Good news for ponies despite sanctuary closing its doors
Redwings has helped to secure a happy ending for ponies from a sanctuary in Bradford after it was forced to close.
The Rivendell Equine Defence Sanctuary near Shipley in Bradford has sadly closed its gates for the last time due to a lack of funds. However, Redwings has worked with other organisations from the National Equine Welfare Council to secure the futures of the 'homeless' horses and ponies.
Rivendell, home to 51 rescued and retired horses and ponies, was forced to cease operations and closed its doors this week. The centre, based at Westfield Lane in the city, had been in operation for 15 years and became a registered charity almost three years ago. However, the committee was unable to raise the funds needed to keep the centre going and has now made the responsible decision to end operations for the sake of all the equines involved.
National organisations rallied around to help out through the National Equine Welfare Council, with Redwings taking the lead in order to find homes for all of the Rivendell residents, supported by the RSPCA and the Blue Cross. We have also pledged to take on responsibility for the 29 ponies currently out in Guardian homes so their Guardians can continue with their loan schemes as before.
Last week, horses and ponies living at Rivendell and deemed fit enough to travel were taken to their new homes at Redwings, the RSPCA and the Blue Cross. A couple of the most elderly and infirm horses were found good loan homes in the local area so they did not need to travel too far.
Rita Shaw, spokeswoman for Rivendell Equine Defence, said: “This was a difficult and upsetting decision but we want to reassure the public that the horses and ponies are all well and all have homes. We would like to thank everyone who has been involved with the sanctuary, either by raising funds, donating tack and feed or volunteering to take care of the animals. We are so grateful and could never have carried on as long as we did without your help.
"However, horses and ponies are very expensive to keep and in the end we simply couldn’t get the funding we needed to carry on. Although everyone is very sad, we take comfort in the knowledge that every single one of our horses and ponies have wonderful new homes to go to."
Nicolas De Brauwere MCRVS, head of Welfare at Redwings, said: “This is a very sad end for everyone who worked so hard to keep Rivendell going, and it just serves to demonstrate how hard it is to keep a sanctuary running these days. Fortunately we were able to offer our help and secure a happy ending for the horses and ponies involved. We brought 16 back to our headquarters in Norfolk and they have already settled in very well, I’m delighted to say."
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