Could you rehome a companion pony?

Charity calls for help amid growing welfare crisis

One equine welfare charity is calling on horse lovers to help tackle a mounting crisis — not by donating, but by opening their fields and stables to a pony in need.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, based in the South West, has issued an urgent appeal for carers to consider rehoming one of their 50 non-ridden companion ponies, in a bid to free up vital space and rescue more equines in life-threatening situations.

“There are many horses and ponies in critical need of our help…but until we have the land and resources to care for them responsibly, we simply can’t bring all of them in,” explains Head of Sanctuary Care Sally Burton. “This highlights the urgent need for equine carers to rehome ponies on loan with our team’s support and advice.

“While our ridden horses and those in training tend to be the most popular choice, the importance of companion ponies shouldn’t be overlooked. As herd animals, all equines require companionship to thrive. In the wild, their natural instinct is to live in groups, and this social behaviour is crucial for their safety and physical and emotional well-being. The absence of a companion can lead to stress, loneliness, and challenging behaviours. We have many rescued ponies that have been rehabilitated and trained and are now looking for somewhere to live within a herd or as a companion to a single horse. They are gentle ponies with much life experience and social interaction to offer.”

The centre’s Sanctuary at Home rehoming scheme provides an ideal solution for those looking to offer a companion pony a forever home – with the reassurance of ongoing support.

“Our Sanctuary at Home scheme gives ponies the chance to live in a home environment where they can get the one-to-one care they need, while still being supported and retaining life-long sanctuary with us,” says Welfare and Rehoming Coordinator Gillian Gratton. “If the placement works well for all, carers keep their pony for as long as they choose, with low or no rehoming fees, no registration costs and potential help with veterinary costs for some conditions. They also have unlimited free access to advice and support, with training and care from our equine experts and the chance to connect with others also loaning ponies on the scheme.

“Many of our carers say the ponies become their own best friends, helping them to foster deeper connections and a real sense of wellbeing. The sheer joy of forming a bond with a pony, watching them interact with others, and caring for their needs can be very special. By rehoming a pony our carers are directly supporting the sanctuary’s mission and allowing us to rescue more horses and ponies in serious welfare situations.”

Entirely reliant on donations and legacy gifts, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary continues to offer hope and a second chance to hundreds of horses and ponies each year.

“The sanctuary relies entirely on donations and legacy gifts, and we are so grateful to all of our supporters for their kindness,” adds Gillian. “Every contribution is crucial in helping us to rescue and support hundreds of horses and ponies, and make sure they receive the care and compassion they deserve.”