Why is My Horse Lame?
Learn to recognise the signs of lameness and what it can mean for your horse’s health…
As horse owners and carers we are usually pretty in tune with our animals’ health. With so many elderly, recuperating and rescued horses here at Remus, we are always on the lookout for problems, so we can treat them before they become more serious.
We all worry when a horse appears to be lame, but it’s useful to be able to identify the severity of the lameness and what it might signify. For instance, a severely lame animal may hold up their leg, and avoid putting any weight bearing on it, even when just walking – it could be the sign of a hoof abscess.
Less severe lameness might be the sign of tendon strain or arthritis. In that case you might not see the issue until they are going at a trot – you’ll likely see your animal’s head go down on the good leg and up on the lame one. It’s often something that is not noticed until the horse is lunged.
More serious is a lameness in both front legs – look out for the horse holding its head and neck in a rigid position, and moving with a short, choppy movement. Time to call a vet!
Finally, as a general point, being aware of your horse, the way it moves and its general disposition, will help you to more quickly spot anything out of the ordinary.
You can read more about lameness in this article on the Horse and Rider website: Looking into Lameness.
As the wet and windy weather continues, we are continuing to raise funds for our Winter Appeal. Please do make a donation to our cause – whether a grand gesture or small, every little helps and we and the animals are so appreciative.
Pop Sunday 4 May into your diaries to join us for our first Open Day of the 2025 season.
From Tragedy to Hope: Why Remus Horse Sanctuary Still Needs You
A Tragic Beginning
Whether Remus Horse Sanctuary is a new name to you or you’re a seasoned supporter, you may not know the story of why and how we were formed.
Not long after arriving in Essex from London in 1983, Sue Burton witnessed first hand the horrors of more than 100 horses abandoned on the bleak, flooded marshlands of Rainham. Thirteen were trapped by rising waters, left to drown in the most appalling conditions.
The Story of Remus and Pickles
Shortly after, the charity’s namesake, Remus, was found dumped outside a livery yard – tied to a lamp post in a pitiful, emaciated state. He had been stolen and starved in a dispute between two people over just £50. His suffering was too great to survive, and in an act of kindness, he was put to sleep.
Not long after Remus, Sue and her friend Pat heard about another desperate case – Misty and her foal, Pickles. Misty had sustained a fractured skull, possibly from a kick while on the Rainham Marshes during the flooding. Incredibly, her plight became known not because of her suffering, but because Pickles, left to wander, was attacking people on a footpath.
Misty, tethered and unable to reach her foal, was beside herself. Tied by her neck to the ground despite her fractured skull, she had no way to care for her baby. There was nothing more that could be done for Misty, and to end her suffering, the vet made the heartbreaking decision to put her to sleep.
Sue and Pat found themselves with Pickles – and an urgent need for land where he could live. But walking away from what they had witnessed wasn’t an option. And so, in 1983, Remus Horse Sanctuary was born.
Why Our Work is Still Urgent Today
We wish we could tell you things have dramatically improved in the last 40 years. While some progress has been made, it is simply not enough.
Even today, horses and ponies suffer the same horrific neglect and abuse. It’s estimated that there are over 7,000 welfare cases in England, with numbers rising every year. That’s why we launched our #BornToDie campaign on our 40th anniversary – to raise awareness and fight for real change.
By the way, Pickles went on to thrive, finding a wonderful home with Remus member Sue Tredget. He lived a long, happy life, passing away in his 30s.
How You Can Help
Sue and the team work tirelessly – raising awareness with councils and authorities, fundraising for change, rescuing animals in need, and providing care for the many residents at the Sanctuary. But we can’t do it without you.
The cost of running the Sanctuary continues to rise, just as your own expenses do. Every donation, no matter how small, helps us rescue and care for more animals in desperate need.
👉 Please support our work today.
In memory of Remus, Misty, and Pickles, and for all the animals who still need our help today and in the future. Please click the link to donate or learn more about our #BornToDie campaign. Together, we can make a difference.
How to Promote Condition Safely
Can you see your horse’s ribs? Are they prone to losing weight over the winter? Is your older horse just not looking quite as good as they were? Here are Dengie’s 5 top tips for promoting condition safely:
1. Are you feeding enough?
Feed enough forage eg, hay or haylage and if fed ad-lib, weigh what’s offered and what’s left to ensure sufficient is eaten. This is important for weight gain and to support a healthy digestive system. Aim for 2% of your horse’s bodyweight of forage on a dry matter basis each day. Provide additional forage in the field if the grazing is poor or in inclement weather conditions such as frost and snow.
2. Know what you’re feeding
Choosing good quality forage is key as it makes up such a large part of the diet. Offer a trug or bucket of short-chopped fibre such as Dengie Pure Grass or Meadow Grass with Herbs and Oil alongside hay to provide a higher calorie forage.
3. Check your horse’s teeth
Dental problems can have a big impact on your horse’s ability to digest their feed and forage. Regular checks by a vet or qualified dental technician are important. If a horse is struggling to chew, find a format of fibre they can manage eg, short chop fibres and fibre mashes, such as Dengie Alfa-Beet.
