Mare and Foal Sanctuary opens new Devon barn in tribute to founder
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary has officially opened a new welfare and education centre at its Coombe Park site near Totnes, Devon, providing 13 stables for rescued horses and ponies with complex needs. Around 100 guests attended the opening of the Rosemary Kind Barn, named after the charity’s founder, who died in 2022. Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon Grania Phillips cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
The opening follows five years of planning and construction and marks a significant development for the equine welfare charity, which cares for around 550 horses, ponies and foals across four sites in Devon.
The new building replaces the site’s former American Barn, which was demolished in 2020 after subsidence left it unfit for purpose. Temporary stabling was used while plans for a permanent replacement progressed. Alongside its 13 stables, the centre includes dedicated areas for specialist care, education and community activities.
Tribute to founder Rosemary Kind
The barn’s name recognises Rosemary Kind, whose work established the foundations of the Sanctuary.
Chief Executive Rhodri Samuel said the new facility would support the charity’s work with horses and ponies while providing space for learning and community engagement.
“The Rosemary Kind Barn has been a major investment in the future of our Coombe Park site, one of our four sanctuary sites across Devon,” he said.
“It provides a safe, modern and purpose-built home for rescued horses and ponies while creating opportunities for learning, wellbeing and community connection.”
He added that the building would support the Sanctuary’s work in equine rehabilitation and education, continuing the approach established by its founder.
Guests at the event included Devon-based television personality and equine welfare advocate Faye Winter. Speeches were also given by Richard Burden, Impact Lead for Alternative Provision at Torbay Council, and Rebecca-Rafiyah Findlay, Vice-Chair of Trustees.
The programme included a film documenting the barn’s construction and an opportunity to tour the facilities, meet the resident ponies and view exhibitions prepared by the Sanctuary team.
Messages of support from familiar faces
Broadcaster and adventurer Ben Fogle sent a message welcoming the opening, highlighting the role of animal welfare centres in supporting vulnerable equines and encouraging connections between people and animals.
The charity also received messages from its patron, broadcaster Angela Rippon, actor and patron John Nettles, comedian Josh Widdicombe and dancer Flavia Cacace.
One of the ponies present for the occasion was Vogue, a 15-year-old Irish Draught cross who arrived at the Sanctuary in 2019 following a large multi-agency rescue operation. She was reported to be in a serious state of neglect when rescued.
Since her arrival, Vogue has become part of the charity’s education team and one of its sponsorship horses. Her story reflects the rehabilitation work undertaken by the Sanctuary with equines requiring ongoing care and support.
Five years from plans to completion
The project was funded through contributions from individuals and organisations. More than 1,200 people donated to the initial appeal, while 121 contributed towards the tack room and a further 57 gave through a Crowdfunder campaign.
Local contractor MW Benney Ltd completed the second phase of construction in July 2026.
Dawn Vincent, the Sanctuary’s Director of Fundraising and Communications, thanked those who had contributed to the project, including donors, stable sponsors, trusts, funders and volunteers.
The Sanctuary operates across four Devon sites in Newton Abbot, Totnes, Holsworthy and Yelverton, caring for around 550 horses, ponies and foals.
The Rosemary Kind Barn replaces the former Coombe Park stabling, providing new facilities for the charity’s equine care and education work.
Further information: Details of the Sanctuary’s work are available at www.mareandfoal.org.