Support us this Winter for FREE
Help us enter Give as you Live Online’s £10,000 Giveaway before 31st December 2022.
Supporting Remus Horse Sanctuary couldn’t be simpler this winter thanks to Give as you Live Online’s winter giveaway, and here’s how you can take part.
Give as you Live Online are giving you the chance to earn a £10 bonus donation on top of the regular free donations you can raise by using their free shopping tool. When you sign up to support Remus Horse Sanctuary on Give as you Live Online and complete 3 fund-raising shops by the end of the year, they’ll pay us a bonus £10 donation.
Plus, when you use Give as you Live Online, you’ll raise a free donation with almost every purchase you make at over 6,000 stores, including John Lewis & Partners, Argos, Sainsbury’s, Wilko and Booking.com.
For example, if you were to click through Give as you Live Online to do your monthly grocery shopping at Sainsbury’s, you could raise up to 7.5%* of your spend back as a free donation for us. Based on a click and collect shop of £100 per month, you could raise an extra £35 a year for us, for free! Plus, there’s no limit to how much you can raise.
Getting the free £10 donation
Signing up is easy:
- Click here to be taken to our charity page on Give as you Live Online, and click ‘Sign up’
- Sign up for an account. You’ll only need to provide your name and email address
- Complete 3 shops by the end of December. As well as a £10 bonus donation, you’ll earn a donation on each shop
Full Terms and Conditions can be found here.
*Calculation of £35 a year is based on 1 £100 shop as a new customer using click and collect at 7.5%, and 11 subsequent shops as an existing customer using click and collect at 2.5%. Rates are subject to change at retailer’s discretion.
Christmas Shop now OPEN
Our Christmas shop is now officially open. Whether you are looking for gift inspiration, stocking fillers or sponsorship of a specific animal, we have gift ideas to suit all interests.
Sponsorship
Give the gift of sponsorship for Christmas cheer that lasts all year! Choose from one of our many animals.
Gift Selection
Scented candles, sweet and savoury gift boxes, cuddly toys and more, we’ve something for everyone!
2023 Calendar
Our delightful new wall calendar for 2023 features a different Remus animal for each of the 12 months of the year. Bound to put a smile on your face!
Christmas Cards
Designed and painted exclusively for Remus, our card for 2022 features Shetland ponies Damson, April and Mopsey who were all rehomed at the Sanctuary earlier this year.
Purchase online via our website shop or telephone the office on 01277 356191 to place your order.
Ways to Support Remus Horse Sanctuary during the Cost-of-Living Squeeze
With household budgets being stretched, Sue Burton, founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary is asking supporters and donors not to forget about them or their horses this winter.
“We know we’re all being stretched financially right now, but some of us are being pushed to the brink. Just £5 will help us and we need your help more than ever right now.”
Remus have also considered alternative ways for people to help them without necessarily making a donation:
- If you’re buying Christmas cards and stocking fillers this year, consider buying from Remus. This year’s Christmas card, painted exclusively for Remus Horse Sanctuary, features rescued Shetland ponies: Damson, April and Mopsey. There is also a new wall calendar for 2023 featuring a different Remus animal on every page. Unlike charity cards and calendars for sale in shops, 100% of the proceeds will go to Remus. Visit their website to shop online.
- Get crafty this Christmas – use your creative skills and host a Christmas craft fair in aid of Remus. If that sounds a little challenging, consider a bake sale at your place of work, with the proceeds going towards Remus.
- You may not be able to give at present, but by remembering Remus in your Will, you’re helping to secure their future. If you’ve not got a Will, take a look at the Free Wills service.
This cost-of-living crisis presents several challenges to Remus as they face rapidly increasing costs; rising food bills for the animals is the chief concern, along with rising energy costs and vets bills. So too is the real terms cut in the value of donations. In addition, demand for rescue support is set to rocket as the cost-of-living squeeze impacts on those people with animals, many of whom were already struggling financially.
For further information, and innovative ways you can help support Remus Horse Sanctuary this winter, please visit www.remussanctuary.org and head to the ‘helping us’ section, or contact Sue Burton on tel: 01277 356191.
New Rules could cut out Test for Horsebox Drivers
New rules being considered by the Depart of Transport could mean drivers could drive horseboxes up to 7.5t without taking an additional test – and horse owners can have their say in a public consultation.
