Introducing a new, speedy way to donate on JustGiving

We’re excited to share that JustGiving is the first fundraising platform in the UK to launch an exciting, new payment method enabled by open banking that will make it even easier for people to donate to us here at Remus Horse Sanctuary.

This message is perfect timing in one regard as we lost one of our field shelters over the weekend to Storm Ciara – will you help us raise the necessary funds to replace it? You can find out more and see pictures of the damage on our Facebook page at: facebook.com/RemusHorseSanctuary.

Anyway, the new payment method is called Pay with Bank transfer and just like the name suggests, it enables donations to be made on JustGiving via a bank transfer. There’s no set up required, it’s very simple and speedy to use, and with the payment handled entirely by the donor’s bank, it’s super secure.

Pay with Bank transfer is powered by American Express but open to everyone, so any of you with a UK bank account will be able to give to us and our appeals on JustGiving in just a few clicks – all without card details to hand.

How does it work?

All a donor will need to do is click on the ‘Bank transfer’ button on the donation page of JustGiving and select their UK bank. They’ll then be automatically redirected to the bank’s webpage or app, where they will authenticate using their normal method and approve the pre-filled transfer details. That’s it. Check out the video on YouTube to see it in action: https://youtu.be/Bn8OzlPOlHU.

What are the benefits of donating with Bank transfer?

Pay with Bank transfer allows people to make donations on the go, even when they don’t have their card to hand. It also shows them their account balance before they approve the donation, and means they’ll benefit from bank-grade security, as the payment will be handled entirely by their bank.

You can view and please donate to our Winter Feed Appeal on JustGiving here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/WinterFeedAppeal2020.

Keeping our horses and ponies safe this winter

The New Year generally brings colder weather and, as well as giving top class care to our Sanctuary residents, there are many more horses and ponies out there who are not so lucky and who we also need to keep an eye on.

The horse welfare crisis in the UK has been escalating for many years and our countrywide Welfare Watch aims to deliver assistance to horses in crisis in and around Essex and the South East of England. At this time of year, we struggle to respond to all of the reports we receive from members of the public; we just cannot physically be everywhere we are needed – and it comes at great cost! Will you donate to our Winter Feed Appeal?

We’ve put together this simple five-step checklist, designed for everyone to refer to before contacting us, so that we can all work together to help more horses and ponies at this time of year. Why not print a copy and save it to hand?

1. Keep safe yourself. This is the most important thing: first of all, horses can be unpredictable and so you must always put your own safety first, secondly if you don’t know the owner of the land, you could be trespassing.
2. Make yourself aware of the Five Freedoms (see below) to help you decide the nature of the problem.
3. Collect information about the horse(s) you are concerned about and fill in our online form. The form will ask you for:
   • The nature of the problem in line with the Five Freedoms
   • Supporting photographs, if possible, to demonstrate the nature and scale of the problem and so that we can prioritise the visits
   • Horse(s) details including how many, gender, breed, colour and age (if known) and also horse(s) owner’s details, if known
   • The landowner’s details, if known
   • The location of the horses
   • Your contact details
4. If it is an emergency situation, contact the RSPCA immediately on 0300 1234 999.
5. If it is safe to do so, take the horse(s) some hay and water until further help is sought.

The Five Freedoms

There are many reasons why a horse may be distressed or need assistance. We’ve chosen to align our Welfare Watch with the ‘Five Freedoms’ identified by The Animal Welfare Act 2006, which enshrines the animal owner’s ‘Duty of Care’ in British Law:

• Freedom from hunger or thirst – the animal has little or no access to fresh water and/or food.
• Freedom from discomfort – the animal does not have somewhere to lie down or gain shelter or is exposed to extreme weather conditions.
• Freedom from pain, injury or disease – the animal clearly shows disease, an untreated injury or perhaps severely overgrown hooves.
• Freedom to express (most) normal behaviour – the animal is tethered incorrectly and/or does not have sufficient space or proper facilities and living conditions.
• Freedom from fear and distress – abandoned animals, those subject to dog attacks, low flying aircraft, or similar, or those suffering from any of the above.

