A Fun Day Out for the Whole Family
Remus Horse Sanctuary’s Open Day on Sunday 5 August will see children’s entertainer, Magic Dave, and with a dedicated children’s area with two bouncy castles, music from Midnite Blu and competitions and games to entertain the whole family.
Entry to the event will be just £4 for adults and £2 for children and will take place from 1pm to 5pm at the Sanctuary near Ingatestone. Parking is available on-site, with disabled access, and dogs are welcome on a lead. Members can obtain a discount on the entry price by bringing their membership card.
The Sanctuary opens its gate just six times a year offering entertainment for the whole family, with a kids’ corner, competitions and games, music, delicious refreshments including sandwiches (including gluten free) and homemade cakes, alongside stalls and a raffle.
The Sanctuary provides rehabilitation and care for over 200 animals, including horses, ponies, donkeys, cows, 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.
Founder of the Sanctuary, Sue Burton, says, “The Open Days are a really important to us, not only in terms of fundraising, but also in educating people about what we do here. Visitors will be able to meet Jake, our latest rescue, and learn about our many other successes.”
For further information, visit www.remussanctuary.org or contact Sue Burton on tel: 01277 356191.
A happy horse is a horse that… ‘snorts’!
Every horse owner wants their equine to be happy. Let’s face it – if they’re happy, we’re happy. But it can be difficult to know whether or not our horses are truly happy – there’s nothing particularly obvious to help us know. They may seem relaxed, but are they feeling a bit down? Their ears may be forward, so they’re not grumpy or annoyed, but are they constantly on alert? It’s really not easy!
The good news is that research has recently emerged to suggest that the humble little ‘snort’ we hear from our horses is a sign of happiness – and the more they snort, the happier they are. The study was very in depth and you can read the results and explanations on the BBC website here.
Many of the horses and ponies that come into us here at Remus are survivors of terrible cruelty and we strive to give them the very best of care, allowing the younger ones to develop into happy adults, and the older ones to spend their twilight years in relaxed happiness.
Remus Horse Sanctuary is funded entirely by fundraising. To make a donation to support horse welfare, please visit our Donate Page.
Raise FREE funds for us this Summer
Did you know that you can raise free funds for Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary when you shop for summer essentials via Give as you Live?
This summer, whether you’re treating the kids to a day out, updating your garden or jetting off on a last-minute break, please shop via Give as you Live and raise money for us, at no extra cost to you.
Spread a little love and raise free funds this summer!
Royal Visit Commemorates 35th Anniversary for Horse Charity
On Tuesday 26 June, Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex visited Remus Horse Sanctuary in Ingatestone, Essex, to help raise awareness of the ongoing horse welfare crisis in the UK and, to commemorate the charity’s 35th anniversary, by unveiling a bespoke plaque to mark the occasion.
Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary said, “it was an amazing day and we are so grateful for The Countess to take time out of her busy schedule to spend time with us.”
There are a wide variety of rescued animals at the Sanctuary, big and small, and Roxy the cat didn’t want to be left out [pictured]. During the visit, The Countess met many of the old and blind horses at the Sanctuary: including Holly and Grace who are both blind, Tosca who is now in his mid-40’s and Pippa who has undergone major eye surgery [pictured].
The Countess also met Blax [pictured] – a mare left in the most appalling condition, lame and emaciated in a field to fend for herself for more than three months. When The Countess last met Blax in July 2017, she hadn’t long been in the Sanctuary’s care and could barely move – now The Countess has seen her running and playing in the field.
Lord John Petre of Ingatestone, Mayor of Chelmsford Yvonne Spence, Mayor of Brentwood Sheila Murphy, and Deputy Mayor of Basildon Danny Lawrence were also in attendance, along with the Chief Executive of Chelmsford City Council Nick Eveleigh, charity staff, volunteers, members and supporters.
The Countess, who joined the charity as a Patron in 2013, and is committed to supporting horse welfare said in her speech: “Essex is lucky to have such a resource in the county” and encouraged people to get behind the Sanctuary and support its work.
