Celebrating February Birthdays at Remus

This February, we celebrate three extraordinary souls at Remus Horse Sanctuary whose birthdays remind us why the Sanctuary exists – to offer refuge, care and a new beginning for horses who have known hardship, fear and neglect.

Their stories are ones of hope, healing and second chances.

Happy 13th Birthday Judy

Born 1 February 2013

Judy’s story is one of quiet courage. Rescued by a kind-hearted lady who saw her struggle with a twisted spine that meant she could never be ridden, Judy faced an uncertain and potentially lonely future. To ensure and protect her future, Remus was chosen to secure Judy’s safety by entrusting her to us here at Remus Horse Sanctuary. Here, Judy has found her forever home, a place where she is valued just for being herself – loved, safe and free from worry.

Choose a special treat for Judy’s birthday.

Happy 22nd Birthday Marcus

Born 21 February 2004

Marcus’s early life was marked by fear and cruelty. We found him barely a year and a half old, terrified and scarred at an unauthorised market where he was being ridden roughly amid a chaotic crowd. Covered in whip marks and sores, Marcus was too frightened to move for three days when he arrived at Remus. But over time, he discovered kindness and patience here with us. Slowly, Marcus learned to trust again. Today, he enjoys the peace and friendship he always deserved – a reminder of the healing power of compassion.

If you’d like to help support Marcus’s ongoing care and happiness, you can sponsor him here: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/marcus or spoil him with a birthday treat.

Happy 21st Birthday Rowan

Born 27 February 2005

Rowan’s journey is a testament to resilience and the life-saving impact of the Sanctuary. When she arrived aged just 18 months, she was withdrawn, isolated and deeply traumatised. Without intervention, she and her newborn foal Willow would almost certainly have perished – Rowan suffered internal bleeding and colic, conditions made worse by the harsh realities of life on a traveller’s field. But thanks to the Sanctuary and your generosity, Rowan and Willow survived, forming a close bond that fills the fields with hope.

You can support Rowan’s care by sponsoring her here: www.remussanctuary.org/shop/rowan or choose a special treat for her birthday.

Every birthday at Remus is a powerful reminder of why the Sanctuary is so vital. These horses have faced pain and uncertainty – but here, through compassion and care, they find healing and hope – and a second chance. Your support makes all the difference, turning heartbreaking stories into ones of survival, trust and joy.

If you feel moved by their stories and want to help more horses like Judy, Marcus and Rowan, please consider making a donation or becoming a sponsor. Every gift, no matter the size, helps provide food, veterinary care and the safe space these animals need to thrive.

To find out how you can get involved, visit www.remussanctuary.org – together, we can continue to change lives, one horse at a time.

Thank you for being part of the Remus family.

 

What is Give as you Live Online?

You may have seen our social media posts in the past, or perhaps previous blogs about ‘Give as you Live’ – but perhaps you’re unfamiliar with how it works and whether you can trust it as a means of making donations to us. After all, most things that are too good to be true, generally are right! Well we think this is probably one of the few exceptions.

However, if you’re still in doubt, we’d like to share some further information with you.

How does Give as you Live work?

By shopping through Give as you Live Online supporters can raise free funds for us and other charities. Give as you Live Online work with over 4,300 popular high street retailers, as well as dozens of insurance, energy, broadband and utility providers. Supporters simply sign up to Give as you Live Online and use the website, iOS app, start page or Donation Reminder to browse retailers and make a purchase. Once you have shopped online a free donation is raised for the charity!

Where do the funds come from?

As a ‘thank you’ for bringing users to their website, the retailer pay Give as you Live Online a commission – they then turn this into a donation for the supporter’s chosen charity.

If their services are free, how do they make money?

Put simply, the Give as you Live team make their money through the retailers – part of the commission they receive from the retailers is retained by them to cover their costs. They donate 50% of the commission they receive to charity, and the other 50% is used to fund the ongoing development of Give as you Live Online.

All of this is done in the background – this means the donation amounts they display represent the actual amount the charity will receive – a 5% donation really does mean a 5% donation!

How do I sign up?

We have our own dedicated landing page on the Give as you Live website. It’s easy – and free – to register so you can quickly sign-up and start raising funds. It can be done with only a few clicks!