Remember, it is really important that you send us photographs of the horses, ponies or donkeys in need so that we can prioritise our visits and their care.

Download the form here.

Get Fit During 2020 Without Joining a Gym

Remus Horse Sanctuary is inviting people to step up and join their charity as a volunteer this year and save on those expensive membership fees at the gym!

Remus is actively seeking adult volunteers (both men and women) to join the existing and dedicated team and there are many ways in which an individual can help – whether in the office, manning a stall at an event, helping with enrichment, working on the yard, helping with the animals, maintenance, cleaning, knitting or stuffing envelopes.

Sue Burton, Founder of the Sanctuary, says: “We’re looking for people to help us at the Sanctuary and fundraising. So whatever their fitness levels we have something to suit! No experience is needed, and people will have opportunity to get away from their screens and out into the great Essex countryside to breathe some fresh air!”

Located near Ingatestone in Essex, the Sanctuary’s first two induction days of the year will take place between 11am and 1pm on Sunday 16 February and Sunday 8 March. However, it’s important to note that these dates are for adults only and everyone must complete and submit an application form in advance, which can be obtained directly from the Sanctuary or downloaded from the website at: www.remussanctuary.org/what-we-do/useful-downloads/.

Sue says: “All we need is for the person to want to help us, to be able to spare a few hours and to be flexible and happy to work as part of a team. There is no long-term commitment or requirement for minimum hours.”

The induction will give interested people an insight into the issues that Remus face and the support needed, including relevant Health and Safety information, and offers the chance to meet other prospective volunteers.

Sue concluded, “We have found that many lovely friendships are born out of volunteering.”

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

Please Donate your Unwanted Gifts to Remus

We’re urging people to donate their unwanted Christmas presents to the charity!

We all receive the odd gift that we don’t like or wouldn’t buy for ourselves, but rather than throwing these presents away or sticking them in a drawer, you could help Remus to rescue and rehabilitate more horses and other animals across Southern England.

An unwanted Christmas present will be a delight to someone else, and we can make good use of the unwanted gifts at our sales, fundraising events, raffles and tombolas throughout the year.

Additionally, any other items in a good saleable condition can also be sold, such as clothing and bric-a-brac.

Research from WhatWeWant last month revealed that over half (53%) of UK adults have received unwanted gifts over the past 12 months. And while some are resourceful enough to regift the ill-fated presents or take them to a charity shop, one in five (20%) are guilty of binning the gifts without using them! And, as we say, we can make very good use of them.

So, don’t bin your unwanted present, donate it to Remus instead!

Drop-offs can be made to the Sanctuary near Ingatestone between 10am and 4pm, any day of the week, throughout January. You can find confirmation of our address (and directions) on our website here.

Charity Reminds People to Remember Rescued Animals this Christmas

As families and friends sit down to their Christmas feast on Christmas Day and pile on the leftovers on Boxing Day, Remus Horse Sanctuary are asking people everywhere to consider its rescued animals.

Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary commented: “Every year we see hundreds of horses and ponies die during the winter months through starvation. This continues to be a huge crisis in the UK. We try and rescue as many animals as we possibly can, but this comes at a substantial cost.”

Remus Horse Sanctuary will not euthanise by age alone and, as our rescued animals get older, the medical bills increase, and they require more time, care, special food, and heat to keep them warm over the winter months.

The charity has created an appeal page on Just Giving to help raise £2,500 towards the cost.

The news regularly features horses that are victims of physical and mental abuse and Remus continue to receive calls daily throughout the year. However, the cold winter months will make any situation worse and the animals at Remus need your help.

Keeping an animal fed over winter will give it a chance to thrive into spring – forage also helps keep horses and ponies warm. Without the Sanctuary’s help, many animals would die a slow, painful and unnecessary death in the unrelenting cold weather.

Sue added: “We’re launching the new winter feed appeal to raise £2,500 to help feed not only the animals in our care at the farm, but also to help aid more rescue operations.” 

