Mare and Foal Sanctuary wins national equine welfare award
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary has received four accolades at the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) Strategic Goal Recognition Awards 2026, recognising its work to improve equine welfare, support carers and strengthen collaboration across the sector.
The South West-based charity won the Advocacy and Policy Influence award for its External Veterinary Project, with three further areas of its work Highly Commended at the national awards.
Sanctuary team members Jenna Goldby and Rachael Blackler received the award for the project, which has improved care for 434 equines supported through the charity’s Sanctuary at Home scheme. The initiative has focused on building direct relationships with veterinary practices across Devon and Cornwall to help improve access to veterinary care and support for horses and their carers.
The charity’s Welfare and Rehoming Team was also recognised in three further categories. Its advocacy work was Highly Commended for Advocacy and Policy Influence, while training and learning initiatives led by Senior Field Officer Leah Brock received a Highly Commended award for Member Support and Standards.
The team’s work with welfare partners was also Highly Commended in the Collaboration and Sector Engagement category.
Recognition for behind-the-scenes welfare work
Iain Wylie, Chief Operating Officer at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, said the awards reflected the dedication of staff working behind the scenes to improve outcomes for horses.
“I am immensely proud of our teams. The work behind these awards is not glamorous and it rarely happens in public. It’s hundreds of conversations with owners, vets and partner organisations, and a genuine determination to get the best outcome for every horse involved,” he said.
He added that the charity’s approach was built around putting equine welfare first, working in partnership with other organisations and sharing knowledge to benefit the wider sector.
“To see that approach recognised on a national stage, across welfare and education, tells us we are getting something right. It also tells us how much more we can do,” he said.
Supporting hundreds of horses and ponies
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary cares for around 550 horses, ponies and foals across its four Devon sites and through Sanctuary at Home, which enables equines to live with a network of knowledgeable carers. The charity rescues horses and ponies that have been abandoned, neglected or abused, providing lifelong care either through its network of carers or at its sanctuary sites for animals with more complex needs.
Its work also extends beyond direct horse welfare, with education and equine-assisted wellbeing programmes designed to support children and adults experiencing challenges including anxiety, autism, trauma and social isolation.
Based in the South West, the charity works with other organisations locally and nationally to promote good welfare standards and share expertise. Its work includes specialist experience in managing and training feral or unhandled horses and ponies, as well as caring for mares in foal and orphaned or abandoned foals.
Celebrating excellence in equine welfare
The NEWC Strategic Goal Recognition Awards celebrate individuals and organisations whose work contributes to improving equine welfare across the UK. The National Equine Welfare Council brings together equine welfare charities, education providers, veterinary bodies and other organisations committed to promoting high standards of care.
The four awards provide national recognition for the Sanctuary’s work across veterinary support, advocacy, education and collaboration, highlighting the importance of partnership working in improving outcomes for horses and ponies.
For more information about The Mare and Foal Sanctuary and its work, visit the Mare and Foal sanctuary website.