Bright Futures for Once Fearful Horses thanks to Redwings Horse Sanctuary

Over 30 rescued horses now have bright futures thanks to behaviour specialists at Redwings Horse Sanctuary.

When 130 neglected horses were removed during a mass multi-agency operation, Redwings Horse Sanctuary stepped up to the plate by taking 32 of those horses in for rehabilitation.

Terrified of human touch, the horses were unhandaled and needed considerable care, attention and training before they were classified as safe and well. Following veterinary attention, worms and lameness issues were immediately addressed while the horses started their road to physical, and mental recovery.

A short film of two of the foals, Wonga and Lira, undergoing their handling training, can be viewed here

Sarah Hallsworth, Redwings’ Equine Behaviour Manager, said:

All of them were very fearful when they first arrived and wouldn’t tolerate human touch. However, to provide even just basic care involves a number of interactions with a horse throughout a year, so it was really important that we worked on building their trust so they could feel comfortable in their new surroundings and we could care for them safely.”

The horses arrived at the centre in two groups and, in true Redwings style, were named after distinctive themes – famous artists (Picasso, Raphael and Banksy) and money or foreign currency (Florin, Stirling and Dime). Naming them in such a way makes it simple for Redwings’ vets and equine carers to follow the groups’ progress at the Sanctuary in the coming months and years.

Through clicker training (see video above), positive reinforcement and a lot of patience, many of the horses are now happy to be approached in their fields, wear headcollars and be led, and are about to embark on leg handling training – essential for veterinary interventions, such as routine vaccinations, and farrier visits.

It is hoped that some may end up becoming suitable candidates for Redwings’ rehoming programme in the future. Even those with existing health issues, who will likely spend the rest of their lives at the Sanctuary, have come on in leaps and bounds.

Sarah said:

There are some, like Silver, who were quite terrified to begin with but have transformed immeasurably. Since starting her training, Silver now really enjoys human attention, which is exactly what we want for all of them. While she will remain a permanent resident at the Sanctuary, it’s very rewarding to know that she will spend the rest of her life free of fear and enjoy all the fuss and love we desperately want to give her and her friends.”

However, their progress has not been without complication! Many of the rescued mares were in foal when they entered the Sanctuary and over the course of this year seven foals have been born, providing an extra challenge for the Behaviour team.

Sarah added:

While our training schedule suddenly got that much busier, foals present a really lovely challenge. Because they have not experienced what their mothers have gone through, they do not have the same fears and we have an opportunity to start their handling at a very young age so we can give them the best chance possible of finding loving new Guardian homes outside the Sanctuary in the future.

Many, like Lira, are really enjoying their training sessions and are already wearing little headcollars but, just like their mothers, some are more wary than others and are only at the stage of wanting to eat from our hands, like Rupee. We treat every horse at Redwings as an individual and will only progress their training at their own pace. Whether they go on to find new homes or end up better suiting a life here at the Sanctuary, we’ll make sure they remain safe and happy for the rest of their days.”

In all, the charity has taken in almost 180 horses and donkeys in 2020 – one of its highest totals in recent years – despite challenges and additional pressures on resources as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The work of Redwings and its Behaviour team is 100% funded by donations from the public.

To support the ongoing care of unhandled horses at the Sanctuary, please visit www.redwings.org.uk/donate.