We also offer a variety of foodstuffs via our online shop where people can buy and donate a bale of hay, bag of animal food, straw bedding and more. A week’s supply of food and hay for a tethered horse will help improve their life and wellbeing for just £25 and help get them through the cold winter months.

Visit: www.remussanctuary.org/product-category/animal-treats to find out more or contact Sue Burton on telephone: 01277 356191.

Donations to the appeal can be made via the website at www.remussanctuary.org/donate or via the Just Giving appeal page at: www.justgiving.com/campaign/WinterFeedAppeal2020.

PayPal match-funding for Giving Tuesday 2019

PayPal have once again stepped in to make your Giving Tuesday 2019 bigger and better than ever.

Make a donation using PayPal on the PayPal UK’s fundraising page,  or the PayPal App to PayPal Giving Fund between 06:00 on Tuesday 3 December 2019 and until such time as the cap of £150,000 has been reached, and PayPal Giving Fund UK will grant an additional 10% of the donation to benefit Remus Horse Sanctuary.

This means 100% of the donation, plus the 10% match, will come to us, in accordance with PayPal Giving Fund Donation Delivery Policy.

For further information and to read the Terms and Conditions, please visit this page.

Remus Reminds People to Donate Two Coffees to Help Rescue Horses on Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is just around the corner and this year Remus Horse Sanctuary is asking their members and supporters to donate the cost of a couple of cups of coffee to help rescue more abandoned horses this year.

Giving Tuesday is a day when people and organisations from all over the world come together to support the causes and communities that mean so much to us all. Remus are asking you to help us reach ourr goal on Tuesday 3 December and really make a difference for the animals we rescue and care for by donating just £5 a month – the equivalent of just two cups of coffee!

Remus Horse Sanctuary provides rescue and rehabilitation to abandoned horses, ponies and donkeys that are victims of physical and mental abuse, be it as a result of ignorance or malicious intent. The work at the Sanctuary  is often very similar to a hospice situation, giving these animals, most of which are survivors of the most horrendous cruelty at the hands of mankind, the very best of care, allowing the younger ones to develop into happy adults, or for the older ones to rest and recuperate.

Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary says: “The aim of #givingtuesday is to get people thinking about others this Christmas and doing little things that can make a big difference.

“It could be donating money or volunteering but, if we all do something small this #givingtuesday, it will make a real difference not only to the hundreds of abandoned horses in this area but for Remus too.

“We’re asking people to use the hashtag #givingtuesdaypledgeRemus to help promote our cause and to donate the equivalent cost of a couple of cups of coffee.”

To find out how to set up a monthly donation, visit www.remussanctuary.org/donate or call Sue Burton directly on tel: 01277 356191.

Coping with fireworks

For any horse owner, Fireworks Night is a worry. However, celebrations now tend to go on for two or even three weeks and are certainly not restricted to the one night. Here at Remus, our residents are kept as calm as possible during any nearby displays. They’re no doubt helped by the holistic care and therapies we provide all year round, but of course nothing can really prepare any animal for the noise or flashing lights.

Thankfully, following more than 307,000 people signing one petition, change is happening and a report by the Petitions Committee was released on 5th November. This report comes after an inquiry into the impact of fireworks on humans and animals, and calls on the government to limit the number of displays through a system of permits, review noise levels and promote the responsible use of fireworks.

Meanwhile, an owner’s video of a firework display over her stable yard went viral online last week with what she described as sounding like a “war zone”, and there have been other stories in the press of shocking injuries to distressed horses and ponies.

Hopefully for our horses, ponies and all other animals who are affected, change will come. In the meantime, try to keep your horses’ routines as familiar as you can to reduce stress and make sure their stable and field environments are safe. If you know fireworks are going to be set off, you should stay with your horse, but always be aware of your own safety.

You can read more about the Petitions Committee report at: https://www.yourhorse.co.uk/news/articles/bang-out-of-order-rspca-welcomes-new-fireworks-report

Remus Urges People to Donate the Cost of Two Coffees to Rescue Horses

Remus Horse Sanctuary joins #GivingTuesday 2019, the global day of generosity on 3rd December.