The government proposal could see the return of ‘Grandfather rights’ which would allow those who passed their test before 1 January 1997 automatically being allowed to drive larger vehicles. At the moment, only vehicles weighing up to 3.5t can be driven by drivers with a standard licence, unless they take an additional test.
The rule change is being considered in a bid to “streamline driver licensing and support jobs’’. This had already led to the decision to scrap the need for an additional test for those who want to tow trailers – good news for anyone with a towable horse box.
The government is now consulting on this proposal until 28 October – and you can have your say at www.gov.uk/government/consultations/driving-licensing-review-call-for-evidence-on-opportunities-for-changes-to-the-driver-licensing-regime
Read the full details at www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/more-people-may-be-allowed-to-drive-7-5t-horseboxes-under-new-proposals
Managing the Flu Vaccine Shortage
The shortage of equine flu vaccine across Europe looks set to continue into October, according to the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA).
This is obviously a great concern for horse owners – not least at Remus Horse Sanctuary, where many of our residents are more vulnerable due to their condition and sometimes unknown vaccination status.
However, the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has offered some guidance for horse owners, depending on their risk level.
Those horses most at risk are adult horses that mix regularly with other horses, and young horses under the age of four who have an incomplete vaccination history.
BEVA recommends that if your horse is in a low risk category – fully vaccinated and not mixing with others – you could defer the vaccination by up to three months, in consultation with your vet of course, ensuring that you follow up with a booster within nine months. Your vet must update the horse’s passport with the relevant information.
If your horse competes under the British Horse Society (including British Riding Clubs), the Pony Club, Riding for the Disabled Association, Association of British Riding Schools and The Showing Council they will still be allowed to enter competitions if you defer for three months and then get the nine-month booster. Again, vets must mark and sign passports documenting the delay.
Other competition organisations have put in place a temporary exemption on the requirement for boosters within six months of a competition.
You can find full details of risk categories and exemptions for competitions at: www.yourhorse.co.uk/news/eqine-flu-vaccine-shortage-advice
World Animal Day
World Animal Day, officially 4 October, has become a global celebration for all animals and the people who love and respect them – and we were proud to celebrate and support this global movement to raise the status of animals everywhere at our final Open Day of the 2022 season on Sunday 2 October.
World Animal Day is known on every continent and celebrated in different ways in many countries, with no regard to nationality, religion or political ideology.
Events such as ours, and the world over, draws attention to animal issues and makes them front page news around the globe – a vital catalyst for change. Through increased awareness and education, we sincerely hope that the world will become a fairer place for animals.
Key facts:
- Over 1,000 events are run every year across the World
- #WorldAnimalDay trended in 56 Countries on October 4 2019
- And reached 39 million people around the globe
- Many celebrities across the World support the campaign
- World Animal Day has 97 Ambassadors across 75 Countries
- The WAD Grant has supported 12 projects since 2014
- Naturewatch Foundation has been the driving force for over 15 years
- World Animal Day has been celebrated on October 4 for over 90 years
Click on the link if you would like to learn the history of World Animal Day.
Each and every one of us can make a difference. Visit the World Animal Day website and make your pledge to support Remus throughout the year ahead. To set up a monthly donation, please visit the Remus website and select ‘Monthly’ from the dropdown.
Sunday saw a delightful end to our summer events season. It was so warm that Mickey Mouse had to step in last minute for Olaf – or we fear he might have melted in the sunshine! You can see from the ground, how dry it continues to be, with very little grass growth as yet. Please, if you can, share the details of our Urgent Hay Appeal.
Queen’s Favourite Pony says Last Goodbye
As horse lovers we couldn’t help but be moved when the Queen’s favourite pony, Emma, made an appearance as the funeral procession made its way to St George’s Chapel in Windsor on Monday 19 September.
The Fell pony mare stood as the procession marched past her, accompanied by her handler Terry Pendry, stud groom and manager to The Queen at Windsor Castle.
The Queen was, of course, a keen horsewoman, who was often spotted riding in the grounds at Windsor, wearing a headscarf rather than a hat – and the scarf draped across Emma’s saddle was particularly touching.