For further information about the charity, visit www.remussanctuary.org.
Charity Open Day & Dog Show
Dog lovers across the South East of England are invited to Remus Horse Sanctuary on Sunday 1 July for our fun Dog Show taking place at the next Open Day.
Remus host just six Open Days per year and the July and September dates feature a Novelty Dog Show including fun classes such as: Bad Hair Day and Best Sausage Catcher, along with something more meaningful – Dogs with a Disability (blind, deaf or a life changing illness) and of course, the ever-popular Best in Show. Entry into each class costs just £1.50 and the 1st – 6th winner receives a rosette. Entries will be taken from 1pm, show starts 1.30pm.
Entry to the Open Day is £4 for adults and £2 for children and will take place from 1pm to 5pm. The Sanctuary offers entertainment for the whole family including a kids’ corner with bouncy castles and live performances from children’s entertainer Magic Dave, competitions and games, music from local band Midnite Blu, delicious refreshments including sandwiches and homemade cakes, many stalls and a raffle. Parking is available on-site, with disabled access and dogs are welcome at every Open Day on a lead.
The Open Day poster is available to download and share here.
The Sanctuary provides rehabilitation and care for over 200 animals: including horses, ponies, donkeys, cows, goats, sheep and cats. The Open Days are a vital source of fundraising for the charity that, due to our location on greenbelt land, can only open to the public for a limited number of days each year.
Founder of the Sanctuary, Sue Burton, says, “We love inviting the public to come and visit the Sanctuary, and the novelty dog shows are always such great fun! Opening to the public in this way allows us to show-off our premises and our animals, giving people a real insight into the amazing work that we do.”
For further information, visit www.remussanctuary.org or contact Sue Burton on tel: 01277 356191. For companies wishing to sponsor a class at the event, please email: info@remussanctuary.org.
Royal Visit to Commemorate 35th Anniversary
On Tuesday 26 June, Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex will be visiting Remus Horse Sanctuary in Ingatestone, Essex, to help raise awareness of the ongoing horse welfare crisis in the UK as the charity celebrates its 35th anniversary year.
The Countess who will be arriving at the Sanctuary at 12 noon will meet all of the animals the charity has rescued including two blind mares, Hollie and Grace, and some of the many other ponies who have been dumped on roads or victims of cruelty.
The Countess, who joined the charity as a Patron in 2013, is committed to supporting horse welfare and will meet with the Mayors of Chelmsford and Brentwood, parish and local councilors and the Vice Lord Lieutenant, members of staff, volunteers and supporters. A plaque will be unveiled to commemorate the event.
Attendance at the event is strictly by invitation only – the Press are invited to send reporters and television crews. Arrival should be between 11am and 11.30am and names must be confirmed to Sue Burton, Founder of the Sanctuary, no later than Monday 25 June by email to info@remussanctuary.org or by telephone on: 01277 356191.
For further information about the charity, visit www.remussanctuary.org.
The dreaded ‘L’ word
It’s a word that can strike fear in every horse owner – laminitis. We’ve enjoyed a lovely spring and early summer so far, but this seemingly constant threat to our horses’ and ponies’ health can be stressful. Many of us are in tune to the slightest niggle, off colour expression or uncharacteristic behaviour, but laminitis can manifest itself in many different ways, so it’s important that we arm ourselves with as much information and knowledge as possible!
We have experienced our fair share of laminitis cases here at Remus, but in the last few years we’ve successfully put steps in place to prevent and/or manage the condition for our residents. We have: big shavings paddocks as an alternative to them being at grass if required; a ‘no sugar’ policy on the yard; our own weighbridge to keep on top of their weight; and holistic care including aromatherapy, reiki and shiatsu to reduce stress (which can also be a trigger) and help our residents cope with any problems they have.