Click on any one of the links above and, once you’re on the Remus dedicated landing page click on the green button on the right hand side which says: ‘Support us, it’s free’ and follow the simple steps.

Your support in this way, makes a phenomenal difference to us here at Remus Horse Sanctuary. You’ll be able to see how much is being raised online via these simple steps.

And remember, whether you’re shopping for groceries, the sales, your holiday, or just switching your energy supplier, every little really will help! Just click below to sign up now!

SIGN UP NOW

Sale Items: We have a couple of gift boxes remaining with short ‘best before’ dates. Price reduced from £12 to £6 plus p&p. Choose from:

• Choc Chip Biscuits with Three Fruit Marmalade and Pure Flower Honey
• Butter Shortbread with Plum Preserve and Summer Blossom Honey

Find the full details of both gift boxes here and place your order to avoid them going to waste.

Celebrating January Birthdays at Remus

January brings a few very special birthdays here at Remus Horse Sanctuary, giving us the chance to celebrate some much-loved residents and share their stories with you, our supporters. Each of these animals has their own journey and your kindness helps us continue to care for them every day.

Happy Birthday Scotty, 35 years young

Scotty came to Remus alongside three other ponies after a riding school was forced to close when the owners were evicted. These ponies had been well cared for and had spent years teaching Essex children how to ride and, just as importantly, how to respect horses. We were able to rehome many of the horses, but Scotty and some of the other older ponies came to live out their retirement here at Remus.

Now in his mid-thirties, Scotty lives with arthritis, PPID and has a pollen allergy during the summer months. Despite this, he enjoys a peaceful life and is rarely seen far from his best friend, Minty. Their bond is a lovely reminder of how important companionship is, especially in later years.

If you would like to sponsor Scotty, you can do so via our website. You can also mark his birthday with a special treat from the animal treats section of our online shop.

Happy 18th Birthday Stix

Stix arrived at Remus from an unauthorised Travellers Fair, where he was being ridden by two young children at the same time despite being only eight months old and very small. He came to us with two donkeys, William and Coco, and the three lived together for several years before Stix was gradually introduced to the Shetland herd.

Stix settled in beautifully and is now very much at home within the group. He is known for his cheeky personality and certainly keeps everyone on their toes. Watching him enjoy a safe and settled life is a reminder of why rescue and long-term care matter so much.

Supporters can sponsor Stix through our website, or choose a birthday treat for him from the animal treats section of our shop.

Happy 20th Birthday Holly

Holly’s story is one of the most heartbreaking, but also one of quiet strength. She was rescued from Wales after repeatedly escaping her field and being found wandering country lanes. Heavily pregnant and completely blind, she had endured a life of being tethered in all weathers. Veterinary specialists believe her blindness was caused deliberately, leaving her unwanted and facing euthanasia.

Thankfully, Holly was brought to Remus, where she found safety and understanding. She lives confidently with her foal Bracken and her close companions, forming a calm and supportive little family. Although Holly cannot see, she navigates her surroundings with remarkable assurance and trust.

You can help us continue to care for Holly by sponsoring her, either for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for someone else. Birthday treats for Holly can also be purchased through the animal treats section of our shop.

Kindness truly makes the difference at Remus. Every act of support, whether through sponsorship, membership or a simple birthday treat, helps us provide safety, comfort and lifelong care to animals who have known hardship. With your continued kindness, we can be there for every animal who needs us, not just on their birthday, but every day of the year.

Please view and share our Winter Feed Appeal.

Remus Horse Sanctuary Launches Winter Feed Appeal to Help Hungry Horses in Need

As snow covers much of the country, Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary has launched their annual Winter Feed Appeal to help keep rescued and vulnerable equines safe, warm and well-fed throughout the harsh winter months. The Sanctuary, home to more than 100 horses, ponies and donkeys, is seeking to raise £2,500 to maintain its feed stores and deliver emergency supplies to tethered and neglected horses across Essex and beyond.

Winter poses one of the biggest challenges for equine welfare. With little or no grazing available, older and rescued horses rely entirely on hay and specialist feeds to stay warm and healthy. However, lower hay yields and rising costs following difficult growing conditions in 2025, is making feed both scarcer and more expensive.

