A horse sanctuary in Essex has launched a desperate appeal to earn extra funds for hay this winter. Remus Horse Sanctuary has been facing a shortage of hay due to continued wet weather conditions.
Sustained flooding from the past three months has forced the charity to use more of their hay supplies than usual this time of year to ensure their rescued and elderly equine residents are kept well-fed.
The extra expense has put further pressure on their already tight budgets, which have not recovered from the impact of covid, followed by Storm Eunice, which caused £40,000 worth of damage to field shelters and buildings.
“On average, we spend around £6,000 on hay and feed every single month,” said Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary. “As you can imagine, we plan our supplies carefully, but each winter we see prices increasing made worse by the weather, which obviously has an impact on us here.
“We would like to urge anyone who can consider making a donation, to do so now to ensure we can purchase the extra supplies we need to continue to provide the very specialist care for our rescued horses, donkeys and ponies.”
To donate to the Remus’ hay appeal, visit their JustGiving page or telephone the Sanctuary directly on 01277 356191.
Sue Burton founded Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary in 1983 following the plight of the horses on Rainham Marshes, where over 100 horses were left on the marshland. As the water inlets flooded, they became cut off resulting in 13 horses dying in the horrendous conditions.
The charity now provides rehabilitation and lifetime care for more than 200 horses, ponies, donkeys, sheep, goats and cats near Ingatestone in Essex. Remus celebrated its 40th anniversary last year.
The sanctuary is hosting two new events this year to help raise funds. New Hall Wine Estate’s Tour & Tasting will take place on Saturday 16 March and Colours Fashion Show & Pop-Up Shop on Saturday 11 May.
For more information, visit www.remussanctuary.org
