Redwings regularly receives enquiries from people who are thinking of setting up their own horse rescue centre. We love talking to anyone who is passionate about equine welfare, but we know from our many years of experience that rescuing, rehabilitating and meeting the long term needs of horses is a huge undertaking on any scale. Love and commitment are vital, but they are not enough on their own. Sadly, Redwings has had a number of first hand experiences of sanctuaries that were established with the very best of intentions, but that did not have the knowledge, skills or resources to meet the welfare needs of their equine residents, sometimes with devastating consequences.

This photo was taken by Redwings welfare team during a visit to another equine 'rescue centre'. Many rescue centres will care for severely underweight horses that have just been rescued from neglect, but this pony was not a new arrival.

If you would like to know more about just some of the essential practicalities involved in setting up and running a horse sanctuary, you can download our advice sheet by clicking here:

Setting Up a Horse Sanctuary Advice Sheet

More useful information can be obtained from the National Equine Welfare Council and the Charity Commission. You can use the following links to be transferred to the web pages of these two important organisations:

National Equine Welfare Council website

Charity Commission website

• Welfare leaflets