A glamorous charity gala held at one of Britain’s most famous film studios has raised more than £22,000 to create specialist facilities for horses suffering from laminitis. The Essex-based Remus Horse Sanctuary hosted its first-ever Red Carpet Charity Gala Evening at Elstree Film Studios in Borehamwood on Saturday 15 November 2025, marking a milestone fundraising achievement for the organisation.
The sold-out event attracted supporters from across the equestrian community for an evening that combined Hollywood glamour with heartfelt stories of equine rescue and rehabilitation. All proceeds from the gala will fund the construction of a new ‘Gala Paddock’ – a purpose-built facility designed specifically to support horses and ponies living with laminitis, one of the most debilitating conditions affecting equines.
A Night of Entertainment and Generosity
Guests at the iconic Elstree Film Studios, famous for producing Star Wars, Indiana Jones and countless British television programmes, were treated to an evening of exotic cuisine, live music and casino entertainment. The highlight of the fundraising efforts came through a charity auction featuring exclusive prizes donated by businesses and patrons who support the Sanctuary’s mission.
The event was organised and hosted by Dena Schwartz, whose dedication and meticulous planning transformed the vision of a charity gala into reality. Her enthusiasm and attention to detail created an atmosphere that encouraged both celebration and charitable giving throughout the evening.
Beyond the entertainment, guests heard moving accounts of the Sanctuary’s rescue work, with particular focus on the stories of Holly and Davey – two residents whose journeys exemplified why continued support remains vital. These personal narratives reminded attendees of the real-world impact their contributions make to vulnerable horses and ponies.
Impressive Fundraising Total
By the end of the evening, the gala had raised an impressive £22,270.51 – a sum that will directly fund the creation of the Gala Paddock. This new facility will provide enhanced care for horses and ponies suffering from laminitis, a painful inflammatory condition affecting the feet that requires specialised management and environment.
The fundraising total exceeded expectations for a first-time event, demonstrating the strength of support within the Sanctuary’s community and the willingness of attendees to contribute generously to equine welfare.
Founder Expresses Gratitude
Sue Burton, who founded Remus Horse Sanctuary over 40 years ago, expressed her delight at the evening’s success and the generosity shown by all who attended.
“We are absolutely thrilled with how the evening went. The warmth and kindness shown by everyone who joined us was inspiring. The Gala Paddock is an important project for us and knowing that the funds raised will help improve the wellbeing of some of our most vulnerable residents means so much,” Sue Burton said.
She also paid tribute to the event organiser, acknowledging the crucial role played in making the gala a reality.
“I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to Dena, whose commitment and passion made the entire evening possible. It truly was a night to remember,” Burton added.
Understanding the Gala Paddock Project
Laminitis remains one of the most challenging conditions for horse owners and sanctuaries to manage. The inflammatory condition affects the sensitive laminae within the hoof, causing severe pain and potentially permanent damage if not properly managed. Horses with laminitis require specialised footing, carefully controlled grazing and dedicated monitoring.
The proposed Gala Paddock will be specifically designed to meet these needs, providing a safer and more supportive environment for the Sanctuary’s laminitic residents. Proper surfacing, shelter and management systems will help reduce discomfort and support long-term well-being for horses living with this chronic condition.
For a sanctuary that specialises in caring for elderly horses and those with complex health needs, having dedicated facilities for laminitic cases represents a significant enhancement to the quality of care available.
Remus Horse Sanctuary’s Mission
Based in Essex, Remus Horse Sanctuary has been rescuing and rehabilitating neglected and abused horses since 1983. Founded by Sue Burton, the organisation has built a reputation for providing holistic care and specialising in elderly equine welfare.
Over four decades, the Sanctuary has developed expertise in managing conditions like laminitis and Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), implementing dietary and management protocols that have significantly improved outcomes for horses in their care.
The Sanctuary relies entirely on charitable donations and fundraising events to continue its work. With no government funding, events like the Red Carpet Gala Evening are essential to financing improvements and maintaining the high standard of care provided to resident horses and ponies.
A Memorable Inaugural Event
The success of the first Red Carpet Charity Gala Evening establishes a promising precedent for future fundraising initiatives. The combination of an iconic venue, engaging entertainment and compelling cause created an event that resonated with supporters and generated substantial financial backing for the Gala Paddock project.
The choice of Elstree Film Studios added a touch of cinematic glamour to the proceedings, whilst the focus remained firmly on the horses whose lives will be improved by the funds raised. This balance between celebration and purpose defined the evening’s character.
For attendees, the opportunity to enjoy a sophisticated night out whilst directly contributing to equine welfare created a meaningful experience that extended beyond typical charity fundraising.
Supporting Remus Horse Sanctuary
The Sanctuary welcomes ongoing support from the equestrian community and animal welfare advocates. Beyond attending events, supporters can contribute through regular donations, sponsoring individual horses or volunteering time to assist with daily care routines.
Those interested in learning more about the Sanctuary’s work, meeting the resident horses or discovering how to contribute to projects like the Gala Paddock can visit the organisation’s website at Remus Sanctuary.
As the Gala Paddock project moves forward, the £22,270.51 raised at the Red Carpet Charity Gala Evening will provide the foundation for creating facilities that will benefit laminitic horses for years to come. The success of this inaugural event demonstrates the power of community support in advancing equine welfare and improving lives for some of the most vulnerable horses in rescue care.
