Redwings is a charity that specialises in the care of horses and ponies who can no longer enjoy a working life. Although most horses retire as the result of age and the stresses of having been ridden or driven for many years, retirement can become necessary at any age. A significant number of our residents have never been suitable for any kind of work due to poor conformation or injuries or disease suffered early in life.

Many horses develop a veterinary problem which prevents them from working, but which does not otherwise affect their quality of life. The necessity of retirement should be decided with the help a vet who will be able to advise on the horse’s existing quality of life, the prognosis for their long-term future and the signs of deterioration which need to be particularly watched for.

Elderly equines deserve to have all their particular veteran
needs monitored and provided for.

Occasionally retirement may become necessary because of behavioural issues. There are also a small number of horses that have retired to Redwings because of serious behavioural problems. We are keen to stress, however, that these cases were looked at very carefully and they were retired as a last resort once other avenues had been fully explored.

Retirement is a significant welfare issue. Redwings sees all too often the uncertain future faced by horses and ponies that can no longer ‘pay their way’. The Sanctuary receives hundreds of calls each year from people whose horse or pony has had to be retired and who feel they cannot commit the necessary time and money to caring for a horse they cannot ride.

As an equine welfare charity, Redwings was established to assist those horses in the greatest need and sadly there are more than enough welfare cases to take up the places that are available to new residents each year. We fully appreciate the heartache that unforeseen retirement can bring a horse owner and for several years Redwings operated a waiting list to allow some private retirements to come into our care. However, this list had to be closed in 2003 as the scope of our welfare work increased.

Redwings welfare team encourage people to consider retirement as part of the decision making process when they are thinking of taking on a horse. What will you do when your horse cannot cope with the workload you want from him? What will you do if that time comes unexpectedly early because of an injury or disease?

There are a variety of options available to owners who feel they need to change their circumstances when their horse retires. Click on the following links to find ideas about downsizing, retirement livery and loaning out. You can also download information in our free retirement advice leaflet. You are always very welcome to contact our welfare team on 01508 481008 (Mon - Fri between 9am and 5pm) or by emailing externalwelfare@redwings.co.uk to talk through your own circumstances with us.

• Welfare leaflets