Our Work

Within the Sanctuary, there are usually around 50 animals in care at anyone time, the largest is Copperfield a Clydesdale, with retired Police horses, ex-racehorses, and rest going down in size to moorland ponies, donkeys and Shetlands. The oldest Sanctuary horse lived until he was 50 and the oldest donkey until she was 60.

All the animals enjoy the individual care of Roland, Alison and their family and their band of helpers which include Ellen the Stable Manager and Donna. All the people who work with us are hand-picked for their kindness and love of animals and voices are never raised when dealing with them.
Over the years without fail the animals have been visited late at night to check that all was well. An extra feed is given to the elderly, and the very young, and they ensure that every animal has enough hay and water to last until morning.

The Sanctuary's Police Horses

Due to a lack of funding the Police cannot afford to maintain their retired animals and, unless trustworthy and reliable homes can be guaranteed, these horses are put down. The Trustees couldn't allow this to happen, after all the years of service in which the horses have always given their best they have earned the right to retirement.This Sanctuary has long been recognised by the Police Service for its integrity and retired Police horses, regardless of age or infirmity, are never refused care. It is our policy to take all the horses offered by the Avon & Somerset and the Metropolitan Police forces. These horses have stood firm in the face of violence and adversity and are the pride and joy of their riders. The days of a Police horse are long and hard and, as they near the end of their lives, Everyone at the Sanctuary does their very best for them.

Another important part of the Charity's work is to provide physically and mentally disadvantaged children with a day in the country, where they can have close contact with the animals. They have a wonderful time. Some children who may sometimes be very introspective, often 'open-up' and become more out-going when in the company of horses and ponies. This part of the Charity's work is of particular interest to Roland, also several of the Trustees who have been involved, on a voluntary basis, with disadvantaged children and adults.

We encourage visits from local schools, also Scouts and Cubs, Girl Guides and Brownies and Pensioner's groups.

Also of concern of the Trustees is the care of wildlife. Habitat is being constantly improved and over 7 acres of woodland and wetland have been set aside for this purpose. Making nest boxes, planting native trees and shrubs has shown very satisfactory results and is a delight to everyone to see more snipe, and the appearance of other more unusual birds such as the pied flycatcher, gold crest and even merlins.

A small group of deer live in the woods, alongside a very vocal pheasant and his family. It is planned to make another pond, the first one is now teeming with life: frogs, toads, newts, etc., and is attracting damsel and dragonflies. On the wetland, there is evidence of the rare marsh fritillary.