07 August 2025

Introducing our two brand-new Adoption Stars!

A horse with a pretty sash being held by his handler

We have added handsome horse Callisto – a Black Beauty lookalike - and mini but mighty pony Mac to the adoption scheme, which is a vital part of our fundraising efforts. As a charity, 100% funded by donations from the public, sponsoring an Adoption Star is a key way you can help us care for our sanctuary residents, and rescue others who need us.

Visitors to Redwings Aylsham Visitor Centre in Norfolk – where Callisto now lives – and Redwings Oxhill Visitor Centre in Warwickshire – where Shetland pony Mac now lives – got the opportunity to meet the new additions at special launch parties at the weekend.

Debbie Scott, Head of Fundraising, said: “We’re so happy to announce Callisto and Mac have joined Redwings adoption scheme. Visitors at Redwings Aylsham and Redwings Oxhill were excited to meet them on Sunday, and we know our supporters will absolutely fall in love with their lovely, sociable personalities.

“Until recently, handsome 15.3hh Callisto was enjoying life in a Guardian home as a valued companion. He returned to Redwings after a change in his Guardian’s circumstances, and problems with his hooves that require ongoing care, more easily managed in the sanctuary.

“Our horses and ponies who live with Guardians are always able to come back to us here at Redwings if they need to, and we’re so grateful to Callisto’s former Guardians for their love and care.

“Mini but mighty Mac, who is just 9hh, has a big personality and an even bigger mane! He was born at Society for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies (SWHP) in South Wales after his mum Bella was rescued. He was named in tribute to the wonderful Jenny and Alasdair Macgregor who were key in the foundation of SWHP and rescued many horses before instigating the charity's merger with Redwings in 2019.

“Caring for horses and ponies like Callisto and Mac is only possible because of people who donate to us, including by sponsoring a Redwings Adoption Star. It’s a fantastic way to support our work.”

A small black pony looking through the fence

Tiny Mac thoroughly enjoyed his launch party!

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Adoptions can be bought for yourself or as a gift for a loved one from as little as £2 a month via direct debit, making it the perfect present. Adopters receive an Adoption certificate; your Adoption Star’s photo and rescue story; a bookmark featuring your chosen Adoption Star; a fact sheet about your chosen animal; three postal updates a year from your new friend including at Christmas; quarterly email updates with photos from your Adoption Star and an invitation to their birthday party (yes really!). Adopters also receive Redwings’ twice-yearly newsletter or children’s magazine so you can keep up to date with all the latest news from Redwings.

Just follow the link to (1.) pick a horse, pony, donkey or mule to sponsor; (2.) set up your adoption; (3.) receive your Adoption Star pack; (4.) get regular updates.

Our amazing adoption stars live at our Visitor Centres in Norfolk (at Redwings Aylsham and Redwings Caldecott); Warwickshire (at Redwings Oxhill); Essex (at Redwings Ada Cole) and Angus, Scotland (at Redwings Mountains) where they can be visited - for free!!

To sponsor Callisto, Mac or any of Redwings’ other Adoption Stars, and help us continue to help horses, ponies, donkeys and mules in need, please visit: www.redwings.org.uk/support-us/adopt-a-horse - thank you!