Why Giving Tuesday Matters for Remus Horse Sanctuary
Giving Tuesday, on 3 December this year, a global day of generosity, is an incredible opportunity to come together and make a real difference. At Remus Horse Sanctuary, we rely on the kindness of supporters like you to continue our vital work of rescuing and rehabilitating neglected and abused animals.
This year, we’re inviting you to participate in Giving Tuesday through one (or more!) five impactful ways. Every act of generosity, big or small, helps transform lives—not just for the animals we care for but for our community as well.
Five Ways to Give on Giving Tuesday
1. Give Your Time or Talent
Do you have a few hours to spare? Volunteering at Remus Horse Sanctuary can be incredibly rewarding. From helping with animal care to offering your professional skills in marketing, fundraising, or admin, your time and expertise can make a lasting impact. Please complete and return the application form.
2. Give Your Voice
Support us by speaking up! Share our story on social media, sign petitions for better animal welfare laws, or talk to your friends about the Sanctuary’s mission. Raising awareness helps us reach more people who care about protecting vulnerable animals.
3. Give Money
Every donation counts. Whether you can contribute a little or a lot, your support directly funds the care, feeding, and medical treatment of the horses and animals at our Sanctuary. Consider setting up a regular or one-time donation this Giving Tuesday.
4. Give Goods
Have items you no longer need? Donating goods like clothes, toys, or food parcels to a local charity or food bank is a wonderful way to give back. If you’d like to donate directly to Remus, we welcome specific items such as horse feed or bedding which you can purchase directly from our Amazon Wish List or via our online shop. Additionally, we can pretty much recycle anything nowadays, visit our ‘How you can Help’ page on our website to view the options.
5. Give Yourself a Challenge
Why not take on a personal challenge for a great cause? Whether it’s a sponsored walk, run, or even hosting an event, challenging yourself can inspire others to contribute to the Sanctuary’s mission. Decide on your challenge and get fundraising today – it’s really easy to get started!
Your Support Saves Lives
Generosity doesn’t just happen on Giving Tuesday, but this special day provides an opportunity to amplify your impact. By giving in one (or more!) of these five ways, you’re helping us continue to provide a safe and loving environment for animals who have suffered unimaginable hardship.
Let’s make this Giving Tuesday a day to remember for the animals who rely on us. Thank you for your support!
If you’d like to get involved, just click on any one of the web links above or contact us directly on telephone: 01277 356191 — we’d love to hear from you!
#GivingTuesday #GiveYourWay
By the way, you might also be interested to know we have a few places remaining for our Wreath Making Workshop on the 5th – choose between a 10am or 1.30pm start. Please spread the word.
Remus Winter Appeal – We Need Your Help
As if the whole budget thing wasn’t enough, the cancellation of three Open Days during the summer has resulted in a significant loss of income – a shortfall of £15,000. As we approach the winter months, this is deeply concerning given the increased need for bedding, feed, and hay. Will you help us please?
2024 has presented us with some unexpected challenges, not least the cancellation of three of our Open Days during the summer, as you’ll know doubt be aware! This resulted in a significant loss of income – a shortfall of over £15,000.
In addition to the increased need for bedding, feed and hay over the wintertime, we are also facing rising costs across the board: national insurance, wages, fuel, utilities, feed, veterinary care, medication, postage – absolutely everything. At the same time, we’re experiencing a substantial drop in donations.
Our animals rely on us for their wellbeing, and we, in turn, rely on you. We are reaching out to ask for your support during this critical time.
Every contribution, no matter how large or small, makes a tangible difference. Your generosity will ensure our rescued animals continue to receive the care they deserve and will aid those we monitor and assist in the field.
Thank you for your continued compassion and support.
How are we Repaying the Loyalty of Horses?
The National Theatre’s wonderful touring production of Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse is back on tour, and is a stark reminder that despite all that horses have done for us – whether at war, in work, or as companions – people continue to fail them.