Remus also continues to respond to calls about tethered horses without food or water. While tethering itself is not illegal, welfare standards set out by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) Code of Practice for Horses are often not met. With community outreach and feed deliveries, the Sanctuary helps ensure these animals get the care they need – and alerts authorities when welfare laws are breached.

The Winter Feed Appeal aims to raise £2,500, every penny of which will go directly towards feed, hay and emergency callouts:

• £15 could buy a sack of fibre feed for an older pony for a week.
• £25 could contribute to a pallet of hay for high-need residents.
• £50 could help fund remedial shoes for a laminitic pony.

These amounts are illustrative of the difference donors can make. Funds are always used where the need is greatest across hay, specialist feeds and urgent welfare cases.

“Every winter we see animals arrive thin, cold and frightened,” says Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary. “A warm rug and a full belly can be the difference between despair and recovery. With your help, we can say yes when the next call comes – and will keep working to ensure more horses are safe, warm and cared for this winter.”

To donate, visit Remus Horse Sanctuary’s Winter Feed Appeal and help reach the £2,500 target. The sooner the barn is full, the more lives can be changed this winter: www.justgiving.com/campaign/remuswinterappeal2026

 

Grant for Good: A New Opportunity for Fundraisers in 2026

Give as you Live Donate has launched Grant for Good – a funding pot designed to help you kick-start your 2026 fundraising challenges. We’re excited to share this opportunity with our supporters, especially those who have a big idea but need a little help getting it off the ground.

What is Grant for Good?

Grant for Good is a £2,500 funding pot created by Give as you Live Donate. The money comes from their community of shoppers who raise donations for charity simply by shopping online. These donations don’t get assigned to a specific charity – instead, they contribute to initiatives like this.

The aim is straightforward: to support individuals who need help with the upfront costs of a fundraising challenge taking place in 2026.

Who can apply?

Give as you Live Donate has outlined the following criteria:

• UK residents aged 18 or over
• Individuals – not organisations or businesses
• People planning a fundraising challenge or event in 2026
• Applicants must be raising money through Give as you Live Donate
• Applicants must be happy to include Give as you Live Donate branding and information in their fundraising promotion

What can the grant be used for?

The grant is intended to cover reasonable start-up costs connected to a fundraising idea – for example:

• Equipment
• Travel
• Materials
• Venue costs
• Anything essential to making the challenge possible

The funding is not fixed per person; Give as you Live Donate will decide the award amounts based on the applications they receive.

How to apply

Applications must include:

1. A short written submission explaining your fundraising idea, budget and, of course, chosen charity, ie, Remus Horse Sanctuary.
2. A short video introducing yourself and sharing why you want to complete the challenge.
3. All applications must be submitted directly to Give as you Live Donate.

The deadline is 31 January 2026.

Why it’s worth applying

Many brilliant fundraising ideas never happen because of the initial costs involved. Grant for Good is designed to remove that barrier and give more people the chance to make a difference.

If you’ve been thinking about taking on a challenge in 2026, big or small, this could be the support you need to get started. Visit Grant for Good and apply now!

Help Remus Horse Sanctuary Share in £120,000 This December!

The Benefact Group’s much-loved 12 Days of Giving campaign is back, and this year it’s even more generous than ever. As the festive final phase of the Benefact Group’s Movement for Good, a remarkable £120,000 will be donated to good causes throughout December. A total of 120 charities will each receive £1,000 – and Remus Horse Sanctuary could be one of them with your help.

This special seasonal giveaway runs from 1-16 December, with 10 charities drawn every weekday. The first draw takes place on 1 December and the final one on 16 December, giving multiple chances for charities like ours to benefit from an early Christmas gift. Voting closes at midnight on Monday 15 December.

How the 12 Days of Giving Works

Every charity that has previously been nominated in a Benefact Group £1,000 draw this year is already included – which means that we are in the running from day one. However, more nominations increase the chances of us being selected, and that’s where you, our friends, members and supporters, can make a huge difference.

Nominations for the festive draw are open now and will close at 23:59 on 15 December 2025. Each nomination counts as one entry into the daily draw, so the more nominations we receive, the better our chance of being chosen.

