A nonprofit organization dedicated to liberating animals from the grips of “fear and neglect” announces a remarkable achievement of rescuing over 5,500 horses, ponies, and donkeys throughout four decades of unwavering commitment.
Established in 1984 with the poignant rescue of a pony named Sheba, Redwings Horse Sanctuary has emerged as a beacon of hope for equine welfare, nestled in the serene landscapes of Hapton, Norfolk. Today, it proudly holds the title of the UK’s largest horse welfare charity.
Reflecting on this journey of compassion and resilience, Nicola Knight, the stalwart head of communications and campaigns, shares sentiments of pride, having dedicated two decades to the noble cause.
In celebration of this monumental 40th anniversary milestone, the sanctuary’s devoted staff will host a Great Ruby Tea Party on Wednesday, April 24th, inviting supporters and advocates to join in commemorating years of tireless dedication to the well-being of these majestic creatures.
The eldest resident at the charity is Willow, a 46-year-old Welsh pony, who was welcomed into its care in 2003.
Jude Palmer, representing the charity, shared, “Willow arrived from an environment with limited human interaction, leaving her quite apprehensive and fearful.”
Back in 2008, a remarkable rescue unfolded in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, orchestrated by a courageous team of 32 individuals from the organization. This daring endeavor saw the liberation of over 100 horses, ponies, and donkeys from a dire situation on a farm.
Through sheer determination and unwavering dedication, the sanctuary became a beacon of hope for these animals, offering safe haven to more than 60 of them in the aftermath of the rescue mission. Today, approximately 47 of these resilient souls continue to thrive under the compassionate care provided by the sanctuary.
In July, Anna Sewell House in Great Yarmouth had the honor of hosting Queen Camila, paying homage to the birthplace of the renowned author of Black Beauty, born in 1820, and a site under the loving care of the charity since 2022.
Reflecting on the royal visit, Ms. Knight remarked, “We’d never had a royal visitor before, and it was truly an amazing experience.”
She continued, “In 2015, our efforts contributed to the enactment of the Control of Horses Act. I believe we’ve been pioneers in horse welfare.”
Discussing the charity’s ethos of transforming lives, she emphasized, “Our commitment extends beyond mere sheltering; we provide comprehensive long-term care, leveraging our in-house veterinary and behavior teams to ensure each horse leads its best possible life.”
The charity’s footprint spans visitor centers in Caldecott and Aylsham in Norfolk, as well as in Harlow, Essex, Warwickshire, and Scotland, with sanctuaries scattered throughout the UK, embodying its mission of compassion and care.
