An equine sanctuary in Essex has launched an urgent appeal to help feed its horses this winter.
Remus Horse Sanctuary near Ingatestone is home to more than 100 horses, ponies and donkeys, is seeking to raise £2,500 to maintain its feed stores and deliver emergency supplies to tethered and neglected horses across the county and beyond.
Sue Burton, founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary, explained that winter poses one of the biggest challenges for equine welfare. With little or no grazing available, older and rescued horses rely entirely on hay and specialist feeds to stay warm and healthy. However, lower hay yields and rising costs following difficult growing conditions in 2025, is making feed both scarcer and more expensive.
Remus also continues to respond to calls about tethered horses without food or water. While tethering itself is not illegal, welfare standards set out by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) Code of Practice for Horses are often not met. With community outreach and feed deliveries, the sanctuary helps ensure these animals get the care they need, and alerts authorities when welfare laws are breached.
The Winter Feed Appeal aims to raise £2,500, with all funds going directly towards feed, hay and emergency callouts.
“Every winter we see animals arrive thin, cold and frightened,” said Sue. “A warm rug and a full belly can be the difference between despair and recovery. With your help, we can say yes when the next call comes – and will keep working to ensure more horses are safe, warm and cared for this winter.”
To donate, visit Remus Horse Sanctuary’s Winter Feed Appeal.
A better life for horses and ponies
Sue Burton, founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary, has been awarded a Medal of the Order of the British Empire for her services to equine welfare.
She created the sanctuary in 1983 following the plight of equines on Rainham Marshes in Rainham, Essex, where over 100 horses were abandoned.
Today, Remus provides rehabilitation and lifetime care for more than 100 horses, ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep and cats. Remus celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023.
