Mare and Foal Sanctuary was founded in 1988 by Rosemary, who has rescued and looked after horses and ponies all her life.

In 1992 the Sanctuary became a registered charity and we have since rescued and found loving homes for hundreds of foals, ponies and horses.

The Sanctuary’s aims are not just to rescue neglected, unwanted or abused horses but  to rehabilitate, train and eventually rehome them into loving, knowledgeable environments. We focus on educating people on the care and welfare of these beautiful creatures.

We own more than 300 horses and ponies and five farms in Devon, including our new Beech Trees Veterinary and Welfare Centre.

Most of our horses are cared for at loan-homes away from the Sanctuary, but we maintain ownership to safeguard their futures and carry out regular home checks to make sure they are happy and healthy.

As well as caring for our horses day to day, we hold several special events, including our annual sponsored rides, dressage and show jumping competitions, Open Days and summer shows.

We also attend local fundraising events such as summer fetes and agricultural shows throughout the South West.

To help us maintain a steady income we have charity shops in the South and East Devon areas. In addition to our regular full and part-time staff we benefit from a very helpful core of voluntees both in the stables and in the shops, without whom we could not operate.

We also work proactively with other equestrian groups and charities as well as the local and national media to raise awareness of current horse-related issues.

In 2010 we were accepted into the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) with whom we help improve equine welfare in the UK. We were also delighted in 2014 when actor and national treasure John Nettles accepted our invitation to be the Sanctuary’s patron.

After years of tireless work, Sanctuary founder Rosemary Kind retired in 2013. But the charity continues to rescue horses and ponies from throughout the region under the leadership of Chief Executive Sarah Jane Williamson, who is carrying on her wonderful legacy of saving countless equine lives