A fascinating interview with Belinda Day, the Senior Curator of the National Army Museum, reveals that while we may have the impression that animals were badly treated during wartime conditions, they were in fact cared for better than the men, in many cases.
Belinda tells Everything Horse magazine: “Horses would be given hay before breakfast at about 6am. If they were on a march, they may travel 20 to 25 miles in walk, with soldiers encouraged to jump off and walk alongside their horses at intervals. Every time there was a stop on the march, the horses would be encouraged to graze in order to stretch their rations further, and their saddles would be taken off to rest their backs. After the march, they’d be fed again with hay, chaff and oats.”
Unfortunately, many horses today are not treated with such care – and Remus Horse Sanctuary continues to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals that have been neglected and abused. Like Rosie the Shetland pony, who was forced to pull a cart while suffering with severe arthritis and laminitis and Blax, a horse that was kept in a muddy paddock with nowhere to shelter or lie down, and was walking on a fracture.
Like Joey, the horse in War Horse, who eventually returns to his farm with his loving owner, most of our animals have a happy ending, living out their days being loved and cared for – but there are many more who need our help…
You can read the full interview with Belinda, and find out more about the theatre production at: everythinghorseuk.co.uk/the-real-war-horses
To help us continue our work rescuing animals that have been neglected or abused, whether through negligence or intent, please make a donation online. If you prefer, cheques can be sent to: Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary, Little Farm, Buttsbury, Near Ingatestone, Essex CM4 9NZ, or credit card payments can be made over the telephone to a member of our team on tel: 01277 356191.
The Impact of the Autumn Budget on a Small Charity
Leading elderly horse welfare charity, Remus Horse Sanctuary, is planning numerous fundraising events leading up to Christmas, with something for everyone to enjoy.
However, commenting on the recent Budget announcements, Founder Sue Burton said: “We are massively concerned about the impact of the Labour budget. Already things were tough, and we are barely keeping our heads above water. Everyone’s costs are going up therefore we are seeing the knock-on effect in that our costs are rising also, and our donations dropping as people cope with less money in their pockets.
“With yet another increase in minimum pay and a hefty hike in National Insurance we are at our wits’ end as to how we will raise the money to cover this when our income is spiralling downwards. We can’t pass any costs on as we are not a business.”
The charity receives no government funding and relies solely on its own fundraising efforts. In light of the above and as the weather closes in, Sue Burton and her small team would very much appreciate your support at their future fundraising events:
Christmas Sales
Come and join us at Stock Village Hall on Sunday 10 November from 11am to 2pm, or at the Billericay Reading Rooms on Saturday 16 November from 9am to 4pm, where you’ll find lots of good saleable items, including homemade cakes and preserves, china, jewellery, books and bric-a-brac, all at bargain prices! Plus of course you can shop for Christmas Cards, Christmas Puddings and Christmas Gifts, including our new 2025 Wall Calendar.
Curry Lunches
Bring your family and friends along to the popular Nirvana Restaurant, 72 High Street, Ingatestone, Essex CM4 9DW for a delightful lunch with the team from Remus on Sunday 24 November and/or Sunday 22 December, at 2pm. £20 per person, non-refundable. Includes poppadoms and dip, main course, side dish, rice and bread. Booking is essential. Telephone 01277 356191.
Wreath Making Workshop
Create your own bespoke wreath this Christmas and make your neighbours green with envy at our first ever Wreath Making Workshop on Thursday 5 December with award-winning florist, Emma from Blooming Occasions. The workshop will take place at the Reading Rooms, 73 High Street, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9AS at either 10am or 1.30pm. Book online at: www.remussanctuary.org/events/wreath-making-workshop to secure your place.
“The Chancellor has not considered the impact on small charities that are running on a small income. We have over 150 animals here, all of which have been rescued and all of which still need food, bedding, care and vets’ appointments which we can’t take away from them. Due to the economic situation, we are finding many more welfare cases and these all need dealing with as well.
Sue concluded: “More work. More costs and less money in – it just doesn’t add up.”
Remus Horse Sanctuary would very much appreciate your support at one of their fundraising events. Alternatively, a donation can be made online at: remussanctuary.enthuse.com/donate#!.