Why Your Nomination Matters

A £1,000 award may seem modest, but at the Sanctuary it can make a meaningful and immediate impact. It could help cover essential winter feed, veterinary care, warm bedding, or the ongoing rehabilitation of horses, ponies, donkeys and other resident animals who rely on us all year round.

Your nomination will help us continue offering safety, compassion, and lifelong care to animals who have nowhere else to go.

Nominate Remus Horse Sanctuary Today

It takes just a moment to nominate us, and your support could help bring a little extra warmth and reassurance to the animals in our care this festive season.

A Word from Our Founder, Sue Burton

“Each winter brings challenges for the Sanctuary, and campaigns like Benefact Group’s 12 Days of Giving offer a wonderful opportunity for organisations like ours to receive much-needed support. Every nomination really does count, and we are so grateful to everyone who takes the time to put Remus forward. Together, we can make this festive season brighter for the animals who depend on us.”

VOTE NOW

 

Make a Difference: Giving Tuesday 2025

As the noise of Black Friday (month) and Cyber Monday fades, many of us welcome a calmer, more thoughtful moment. Giving Tuesday. on 2 December, offers exactly that. It is a day to pause, reflect and choose kindness. Instead of filling shopping baskets, we are invited to lift up a cause we care about and to make a genuine difference!

For Remus Horse Sanctuary, Giving Tuesday is a lifeline. Animals like Holly and Davey mentioned here rely on the compassion and generosity of people like you who believe that every horse, pony and donkey – and indeed every animal – deserves safety and care.

Today, we hope you will join us in making a difference.

What is Giving Tuesday?

Giving Tuesday began in 2012 as a global day of generosity following the shopping rush of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It arrived in the UK in 2014 and is now coordinated by the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. You can read more about the movement online.

Giving Tuesday encourages everyone to give in whatever way they can, whether through donations, volunteering, sharing a cause online or simply spreading kindness. According to research highlighted by Civil Society, Giving Tuesday has become one of the biggest donation days in the festive season.

At a time when we, like many charities, are facing rising costs and growing demand, this collective moment of generosity truly matters and really does make a difference.

Holly’s Story: From Fear to Flourishing

Watch Holly’s video monologue, by Sam Vize, filmed at our Red Carpet Gala Evening: youtube.com/shorts/aXNq_bG2NNY When Holly arrived at Remus, she was frightened, underweight and struggling. Her past had left her wary of people – the vets believe she was deliberately blinded – and in desperate need of patient and skilled care. Thanks to the dedication of our team and the kindness of our supporters, Holly has slowly regained trust and confidence.

Her gentle nature is now shining through. She enjoys calm grooming, soft bedding, nutritious feed and the simple pleasure of safety. Holly’s progress shows what is possible when compassion leads the way.

But it also reminds us that there are many more horses still waiting for help.

Davey’s Journey: A Donkey Who Learned to Trust Again

Watch Davey’s video monologue, by Tim Wood, filmed at our Red Carpet Gala Evening: youtube.com/shorts/Dn3XqR0FyZc

Davey came to Remus withdrawn and weak, his coat crawling with lice. After years of neglect he was nervous and lacking confidence. It quickly became apparent that Davey had a life-threatening penile tumour and was in urgent need of radical surgery to save his live. It took time, routine, patience and specialist care for him to feel safe again, but slowly Davey began to trust.

Now he enjoys gentle attention, regular meals, proper hoof care and the comfort of companionship. His transformation is heartwarming, and a reminder that no animal is beyond hope.

Davey is living proof that rescue, rehabilitation and love can rebuild a life.

Why Giving Tuesday Matters to Animals Like Holly and Davey

After the intensity of November’s shopping season, Giving Tuesday feels like calm after the storm. Instead of focusing on what we can buy, it invites us to focus on what we can change.

For Remus, your support funds essential care such as:

• Feed and hay
• Veterinary treatment
• Farrier visits
• Warm rugs and shelter
• Rehabilitation and long-term care

Every pound makes a difference. Together we can ensure that animals who have suffered neglect or abandonment find safety, care and the chance to thrive.

How You Can Make a Difference Today

• Donate via our website: https://remussanctuary.enthuse.com/donate#!/
• Share Holly’s and Davey’s videos with your friends and family
• Follow and support us on social media
• Consider becoming a member or sponsor one of our animals

Your generosity, no matter the size, will help us reach the next animal in need.

