Some of the most vulnerable rescued ponies cared for by The Mare and Foal Sanctuary will soon move into a purpose-built welfare facility designed to support their long-term rehabilitation and wellbeing.

The Rosemary Kind Barn, located at the charity’s Coombe Park site near Totnes, is nearing completion and is expected to officially open this autumn. Designed to provide a calm and secure environment for rescued horses and ponies with complex needs, the new facility will also expand the Sanctuary’s equine-assisted education and wellbeing programmes for children, families and local communities.

Among the first residents will be Chesney, Seren and Sonnet, three ponies whose individual stories highlight why specialist facilities can make such an important difference to long-term equine welfare.

Chesney is believed to have once worked as a circus pony, jumping through hoops of fire. When she arrived at the Sanctuary she was highly anxious and easily startled by sudden movement or noise. Through patient, consistent handling and positive reinforcement, she has gradually learned that she is safe and has slowly begun to show more of her curious nature.

Seren was orphaned at just one day old and is now losing her sight due to a degenerative eye condition. Although she grew into a confident pony, increasing anxiety later prompted her retirement from ridden work. Today she receives regular eye checks and careful, steady handling to help her feel secure.

Sonnet was rescued by RSPCA officers in 2012 after being found trapped in a barn with three other horses suffering severe neglect. So weak and starved that she spent two weeks in a veterinary hospital before travelling to the Sanctuary, she continues to benefit from structured daily care because of her ongoing health needs.

Named in honour of the Sanctuary’s founder, Rosemary Kind, the new barn has been purpose-built to provide the very best care for rescued horses and ponies while creating a welcoming space for education, wellbeing activities and community engagement. The facility includes 13 internal stables alongside dedicated areas for specialist care and learning.

Coombe Park is the Sanctuary’s main base for equine-assisted services and educational visits, hosting programmes where vulnerable children, young people and adults can build confidence and connection through time spent alongside rescued horses and ponies. Many of those attending have experienced trauma, anxiety or social isolation, finding a sense of peace and safety with animals that have overcome their own difficult pasts.

Dawn Vincent, Director of Fundraising and Communications at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, said: “Rosemary believed that horses and ponies have so much to teach us about patience, kindness and resilience. This new barn will give some of our most vulnerable residents the calm, consistent home they need, while helping more people learn how to care for equines and build confidence through being with them.”

The building has now been completed and the first ponies are expected to move into their new home during August, ahead of the official opening later this autumn.

Five of the barn’s 13 internal stables have already been sponsored through the support of trusts, foundations and individual donors. The charity has now launched a crowdfunding appeal to help fund the remaining eight stables.

Dawn Vincent added: “The building now stands completed, and the ponies will start moving in in August. 5 of the 13 internal stables have been sponsored thanks to trusts, foundations and individual donors. We’re now inviting anyone interested to help fund the remaining 8 stables through a crowdfunding appeal.”

Supporters wishing to contribute to the project can sponsor one of the remaining stables, helping secure the future care of rescued horses and ponies while supporting the Sanctuary’s welfare, education and community programmes.

You can find out more and sponsor a stable via the Sanctuary’s crowdfunding page: Sponsor the Stables – a Charities crowdfunding project in Totnes by The Mare and Foal Sanctuary