Remus Horse Sanctuary Response to the Autumn Budget 2024
An update from our founder, Sue Burton, following yesterday’s Budget announcements:
“We are massively concerned about the impact of the Labour budget.
“Already things were tough and we are barely keeping our heads above water. Everyone’s costs are going up therefore we are seeing the knock-on effect in that our costs are rising also, and our donations dropping as people cope with less money in their pockets.
“With yet another increase in minimum pay and a hefty hike in National Insurance we are at our wits end as to how we will raise the money to cover this when our income is spiralling downwards. We can’t pass any costs on as we are not a business.
“The Chancellor has not considered the impact on small Sanctuaries that are running on a small income. We have over 150 animals here all of which have been rescued and all of which still need food, bedding, care and vets’ appointments which we can’t take away from them. Due to the economic situation, we are finding many more welfare cases and these all need dealing with as well.
“More work. More costs and less money in – it just doesn’t add up.”
If you are able, please make a contribution towards our escalating costs. And, as we always say, every little counts!
If you would prefer to donate over the telephone or via post, please contact the office on tel: 01277 356191, or make your cheques payable to Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary and send to: Little Farm, Buttsbury, Near Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 9NZ.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Postscript 1 November 2024: The NCVO (The National Council for Voluntary Organisations) has today circulated an open letter to the Chancellor, calling on her to take urgent action regarding the increased employer National Insurance contributions for charities, estimated to cost an increased £1.4b a year. By adding your name to that letter, you’ll help us make it clear how important this issue is. The more names, the more people will listen. Please sign and share the letter: www.ncvo.org.uk/news-and-insights/news-index/open-letter-chancellor-national-insurance/#add-your-signature.
Christmas Shop Officially Open
Our Christmas Shop is now officially open, and we’d like to invite you to take a look at our new and unique items.
100% of the profits from our merchandise sales and online shop go directly to help the rescued animals here at Remus. Despite being based in Essex, we continue to help rescue animals across a wide geographical area.
And don’t forget our exclusive Christmas Cards and Christmas raffle!
Your purchase will help save lives.
2025 Wall Calendar
£6.99
Save the Date: GivingTuesday 2024
This year’s GivingTuesday will be taking place on Tuesday 3 December 2024 and it’s the day for giving back. So there’s plenty of time to start talking about, thinking about and discussing ways in which each of us can contribute to a better society.
GivingTuesday is one of the few days of the year when people are actively seeking ways to support causes close to their heart. So be part of something special the world over and get involved on 3 December 2024.
How you choose to participate in GivingTuesday is up to you! Here are a few ideas on how you can support Remus Horse Sanctuary:
- Host your own fundraising event for Remus, whether it’s a coffee morning, a virtual bake-off, or a bring and buy sale – organise something within your local community to raise funds for animal welfare and help us ensure no animal is born to die.
- Share our posts on social media with your friends and family to raise awareness of our vital welfare work.
- Become a member of the Sanctuary and receive regular news and updates of the things we’re involved in.
In the meantime, you’ll find details of our events being held throughout the year and we look forward to seeing you soon!
If you would liketo support the important welfare work we do here at Remus Horse Sanctuary, you can make a donation online.
#GivingTuesday #GiveYourWay
Watch Your Horse’s Weight
Some simple checks to ensure your horse is dropping the pounds where necessary…
Horses, it seems, are just like people, and attempts to lose some weight and stay healthy can come to a halt.
We often have the opposite problem here at Remus Horse Sanctuary, as our rescues often come to us in very poor condition, and in need of adding on several kilos.
However, if you are struggling to keep your own animal at a healthy weight, especially after the summer when they’ve been snacking on all that lovely grass, here are some useful tips:
- Up the energy: If horses are eating more calories than they are burning off they will gain weight. They either need to be ridden more, or their calorie intake needs to be reduced.