Read more about Emma at www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/the-queens-fell-pony-emma-attends-her-majestys-funeral
Celebrate World Animal Day at Remus Horse Sanctuary on Sunday 2 October 2022
Join the animals and humans for their last Open Day of the 2022 season and celebrate World Animal Day with them on Sunday 2 October from 1pm to 5pm. Disney’s character Olaf, will also be visiting during the afternoon!
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 to nationality, religion or political ideology.
Says founder Sue Burton, “Here at Remus Horse Sanctuary we are proud to celebrate and support this global movement to raise the status of animals everywhere at our final open day of 2022.
“World Animal Day makes a vital difference all over the world and It’s obviously close to our hearts here at the Sanctuary.”
Visitors are welcome at the Sanctuary from 1pm to 5pm and can enjoy meeting the 200+ animals and learn more about how the charity operates. There will also be a variety of activities for the whole family, such as walkabout entertainment, face painting, music, and many stalls to browse.
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 £5 for adults and £3 for children, or £12 to include the Cream Tea, per person.
The Sanctuary provides rehabilitation and care for around 200 animals, including horses, ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep and cats, and has been doing so since it was founded in 1983.
Tickets can be booked online via the website at www.remussanctuary.org/events/open-day-sanctuary-october.
For further information, visit www.remussanctuary.org or contact Sue Burton on tel: 01277 356191.
Walking Back to Happiness
When horses come to us at Remus Horse Sanctuary, we often have to embark on a programme of rehabilitation. Many of them have been starved and neglected, and need to build up their strength and confidence.
So we were very interested to read this excellent article in Horse and Hound about the benefits of walking over ground and raised poles for rehabilitation or for general strengthening work.
The article focuses on research by the Animal Health Trust which found that using poles can help to increase range of movement, strengthen musculature and improve coordination and balance.
Find out more at: www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/how-walk-work-over-poles-benefits-equine-rehab-and-strength-793578.
As you know, we are struggling with our hay stocks and costs currently. If you’ve not already had chance, please do make a donation to our appeal at: www.justgiving.com/campaign/urgenthaysummer2022.
The Dogs are the Stars at Remus Horse Sanctuary
Remus Horse Sanctuary will be opening its gates on Sunday 4 September to welcome members of the public for its fun Dog Show and Family Day from 1pm to 5pm. The Dog Show will commence at 2pm with bookings being taken from 1.30pm.
Special guest Minnie Mouse will also be making an appearance during the afternoon.
The Sanctuary at Little Farm, Buttsbury, near Ingatestone, offers free parking on-site, with disabled access. Admission will be charged at just £5 per adult and £3 for children. Entry to the Dog Show is £2 per class. Cream Teas can be booked in advance for £12 per person, including entry.
The Remus novelty Dog Show includes fun classes such as: Bad Hair Day and Best Sausage Catcher, along with the more meaningful – Dogs with a Disability (blind, deaf or a life-changing illness) and of course, the ever-popular Best in Show. The 1st – 6th winner receives a rosette and best Rescue Dog and Best in Show receive a trophy to keep.
Winner of our Best in Show July 2022 was Flo, a lovely German Shepherd, and Reserve Best in Show was Dan, a lovely greyhound. Congratulations to Dan and Flo and their proud owners and to Janetta and her team for organising and judging it and for running the agility. A great time was had by all.
The events at the Sanctuary are always fun and interesting for the whole family, with a children’s entertainer, live music, delicious refreshments, lots of stalls, a tombola and a raffle.
The Sanctuary provides rehabilitation and care for around 200 animals, including horses, ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep and cats, and has been doing so since it was founded in 1983.
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 always look forward to inviting the public and their dogs to come and visit the Sanctuary and learn more about what we do.
“Young and old always have such a great time and it means we’re able to show off our facilities and our amazing animals and give people an insight into the valuable work that we do in a fun way.”
To book tickets for the Open Day and Dog Show, visit the charity’s website at: www.remussanctuary.org/events/open-day-sanctuary-september.
For anyone wishing to sponsor a dog class at the event, especially local businesses, please email: info@remussanctuary.org. For information about the Sanctuary, visit www.remussanctuary.org or contact Sue Burton on tel: 01277 356191.
The final Open Day of the season will take place on Sunday 2 October to celebrate World Animal Day, and the charity has created an appeal to raise funds to replenish its stocks of hay. Details can be found at: www.justgiving.com/campaign/urgenthaysummer2022.
Other Appeal