Thank You for Supporting Remus this Giving Tuesday

Holly and Davey are only two of the many animals whose lives have been transformed by the kindness of our supporters and the team at Remus Horse Sanctuary. With your support this Giving Tuesday, we can continue this life saving work and offer hope to the horses, ponies and donkeys who need us most.

Please make a difference today. Your support truly matters.

DONATE NOW

 

Remus Horse Sanctuary Celebrates Spectacular Success at Red Carpet Charity Gala Evening

Remus Horse Sanctuary is delighted to announce the tremendous success of its first-ever Red Carpet Charity Gala Evening, held at the iconic Elstree Film Studios in Borehamwood on Saturday 15 November. The glamorous event brought together supporters and friends of the Sanctuary for an unforgettable night of entertainment, all in aid of creating a new ‘Gala Paddock’ – a dedicated, specially designed space for laminitic horses and ponies in the Sanctuary’s care.

Guests enjoyed an evening of exotic food, live music, casino tables and a dazzling auction featuring a range of exclusive prizes, generously donated by businesses and patrons alike. The highlight of the night was hearing stories of the Sanctuary’s rescue work, particularly Holly and Davey, reminding everyone why their support is so important. The atmosphere was one of joy and generosity, with guests showing incredible warmth towards the animals’ ongoing welfare.

The evening was organised and hosted by the wonderful Dena Schwartz, whose remarkable dedication, attention to detail and enthusiasm set the tone for a truly memorable night. Thanks to her efforts, and the generosity of all who attended, the Gala raised an impressive £22,270.51. These funds will go directly towards the creation of the Gala Paddock and will enable the Sanctuary to provide a safer and more supportive environment for horses and ponies living with laminitis.

Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with how the evening went. The warmth and kindness shown by everyone who joined us was inspiring. The Gala Paddock is an important project for us and knowing that the funds raised will help improve the wellbeing of some of our most vulnerable residents means so much.

“I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to Dena, whose commitment and passion made the entire evening possible. It truly was a night to remember.”

For more information about Remus Horse Sanctuary and how you can support its work, visit www.remussanctuary.org.

Veterinary Breakthroughs Transforming Pet and Equine Care

The world of veterinary medicine is changing fast, bringing with it incredible new ways to care for our beloved animals. From innovative diagnostic tools to advanced treatments that support quicker recovery and improved comfort, these breakthroughs are helping pets and horses alike to enjoy longer, healthier lives.

For those of us who care deeply about animal welfare, it’s inspiring to see how science and compassion are working hand in hand to enhance wellbeing in the equine and veterinary fields.

Discover more about the latest advances in animal care in Everything Horse Magazine’s feature: Veterinary Breakthroughs Making Waves in Pet and Equine Care.

Remember we still have a number of events coming up to celebrate the festive season, including our: Red Carpet Charity Gala Evening on Saturday 15 November at the iconic Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire – this event is SOLD OUT but you can join a wait list in the event of any cancellations; Christmas Sale on Saturday 22 November at the Billericay Reading Rooms; Curry Lunches; and of course our Christmas Cake Decorating Workshop on Saturday 29 November, again at the Billericay Reading Rooms.

You can view and book for all of our events via our website.

Generate Donations when you Shop your Favourite Retailers Online

Did you know, you can help Remus Horse Sanctuary generate additional funds to help support our vital work just by shopping online?

By signing up to Give as you Live Online, we’ll receive a donation every time you shop at any of their 6,000+ registered retailers, including Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Tesco, Boots, Booking.com, Screwfix and Asos. The best bit? It’s completely free!

As well as generous donations for the Sanctuary, when you shop via Give as you Live Online you’ll also have access to top offers so you can save as well as raise!

Sign up today >

How does Give as you Live Online work?

1. Sign up – Simply create an account to join our community raising funds for Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary.
2. Shop – Start shopping through the website, app or better still, download the Donation Reminder to never forget to shop and raise.
3. Raise – There are 5,500+ retail partners involved who make a thank you donation to us when you shop through Give as you Live Online.

Signup today >

Thank you for supporting Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary.