Dozens of horses brought back to full health after being taken in at sanctuary

More than 30 rescue horses have had their lives transformed after being taken in at a sanctuary in Hapton.

Redwings offered a home to 32 horses earlier this year, after they were removed from a site near the M25 in Essex.

The horses were part of a group of 130, which had been signed over to a number of animal welfare organisations after their owners said they were unable to care for them.

The horses were underweight, required veterinary help for worms and lameness, and were afraid of contact – suggesting they had never been handled before.

After a stay at Redwings’ specialist quarantine facility, where they received veterinary attention, they were moved to the charity’s nearby behaviour centre in Tasburgh.

Sarah Hallsworth, Redwings’ equine behaviour manager, said: “All of them were very fearful when they first arrived and wouldn’t tolerate human touch.

“Providing even just basic care involves a number of interactions with a horse throughout a year, so it was really important that we worked on building their trust so they could feel comfortable in their new surroundings.”

Through positive reinforcement and a clicker training programme, many of the horses are now happy to be approached and have embarked on handling training.

Ms Hallsworth added: “There are some who were quite terrified to begin with, but have transformed immeasurably.

“Since starting their training, they now really enjoy human attention, which is exactly what we want for all of them.”

It is hoped that some may end up becoming suitable candidates for Redwings’ rehoming programme, but, with existing health issues, many will likely spend the rest of their lives at the sanctuary.

Ms Hallsworth added: “While they will remain a permanent resident at the sanctuary, it’s very rewarding to know that they will spend the rest of their lives free of fear and enjoy all the fuss and love we desperately want to give them.”