Every horse and pony’s needs will be different, but there are lots of resources online to help you out. This article from Horse & Rider is a great starting point: https://www.horseandrideruk.com/expert-advice/articles/laminitis-everything-need-know/ or why not refer to our own 4 page feature in Horse Magazine here.
Raise FREE funds for us this Father’s Day
Did you know that you can raise free funds for Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary when you shop for Father’s Day gifts via Give as you Live?
This Father’s Day, whether you’re buying DIY gifts, books, that must-have gift, please shop via Give as you Live and raise money for us, at no extra cost to you.
Treat your Dad this Father’s Day!
Rescued Foal Joins Open Season at Remus Horse Sanctuary
Remus Horse Sanctuary is delighted to open its gates and welcome visitors to the Sanctuary for the first time this year on Sunday 3 June 2018. Visitors will also be able to meet the latest little rescued foal – Jake.
Open from 1pm to 5pm, the Sanctuary offers entertainment for the whole family including competitions and games, bouncy castles and live performances from children’s entertainer Magic Dave, music from Midnite Blu, delicious refreshments including gluten-free sandwiches and homemade cakes, lots of stalls and a raffle.
Parking is available on-site, with disabled access and dogs are welcome on a lead. Admission will be charged at just £4 per adult and £2 for children. Members of the Sanctuary will receive a discount upon presentation of their membership card.
The Open Day poster is available to download and share here.
Visitors to the Open Days will be able to meet Jake, the newest rescue at the Sanctuary [Pictured]. He was dumped behind Buttsbury Church in Essex on a Sunday evening in March and was roaming loose for some days with no fencing between him and the busy road and the swollen river.
Sue Burton, Founder of the Sanctuary said, “Jake is only a baby and when he arrived he was terrified! He is still skinny and was crawling with lice and infested with worms but such a sweetie. Because he is so feral, as are so many who are dumped now – more of the foals born to die – and indeed three died on Essex roads in March alone, it meant bringing in some veterinary experts to travel and dart him early one morning.”
We are so pleased that we were able to save him before he became another statistic. He had a very frightening few days before arrival, so we left him in a warm stable with food and water and deep bed to settle down and relax. He has now paired up with Heidi, one of the foals we rescued last summer, who at two months old was found tethered with her two baby friends, one of which was so poorly he died. They are both getting on well and it’s so nice to see them both relaxing and playing in the fields together.”
Donations for the foal can be made via a number of ways and details can be found on the website at: https://www.remussanctuary.org/donate/.
Further dates throughout the 2018 season can be found below:
- Sunday 1 July
- Sunday 5 August
- Sunday 2 September
- Sunday 7 October
The Sanctuary also host Afternoon Teas and Children’s Pony Days, the details for which can be found on the website: https://www.remussanctuary.org/events/.
The Sanctuary provides rehabilitation and care for around 200 animals, including horses, ponies, donkeys, cows, 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 love inviting the public to come and visit the Sanctuary and learn more about what we do. We always have such a great time showing off our facilities and our amazing animals and giving people an insight into the valuable work that we do.”
For further information, visit www.remussanctuary.org or contact Sue Burton on tel: 01277 356191.
Saying Goodbye to your Equine Friend
It’s never easy saying goodbye to our equine friends, however long they’ve been a part of our lives. We specialise in the care of veteran horses and ponies, and give them every chance to thrive into old age. Our animals are never euthanised for reasons of age or infirmity alone, but when we lose residents, such as Buttons at 54 and Shayne at 52, it’s still an incredibly hard time for the whole team, despite knowing they got to live out their twilight years in comfort.
Human feelings apart, what about the other horses left behind when your beloved equine passes away? Our horses spend everyday out in the paddocks enjoying each other’s company, as indeed every horse should, so a sense of loss is inevitable. There’s currently not enough research for us to be certain about how horses understand the concept of death, but there are things we can do to soothe the situation for them. This article from Horse & Hound has some great advice if you’re going through this hard time.
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/horse-care/horse-care-tips/do-horses-grieve-feel-loss-644513
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