More about Redwings Oxhill

Redwings Oxhill first opened its doors to visitors in 2005. 

It operated as a visitor and rehoming centre for more than 20 years and has been home to a number of well-known Redwings residents including Will Scarlett the police horse, Dylan the Welsh pony, Snuffles the pony with the twisted nose and Major the Shire Cross, the namesake for its popular Major's Cafe.

Very sadly in 2026 the charity had to make the very difficult decision to close the centre due to rising costs, along with its centre in Forfar, Scotland.

Chief executive Lynn Cutress said: “Neither of these centres took in rescue cases directly and so the closure of these sites does not affect our ability to rescue horses from anywhere in the country, as we have always done. Redwings will continue to help horses in need, wherever and whenever we can. However, closing the centres will save vital and significant operating costs long-term, allowing us to secure the future of the 1000+ rescued horses in our Sanctuary care who rely on us every day.

“Businesses and charities across the country are struggling severely – Redwings is certainly not alone. Costs have risen exponentially over the last few years, and we have needed to use our savings, known as reserves, for the past four years to fill the gap between our income and expenditure, which is something we knew was not sustainable in the long term.

“We have been in a period of financial review for nearly two years, including seeking specialist external advice, and although we always hoped it would not be necessary to make such major changes, with the economic climate as it is and fluctuating almost daily, our Board of Trustees simply had no choice.”

The cost of living combined with other factors such as the changeable climate have caused the organisation real challenges over the past few years and this is not getting easier. We still have over 1000 horses, ponies and donkeys relying on us every day including those from our Oxhill site, and more than 500 more living out in guardian homes. Please visit our Donate page to find out how you can support us today. Thank you