranglesAwarenessWeek #SAW26 #SimplyTheBEST #Strangles
Meet Mickey Mouse and the Animals at Remus Horse Sanctuary’s First Open Day of 2026
Remus Horse Sanctuary is inviting families and animal lovers to its first Open Day of the 2026 season on Sunday 3 May from 1pm to 4pm – and this year there’s a very special guest star: Mickey Mouse!
Visitors can meet the animals, explore the Sanctuary, enjoy refreshments, and take part in a range of activities. Entry is £8 for adults and £6 for children, or £16 per person to include a Cream Tea. Booking is encouraged for all tickets, with pre-booking essential for the Cream Tea to help with catering. A variety of drinks, snacks and stalls selling gifts, books and bric-a-brac will also be available throughout the afternoon.
The Sanctuary cares for over 100 horses, ponies, donkeys and other animals, many rescued from neglect or unsafe situations. With no government funding, public support is essential to continue this vital work.
Open Days give visitors a chance to see the difference Remus makes every day and to understand the scale of the horse welfare crisis in the UK
Other Open Day dates this season are Sunday 7 June, Sunday 5 July, Sunday 2 August, Sunday 6 September, and the final event of the season on Sunday 4 October. All events run from 1pm to 4pm, with drinks, snacks, Cream Teas by booking in advance, and a variety of stalls.
“Having Mickey Mouse join us for our Open Day is a real treat for families, and Open Days are a wonderful opportunity for everyone to see the very real difference Remus makes every day for our animals,” says Sue Burton, founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary. “Your support helps us provide care, shelter and love to horses and ponies who need it most.”
Advance booking is recommended for all tickets, and spaces for the Cream Teas are limited. Secure your place online now: www.remussanctuary.org/events/open-day-at-the-sanctuary-may.
Come along, meet the animals, and join the fun!
Keeping Horses and Riders Safe on Our Roads
Horse and rider safety on UK roads is back in the spotlight following a new petition presented to Parliament recently, calling for clearer rules and stronger protection for those travelling on horseback. With incidents still far too common, the issue continues to raise concerns across the equestrian community.
Campaigners have been calling for clearer rules and stronger enforcement around passing horses for years and it’s not hard to see why. Despite guidance already in place, too many drivers still get it wrong, passing too close or too fast and putting both riders and horses at risk. This new petition is once again pushing for change, with proposals to make safe passing distances and speeds a legal requirement rather than just advice.
Because really, it shouldn’t need spelling out. But the reality on our roads suggests otherwise.
Read the full article on the Everything Horse UK website here: MP Pushes for Stronger Road Safety Laws to Protect Horses and Riders.
We’re very much looking forward to our first Open Day of the 2026 season which will take place on Sunday 3 May. You can find full details here and buy your ticket in advance. We do hope you can join us!
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