4. Provide slow-release energy for condition without the fizz
Dengie Cool, Condition & Shine is a fantastic conditioning feed for weight gain. A high-fibre blend of soft chopped and pelleted fibre to encourage chewing, Cool Condition & Shine also contains a high oil content to promote condition and coat shine without excitability. Spearmint oil and a light molasses coating tempt fussy feeders.
5. Maximise your horse’s ability to utilise their feed
The digestive system of any herbivore is undoubtedly healthier when fed a high fibre diet. Using highly digestible fibre sources, such as sugar beet, which is included in Dengie Alfa-Beet, can make a significant contribution to the horse’s energy requirements. Rich in pectin, one of the most digestible forms of fibre, sugar beet has been shown to have a prebiotic-like effect in the gut. Including it in rations can therefore help to improve the digestibility of other fibres the horse consumes.
Our thanks to corporate partner, Dengie, for providing this helpful article. For further help and advice, the Dengie Feedline team can be contacted on 01621 841188 or by filling out a Feed Advice Form.
If you are interested in becoming a corporate partner, please contact Dee Shadforth our Fundraising Assistant via email to: funding@remussanctuary.org.
One Minute to Help is all it Takes
Please support Remus Horse Sanctuary in the Benefact Movement for Good Awards 2025 – it will take you just one minute!
As a haven for horses, ponies, donkeys, and other animals in need, we are excited to participate in the Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards this year. These awards provide substantial grants to charities, enabling them to continue their vital work. With your support, Remus Horse Sanctuary could secure one of these generous donations to further our mission of rescuing and caring for animals that have suffered from abuse or neglect.
Upcoming £5,000 Animal and Wildlife Special Draw
The Benefact Group has announced a special draw focused on animals and wildlife, offering ten awards of £5,000 each. The nomination window is open for a limited time, from Monday 17th February to Friday 21st February 2025. Please mark your calendars and visit the Benefact website during this period to nominate Remus Horse Sanctuary. Your nomination could make a significant difference in the lives of the animals we support.
Ongoing £1,000 Draws
In addition to the special draw, the Benefact Group conducts regular £1,000 draws. The next draw is scheduled for Monday 24th March 2025. If you haven’t already, please consider nominating Remus Horse Sanctuary for this award. Each person can submit one nomination per charity, and the more nominations received, the higher the chances of winning. Once you’ve nominated, please use the sharing tools provided to encourage your network to support Remus as well. It’s a quick process, and your participation can have a lasting impact.
How to Nominate
- Visit the Benefact Movement for Good website during the nomination periods.
- Complete the nomination form, selecting Remus Horse Sanctuary as your chosen charity.
- Share your nomination with friends, family, and social networks to amplify support.
Please note: If you’ve already nominated Remus Horse Sanctuary for the £1,000 awards this year, your nomination will automatically be included in all remaining £1,000 draws. However, nominations for the £5,000 special draw require a separate submission.
Your Support Matters
By nominating Remus Horse Sanctuary for these awards, you’re directly contributing to the well-being of countless animals. Your nomination can help provide the necessary resources for rescue operations, medical care, and ongoing support for animals in need. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to animal welfare.
For more information and to nominate, please visit the Benefact Movement for Good website during the specified nomination periods.
Unwanted Christmas Gifts Could Help Transform the Lives of Neglected Animals
Remus Horse Sanctuary, located in the heart of Essex, is calling on the public to donate unwanted Christmas gifts this January to support its ongoing mission to rescue and rehabilitate horses, ponies, and other animals in need, like Holly pictured. With a simple donation of unwanted items, supporters can help make a real difference at the Sanctuary, which has been providing care for more than 40 years.
Every year, millions of pounds’ worth of unwanted gifts go unused or are discarded across the UK. By donating these items to Remus Horse Sanctuary, supporters can help raise vital funds to feed and care for animals who have suffered neglect, abuse, or abandonment. The Sanctuary, which relies entirely on public generosity, turns these donations into much-needed resources through sales, raffles, and events.
The Sanctuary also welcomes practical gifts like towels, blankets, and cleaning supplies, which directly benefit the animals’ care. Remus is home to more than 100 rescued animals, many requiring ongoing medical treatment and specialised diets. The rising cost of living has made public support more critical than ever, ensuring the Sanctuary can continue its essential work.
Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary, said: “By donating your unwanted Christmas gifts, you’re not just clearing out your cupboards – you’re giving hope and a second chance to animals who have endured unimaginable suffering. Every contribution, no matter how small, has the power to change lives.”
Unwanted gifts and donations can be dropped off at the Sanctuary any day between 10am and 4pm until the end of January.
Remus Horse Sanctuary is currently raising funds via its Winter Appeal on JustGiving at: www.justgiving.com/campaign/remuswinterappeal2024.
Looking After your Stabled Horses and Ponies in Winter
Bad weather and flood conditions can result in your animals being stuck in their indoor stabling for longer than usual – here’s how to keep them healthy…
Following a very wet autumn, and now winter, having safe and suitable turnout for your animals may be a luxury for many.
