The Mare and Foal Sanctuary will be able to continue providing optimised horse care and welfare throughout the winter months thanks to new mud defences.
The charity has been able to install mud control mats at its Beech Trees Veterinary and Welfare Assessment Centre in Devon, thanks to public support of its recent fundraising campaign.
The mud defences were put in just in time as storms and torrential rain set in at the centre. Staff have said the mats are making a huge difference, providing safe, stable footing so the team can continue essential training and care for vulnerable rescued horses and ponies throughout the winter.
Launched in November last year, following a joint welfare operation involving 70 Icelandic horses, the appeal asked supporters to help fund 700m² of specialist matting across gateways and training areas at its Newton Abbot base. These areas can become heavily waterlogged, limiting the team’s ability to safely look after vulnerable, often unhandled horses and ponies.
Thanks to public support, the crowdfunder raised more than £12,000 pounds, meaning the Sanctuary has been able to place the first phase of mud control mats on key access points and work areas across the site.
On the 23 December, 20 tonnes of mud matting was delivered by lorry and unloaded with the help of two local farmers. With recent storms and heavy rainfall, the timing has been critical, and staff report that the mats are already improving safety for people and horses, protecting the ground, and allowing essential training and veterinary handling to continue in poor weather.
“Our supporters are nothing short of incredible,” said Emma Platt, Digital Fundraising and Activities Manager. “Their generosity has turned a real winter challenge into a practical solution that will help many more vulnerable horses and ponies, not just this year but for years to come.
“Every donation, message of support and share on social media has made a difference. The whole team is so thankful because we simply couldn’t do this vital work without them.”
By keeping training on track throughout the winter months, the mats help rescued equines progress more quickly through rehabilitation and into suitable long-term homes or specialist placements, freeing up space at Beech Trees for new welfare cases.
Images by The Mare and Foal Sanctuary
