Happy 40th Birthday, Damson!

We’re thrilled to be celebrating an incredible milestone here at Remus Horse Sanctuary – our beloved Shetland pony, Damson, will be 40 years old on 1 June! This makes her the oldest resident at the Sanctuary, and we couldn’t be prouder of how well she’s doing.

Damson’s story is a little different from many of our rescue cases. While most of the animals at Remus come to us as victims of neglect or abuse, sometimes we’re called upon to provide a loving, secure home when an owner is no longer able to cope. That was the case with Damson, her daughter April, and her niece Mopsey.

A Life Full of Love and Loyalty

Damson, April, and Mopsey spent their entire lives together, cared for by a devoted owner. As the years passed, and both she and the ponies grew older, it became increasingly difficult for her to meet their needs – both physically and financially. Wanting to ensure the trio stayed together and received the care they deserved, she turned to Remus for help.

While taking on elderly animals – especially those with existing health concerns – comes with significant costs and long-term responsibilities, at Remus we’re committed to providing the very best quality of life for every animal that comes into our care.

The girls were understandably nervous at first. After all, they were leaving the only home they had ever known. But with time, patience, and gentle care, they soon settled in and began to thrive.

Courage in the Face of Ageing

At 40 years old, Damson is not just an old soul – she’s an inspiration! She suffers from Cushing’s disease (PPID), which requires ongoing treatment. She’s also prone to laminitis, so her diet and environment are carefully managed to keep her comfortable.

Despite these challenges, Damson’s spirit remains strong. She continues to enjoy her days with April and Mopsey by her side, basking in the sunshine and the affection of visitors and carers alike.

A Legacy of Longevity

Damson is not the first long-lived equine we’ve had the privilege of caring for. At Remus, we have a proud history of supporting elderly animals to live out their golden years in health and happiness:

• Buttons, our much-loved black pony, lived to the extraordinary age of 54.
• Shayne, the liver chestnut gelding once believed to be the oldest horse in the world, passed away aged 52.
• And Orchid, a cherished member of our herd, celebrated her 50th birthday in January 2015 and lived to be 51.

Each of these animals remained well-covered, healthy, and active until the end – a testament to the power of expert care, good nutrition, and, above all, love.

Celebrate Damson’s Special Day

If you’d like to help us mark Damson’s 40th birthday, there are a couple of special ways to get involved:

🎁 Sponsor Damson – Give a birthday gift that helps support her continued care.
👉 Sponsor Damson

🍬 Send a Birthday Treat – Visit our shop and send a little something to make her day extra special.
👉 Animal Treats

We have a number of other animals celebrating their birthdays in June including: Bracken, Davey, Dickie, Dora, Harvey, Jilly and Toffee.

Why Your Support Matters

Every animal deserves to feel safe, loved, and respected – no matter their age. Damson’s story is a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when we offer compassion, commitment, and care.

Thank you for helping us give Damson – and so many others like her – the peaceful, dignified life they deserve.