- Review their diet plan: Horses eat a lot of grass in summer, which can affect their calorie intake. You can also check the nutritional content of hay and haylage that they consume. Choose a forage source that is low in protein, sugar and digestible energy, with more non-digestible fibre. You’ll find lots of feed advice on the Dengie website.
- Use a supplement: If your horse has a forage-only diet, ensure they are getting a vitamin and mineral supplement. A balancer designed for good doers offers a low-calorie way to meet a horse’s daily vitamin and mineral requirements.
- Get advice: If you are at all unsure about your horse’s diet or weight loss progress, seek advice from the nutrition experts at your feed company.
For more detailed advice on helping your horse achieve their healthy weight head to: www.yourhorse.co.uk/fit-not-fat/stubborn-weight-loss.
Although our Open Days have now finished for the 2024 season, we have lots of other fundraising events planned for the remainder of the year, including our new wreath making workshop in December, and would love to see you there!
Wellness Fair in aid of Remus Horse Sanctuary
As the weather and the days start to close in, Remus Horse Sanctuary will be hosting a delightful Wellness Fair on Sunday 13 October from 11am to 4pm at Stock Village Hall, near Ingatestone CM4 9NF.
During the day, visitors will be able to browse and buy from a range of stalls selling a wide variety of holistic and wellness products, plus jewellery, skincare, soaps, crystals, nutritional advice, and artwork. Stallholders will include the Maldon Soap Company, Buddhist Bubble, Soulful Creations and Lastone Stoneology to name just a few.
Additionally, visitors will be able to experience a range of treatments including reflexology, and readings from psychic and spiritualist mediums. Treatments can be booked on the day or in advance.
Essex Wildlife Trust will also be supporting the event and Remus Horse Sanctuary will be selling a range of merchandise including Christmas cards and the new Wall Calendar for 2025, as well as a variety of gifts and stocking fillers.
Entry is free. However, donations are welcomed on the door and a minimum of £5 per person is recommended. Light refreshments will be available throughout the day and plenty of free parking will be available at the village hall.
For further information about the event, please visit the website or contact Dee at funding@remussanctuary.org or call 01277 356191.
Celebrate World Animal Day at Remus Horse Sanctuary on Sunday 6 October 2024
Join the animals and humans for their last Open Day of the 2024 season and celebrate World Animal Day with them on Sunday 6 October from 1pm to 4pm.
World Animal Day, officially 4 October, has become a global celebration for all animals and the people who love and respect them. It’s known on every continent and celebrated in different ways in many countries, with no regard for nationality, religion or political ideology.
Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary, Sue Burton says, “This year’s theme for World Animal Day is: ‘The world is their home too’ which we wholly support – sadly there are far too many people in the UK and around the world who forget this!
“At Remus we work tirelessly to care for our animals and raise awareness of animal welfare to ensure that no animal is born to die. We are proud to celebrate and support this global movement to raise the status of animals everywhere at our final Open Day of 2024.”
Visitors are welcome at the Sanctuary from 1pm to 4pm and can enjoy meeting over 100 animals and learn more about what the charity does and how it operates. There will also be a variety of activities for the whole family, such as walkabout entertainment, facepainting, live music, and many stalls to browse. Disney’s character Mickey Mouse will also be visiting during the afternoon!
Parking is available on-site, with disabled access, and dogs are welcome on a lead. Refreshments will be available, including afternoon tea by advance booking.
Entry is just £7 for adults and £5 for children, or £15 to include the Cream Tea, per person.
The Sanctuary provides rehabilitation and care for over 100 animals, including horses, ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep and cats, and has been doing so since it was founded in 1983.
Sue continued: “World Animal Day is a day for animal lovers worldwide. It exists to raise the status of animals everywhere and to improve the standards of their welfare around the globe. It’s a day to take action against animal cruelty, neglect and unfair treatment and aims to make the world a better place for all animals.
“We hope you will come and celebrate World Animal Day with us on Sunday 6 October.”
Tickets can be booked online via the website at www.remussanctuary.org/events/open-day-sanctuary-october.
Winter Feed Appeal
Other Appeal
