Equine charities collaborate to safeguard welfare of rare horses

Working together, the RSPCA, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare, were responsible for a 15-month operation to protect the 70 equines, following concerns raised by members of the public in May 2024. 

Alongside Redwings, we assisted the operation by providing our expertise, equipment and transport.

Welfare officers from the various charities visited several semi-feral herds of Icelandic horses at various sites around Devon. They found unmanaged breeding, with pregnant mares living alongside fighting colts and stallions. 

Some were found with life-threatening injuries. High worm burdens, especially among young horses, posed a major concern, with some random samples showing levels in the thousands. Excessive worms like this can lead to malnutrition, poor growth, colic, and other health problems, making it crucial to manage parasite control to keep the horses healthy and thriving.  

A collaborative effort

The owner cooperated and the horses were signed over in stages over several months to the three lead charities, and we supported with arrangements for transporting the equines.

Hannah Bryer, Head of Welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “We were happy to be able to assist in this operation and help play a vital part in a successful welfare outcome for this large group of equines.

“As an active member of the National Equine Welfare Council we often work with other organisations to offer our valuable skills and knowledge. In this operation, one of our Donkey Welfare Advisers and our experienced lorry drivers were able to assist with the planning, loading and transport of some of these horses, helping to reduce risks and ensure they reached their new destinations safely. 

“Situations like this can be incredibly complex and challenging to resolve.  Securing good, sustainable welfare outcomes for large groups of equines often relies on the shared expertise, experience, and resources of multiple organisations working together, as was evident in the conclusion of this operation.”

The power of partnership

Leah Brock, Senior Field Officer at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary described the operation as a true achievement of collective effort. “I am deeply relieved that all horses involved in this case have now been safely removed” she said. “It has been truly humbling to witness the way each charity stepped forward without hesitation, offering their time, resources, and expertise to ensure these equines received the care they needed.”

Jon Phipps, Chief Field Officer for World Horse Welfare said: “I’m delighted that by working together in this way, we’ve managed to safeguard the future of these lovely horses. We had major concerns for their welfare, and without rapid intervention, an already unstable situation was in danger of spiralling totally out of control.”

RSPCA Inspector Sarah Morris, who led for the animal welfare charity, said: “This multi-agency approach demonstrated what can be achieved when charities collaborate towards common goals. Each charity contributed specialist skills and knowledge, which allowed us to support the horses and the owner.

“I cannot praise enough the work of the equine charities involved in this operation; what we achieved was truly amazing.”

Throughout, the focus remained on achieving the best possible welfare outcomes for the equines, demonstrating how teamwork and dedication can make a real difference in safeguarding their wellbeing. 

Alongside the other charities, we are encouraging all equine owners who may be struggling to come forward and seek help.