Wet weather often affects us here at Remus with both flooding across the lower paddocks and at Buttsbury Ford, but when your horse has to be stabled for longer than you’d planned for, it’s important to ensure you are doing everything you can to keep them healthy and happy.
If your horse is kept in a large yard or livery, you may be lucky enough to have an all-weather turnout area – whether indoor or outdoor, with rubber, sand or woodchip, which allows your animals to exercise when ground conditions in fields are bad.
Track systems are also more popular now and can be useful for older horses and those recuperating as they can continually move.
However, for many horse owners, these aren’t options, so if your horse is stabled for longer than usual. consider these points:
- Routine: Horses thrive on consistency, but if you have to stable your horse you’ll need to offer a different kind of routine to stop them becoming bored and even confused. Visit at the same time to give feed, forage and top up water. And ensure they have some human interaction, such as daily grooming.
- Stable toys: When your animals are in stables for a long period of time, they can get bored and turn to attention-seeking vices. Stable toys can help – whether it’s treat balls or a swede strung up for them to nibble at. If possible, place your animal next to others, so they have some company, but otherwise consider a stable mirror.
- Exercise: If ground conditions make it hard to ride, consider long lining or lunging for a short but effective workout.
- Keep it clean: Cleanliness is even more important than usual. Make sure hoof care and grooming are included in your routine and maybe consider having less bedding during the day to help keep the stable clean – subject to how cold it is of course.
- Food rations: Carefully consider how much food and forage they are receiving if they are not getting as much exercise as usual. Reduce calorie and sugar content and offer good-quality forage.
You can view one of the Donkey gang, Davey, playing with a treat ball on our YouTube channel here: youtu.be/LiAO_95stvQ.
Find more advice and ideas at: everythinghorseuk.co.uk/considering-welfare-for-the-stabled-horse-and-pony-this-winter.
And please remember our winter appeal. If you’ve not yet had chance to donate, we would very much appreciate your help: www.justgiving.com/campaign/remuswinterappeal2024. However large or small, every contribution makes a difference.
Remus Horse Sanctuary’s Big Ask: Support Their Festive Wish List
As the festive season approaches, Remus Horse Sanctuary is calling on the local community to support their vital rescue and rehabilitation work by purchasing a gift from their wish list. The independent charity, based in Essex, must raise all its own income to keep the Sanctuary operating and to continue helping neglected and abused animals not only locally, but across the South East.
This year has been particularly challenging due to rising costs and persistent wet weather, which have placed additional strain on the Sanctuary’s resources.
Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary, who recently collected her British Empire Medal for services to equine welfare, said: “With costs continually rising and a lot of wet weather this year, it has become more challenging than ever to generate the income we need to keep everything going. We’re asking you to dig deep and support us.”
The Sanctuary’s wish list includes a range of essential items such as feed, bedding, and medical supplies, as well as practical items to ensure the animals have a safe and comfortable winter. Whether purchasing a bale of hay or contributing towards a larger expense, every donation makes a significant difference.
For over 40 years, Remus Horse Sanctuary has been a lifeline for abandoned, mistreated, and elderly animals, offering them a second chance at life in a safe and loving environment. Their work is only possible thanks to the generosity of supporters, particularly during the colder months when costs are at their highest.
To view the wish list and find out more about how you can help, please visit www.remussanctuary.org/product-category/animal-treats or contact Sue Burton on tel: 01277 356191
Support Remus Horse Sanctuary in Benefact Group’s 12 Days of Giving
The festive season is a time for giving, and Benefact Group’s 12 Days of Giving programme is the perfect opportunity to help Remus Horse Sanctuary secure vital funding to care for our animals.
Starting on 5 December, Benefact Group will draw the names of ten charities each day over 12 days, with each charity receiving £1,000. That’s 120 charities supported and a total of £120,000 donated to good causes across the UK!
If you’ve already nominated Remus this year, then we are already in the draw. If you haven’t nominated yet, it’s just a few clicks away. And the more nominations we receive, the greater our chances of being chosen.
How You Can Help
We need your support to nominate Remus Horse Sanctuary for this incredible opportunity. It’s quick and easy to take part:
- Visit the Benefact Group 12 Days of Giving website.
- Complete your details.
- Submit your nomination – and encourage others to do the same!
The more nominations we receive, the greater our chances of being chosen.
Why This Matters
At Remus Horse Sanctuary, we provide a safe haven for animals who have endured neglect, abuse, or abandonment. A £1,000 donation would go directly towards the care of our animals, from essential feed and veterinary treatments to maintaining warm and secure shelter during the harsh winter months.
This is a wonderful opportunity for you to help make a difference – without spending a penny. Your nomination could help us give our animals the love and care they deserve.
Spread the Word
Please share this campaign with friends, family, and your community. Every nomination increases our chances of success, and together, we can make this holiday season brighter for our Sanctuary’s residents.
From all of us at Remus Horse Sanctuary, thank you for your kindness and support!
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.
Other Appeal
