Shy Lowen is a registered charity based in inner-city Liverpool which exists to rescue, rehome and rehabilitate horses and ponies in need. The charity turns 18 this year and despite being a relatively small organisation is currently looking after 57 horses and ponies on one site. We have saved over 270 lives since we opened our doors. 

We made it through a very wet and muddy Winter which is always a testing time, and was made particularly difficult last year by the loss of several of our wonderful residents, including the horse who was the original inspiration for Shy Lowen and the reason the sanctuary was set up, Halley's Comet. 

Like Comet and his Shy Lowen friends, many horses find themselves in circumstances they are not mentally or physically equipped to face, which can lead them to demonstrate behaviours their handlers may find challenging, and often label "dangerous". Other horses simply outlive their suitability for the job for which they were intended. By the time they arrive at Shy Lowen they are often confused and sometimes neglected, shut down or traumatised. At the heart of all of work is our core belief is that violence is never the answer; instead, we work with our horses using their own special language to help them to understand that they can choose to work with humans as partners in a relationship that is free of pain and fear.

Looking after so many horses and ponies costs a lot of money for feed, hay, farriery, bedding, veterinary, site maintenance and other essential fees and the sanctuary's weekly costs are huge but every penny we receive is used for the benefit of our residents. We have big plans for the future but we need support to be able to grow and continue our lifesaving work. 

As well as offering horses and ponies in need a safe place to stay and learn how to move forward with human partners without the need for violence or pain, over the years we have developed education and growth programmes for humans too. Our therapeutic work has been the subject of an international documentary as well as many news features which have highlighted the special connection between horses and humans and the mutual benefits which can be gained from peaceful authentic interactions. 

We are always trying to find ways to fundraise so that we can continue our valuable work, and a team of our volunteers and supporters are climbing Snowdon on Sunday 21 May to raise money to help our residents. Thank you for taking the time to read our appeal, we hope you are able to support us in our Snowdon quest. Please also visit our Facebook page to keep up to date with what's happening at the sanctuary.

Please remember that if your donation is eligible for Gift Aid, you can donate at an amount that suits you and we receive an additional percentage at no cost to you when you tick the box.

Thank you very much for your support, from the horse and humans of Shy Lowen.