A gentle older mare with failing sight has become an unlikely pillar of strength for a recovering herd, as newly released updates reveal how dozens of once semi-feral horses are learning to trust again.
One year after a major multi-agency welfare operation involving around 70 Icelandic horses, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary has shared details of the progress made by animals now in its care.
Concerns raised by members of the public about several semi-feral herds across Devon prompted a coordinated response involving the Sanctuary, RSPCA and World Horse Welfare. A joint statement outlining the complex operation was released in October last year.
Following the intervention, the Sanctuary took in eight horses and five foals at its specialist facilities in the South West. Staff have since been carrying out ongoing rehabilitation, veterinary treatment and handling training.
At the centre of the charity’s spring appeal is Granny, a 20-year-old Icelandic mare described as a calm and steady presence within the group. Blind in her right eye and living with locking stifles, a painful joint condition, she now receives daily pain relief and lives outdoors to support her mobility.
Despite these challenges, staff say her temperament has made her an important influence on younger horses, including her foal Sherlock.
Jenna Goldby, head of welfare and rehoming at the Sanctuary, said: “Granny is at the heart of our spring appeal because she shows what ongoing care really looks like. The initial welfare operation was just the beginning of a long journey of recovery for the herd.
“Since then, our team has been caring for them around the clock, making sure Granny and her herd mates are comfortable, safe and learning to trust people.
“She is an older mare with complex needs, but she is also a calming presence for the younger horses.”
Jenna added: “Before she came to us, she suffered the trauma of losing a foal, and soon after became pregnant again with Sherlock, who is now 10 months old.
“Sherlock looks to her for reassurance, and other horses in the herd often follow her lead.
“When people support our appeal, they are helping us provide that long-term, patient care that cannot be delivered in a single week or month.”
Sherlock is said to be thriving, showing a curious and playful nature. He is progressing with training, including grooming and learning to pick up his feet. Staff have adapted their approach to suit his behaviour, rewarding him with scratches rather than treats when he becomes overexcited around food.
Elsewhere in the group, other horses are also making steady progress. Hilda and her foal Spirit are building confidence through careful handling, while young foals Flint and Wurzel, along with Bowie who was born shortly after arrival, are adjusting to routine care and life at the Sanctuary.
Jenna said: “This has been a real team effort. Our welfare team and Sanctuary care staff, vets, specialist handlers and volunteers have all played a part in helping these horses adapt from semi-feral life to one where they can be safely handled, receive veterinary treatment and begin basic training.
“We also continue to work in a supportive way with horse owners who may be struggling. Our aim is always to prevent welfare problems wherever possible by offering no-shame advice and support at an early stage.”
The Sanctuary’s spring appeal aims to raise funds to cover the ongoing costs of caring for the Icelandic herd and other vulnerable equines. This includes feed, bedding, veterinary treatment, farriery and staffing.
Dawn Vincent, director of fundraising and communications at the Sanctuary, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who has supported The Mare and Foal Sanctuary so far, including those who responded to last year’s coverage of the Icelandic horses.
“Their generosity has already made a real difference to Granny and her herd.
“In reality, the work does not stop when horses arrive with us. Many will need months or years of care, training and veterinary support.
“Regular donations mean we can plan ahead and step in when horses and ponies urgently need our help.”
She added: “This spring we are asking people, if they can, to support Granny and the Icelandic herd by donating, fundraising or simply sharing their story.
“Every action helps us continue our essential equine welfare work in the South West and we really do appreciate it.”
More information about the appeal and the horses can be found at www.mareandfoal.org.
