As the weather continues to decline, temperatures drop and grass growth slows, we have launched our annual Winter Feed Appeal to help keep rescued and vulnerable equines safe, warm and well-fed throughout the harsh winter months.

The Sanctuary, home to more than 100 horses, ponies and donkeys, is seeking to raise £2,500 to maintain our feed stores and deliver emergency supplies to tethered and neglected horses across Essex and beyond.

Why support is urgently needed

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.

How donations will help

The Winter Feed Appeal aims to raise £2,500, every penny of which will go directly towards feed, hay and emergency callouts:

• £15 could buy a sack of fibre feed for an older pony for a week.

• £25 could contribute to a pallet of hay for high-need residents.

• £50 could help fund remedial shoes for a laminitic pony.

These amounts are illustrative of the difference donors can make. Funds are always used where the need is greatest across hay, specialist feeds and urgent welfare cases.

Please help us reach our target - the sooner the barn is full, the more lives can be changed this winter.