Remus Horse Sanctuary is thrilled to announce that we’re one of the thousands of organisations taking part in this year’s #GivingTuesday campaign, to be held on Tuesday 3 December – and all we’re asking is for people to donate the equivalent cost of a couple of coffees each month.

The campaign began in America in 2012, as a way to give back after the well-known shopping days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It was brought to the UK in 2014 by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) with the key aim of encouraging people to think of others in the run-up to Christmas. There are numerous ways to get involved through donating to charity, volunteering or simply helping a friend, neighbour or family member.

Remus Horse Sanctuary provides rescue and rehabilitation to abandoned horses, ponies and donkeys that are victims of physical and mental abuse, be it as a result of ignorance or malicious intent. Our work at the Sanctuary is often very similar to a hospice situation, giving these animals, most of which are survivors of the most horrendous cruelty at the hands of mankind, the very best of care, allowing the younger ones to develop into happy adults, or for the older ones to rest and recuperate.

#GivingTuesday was the top trending item on UK Twitter last year, with the hashtag reaching people more than 600 million times. In the UK, more than £7.8 million was raised in online donations alone on the day itself.

Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary says: “The aim of #givingtuesday is to get people thinking about others this Christmas and doing little things that can make a big difference. It could be donating money or volunteering but, if we all do something small this #givingtuesday, it would make a real difference not only to the hundreds of abandoned horses in this area but Remus too.

“We’re asking people to use the hashtag #givingtuesdaypledgeRemus to help promote our cause.”

Gráinne Mathews, Giving Tuesday UK Campaign Lead, adds: “Giving Tuesday is a chance for us all, no matter where we live or what we do, to help out a cause close to our hearts. This year we’re also encouraging everyone to make a #GivingTuesdayPledge and think of ways to have an impact year-round, in addition to on the day itself.

“That could mean giving a small monthly donation to a charity, or setting aside a couple of hours each month for volunteering. Together, all of these pledges will combine to make a world of difference to so many lives.”

Ms Burton concluded: “We’re asking people to donate just £5 a month to Remus – that’s equivalent to the cost of just two cups of coffee, but it would make a huge difference to us and allow us to rescue more abandoned horses.”

To find out how to set up a monthly donation, visit the charity’s website at: www.remussanctuary.org/donate or call Sue Burton directly on tel: 01277 356191.

Remus Horse Sanctuary Celebrating the Christmas Season

Despite not being able to open our gates over the winter months, Remus Horse Sanctuary are organising and participating in a wealth of events over the festive season:

• Christmas Sale Saturday 2 November at St Peters Church, Hutton
• Winter Sale Saturday 9 November at Writtle Village Hall
• Winter Sale Saturday 16 November at Billericay Reading Rooms
• Antiques Fair Sunday 17 November at Stock Village Hall
• Stall at the Christmas Market Saturday 1 December on Billericay High Street
• Quiz Night Friday 6 December at Courage Hall, Brentwood

Full details for all of the above can be found on our website at www.remussanctuary.org/events.

Furthermore, our Christmas Gift Shop is now available online with some lovely gift items including stocking fillers, Christmas cards and of course our new wall calendar for 2020.

Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary said, “Our gift packs are very popular and great value at just £8.99 and our Plum Puddings always sell out really quickly – they come in three different sizes.”

The plum puddings are light and delicious, full of luxury fruits and nuts soaked in plenty of brandy and dry sherry. They range from £2.25 for the mini pud to £8.50 for the largest.

The online gift shop also features clotted cream shortbread, clotted cream fudge, notepads, pens and pencils and – new for 2019 – tins of shortbread buttons with a choice of picture on the lid, including puppies, kittens and of course horses! The shortbread tins cost just £3.50.

And last but not least, the beautiful 2020 Wall Calendar is packed full of pictures of your favourite Remus animals on every page. The calendar is A4, wirobound with a hanging clip and comes with an A4 envelope.

“As always,” concluded Sue, “we are deeply indebted for everyone’s support. Every year the charity faces the threat of closure due to spiralling costs and we couldn’t continue our rescue work without your help.”

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