Unwanted Christmas Gifts Could Help Transform the Lives of Neglected Animals
Remus Horse Sanctuary, located in the heart of Essex, is calling on the public to donate unwanted Christmas gifts this January to support its ongoing mission to rescue and rehabilitate horses, ponies, and other animals in need, like Holly pictured. With a simple donation of unwanted items, supporters can help make a real difference at the Sanctuary, which has been providing care for more than 40 years.
Every year, millions of pounds’ worth of unwanted gifts go unused or are discarded across the UK. By donating these items to Remus Horse Sanctuary, supporters can help raise vital funds to feed and care for animals who have suffered neglect, abuse, or abandonment. The Sanctuary, which relies entirely on public generosity, turns these donations into much-needed resources through sales, raffles, and events.
The Sanctuary also welcomes practical gifts like towels, blankets, and cleaning supplies, which directly benefit the animals’ care. Remus is home to more than 100 rescued animals, many requiring ongoing medical treatment and specialised diets. The rising cost of living has made public support more critical than ever, ensuring the Sanctuary can continue its essential work.
Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary, said: “By donating your unwanted Christmas gifts, you’re not just clearing out your cupboards – you’re giving hope and a second chance to animals who have endured unimaginable suffering. Every contribution, no matter how small, has the power to change lives.”
Unwanted gifts and donations can be dropped off at the Sanctuary any day between 10am and 4pm until the end of January.
Remus Horse Sanctuary is currently raising funds via its Winter Appeal on JustGiving at: www.justgiving.com/campaign/remuswinterappeal2024.
Looking After your Stabled Horses and Ponies in Winter
Bad weather and flood conditions can result in your animals being stuck in their indoor stabling for longer than usual – here’s how to keep them healthy…
Following a very wet autumn, and now winter, having safe and suitable turnout for your animals may be a luxury for many.
Wet weather often affects us here at Remus with both flooding across the lower paddocks and at Buttsbury Ford, but when your horse has to be stabled for longer than you’d planned for, it’s important to ensure you are doing everything you can to keep them healthy and happy.
If your horse is kept in a large yard or livery, you may be lucky enough to have an all-weather turnout area – whether indoor or outdoor, with rubber, sand or woodchip, which allows your animals to exercise when ground conditions in fields are bad.
Track systems are also more popular now and can be useful for older horses and those recuperating as they can continually move.
However, for many horse owners, these aren’t options, so if your horse is stabled for longer than usual. consider these points:
- Routine: Horses thrive on consistency, but if you have to stable your horse you’ll need to offer a different kind of routine to stop them becoming bored and even confused. Visit at the same time to give feed, forage and top up water. And ensure they have some human interaction, such as daily grooming.
- Stable toys: When your animals are in stables for a long period of time, they can get bored and turn to attention-seeking vices. Stable toys can help – whether it’s treat balls or a swede strung up for them to nibble at. If possible, place your animal next to others, so they have some company, but otherwise consider a stable mirror.
- Exercise: If ground conditions make it hard to ride, consider long lining or lunging for a short but effective workout.
- Keep it clean: Cleanliness is even more important than usual. Make sure hoof care and grooming are included in your routine and maybe consider having less bedding during the day to help keep the stable clean – subject to how cold it is of course.
- Food rations: Carefully consider how much food and forage they are receiving if they are not getting as much exercise as usual. Reduce calorie and sugar content and offer good-quality forage.
You can view one of the Donkey gang, Davey, playing with a treat ball on our YouTube channel here: youtu.be/LiAO_95stvQ.
Find more advice and ideas at: everythinghorseuk.co.uk/considering-welfare-for-the-stabled-horse-and-pony-this-winter.
And please remember our winter appeal. If you’ve not yet had chance to donate, we would very much appreciate your help: www.justgiving.com/campaign/remuswinterappeal2024. However large or small, every contribution makes a difference.
Remus Horse Sanctuary’s Big Ask: Support Their Festive Wish List
As the festive season approaches, Remus Horse Sanctuary is calling on the local community to support their vital rescue and rehabilitation work by purchasing a gift from their wish list. The independent charity, based in Essex, must raise all its own income to keep the Sanctuary operating and to continue helping neglected and abused animals not only locally, but across the South East.
This year has been particularly challenging due to rising costs and persistent wet weather, which have placed additional strain on the Sanctuary’s resources.
Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary, who recently collected her British Empire Medal for services to equine welfare, said: “With costs continually rising and a lot of wet weather this year, it has become more challenging than ever to generate the income we need to keep everything going. We’re asking you to dig deep and support us.”
The Sanctuary’s wish list includes a range of essential items such as feed, bedding, and medical supplies, as well as practical items to ensure the animals have a safe and comfortable winter. Whether purchasing a bale of hay or contributing towards a larger expense, every donation makes a significant difference.
For over 40 years, Remus Horse Sanctuary has been a lifeline for abandoned, mistreated, and elderly animals, offering them a second chance at life in a safe and loving environment. Their work is only possible thanks to the generosity of supporters, particularly during the colder months when costs are at their highest.
To view the wish list and find out more about how you can help, please visit www.remussanctuary.org/product-category/animal-treats or contact Sue Burton on tel: 01277 356191
Support Remus Horse Sanctuary in Benefact Group’s 12 Days of Giving
The festive season is a time for giving, and Benefact Group’s 12 Days of Giving programme is the perfect opportunity to help Remus Horse Sanctuary secure vital funding to care for our animals.
Starting on 5 December, Benefact Group will draw the names of ten charities each day over 12 days, with each charity receiving £1,000. That’s 120 charities supported and a total of £120,000 donated to good causes across the UK!
If you’ve already nominated Remus this year, then we are already in the draw. If you haven’t nominated yet, it’s just a few clicks away. And the more nominations we receive, the greater our chances of being chosen.
How You Can Help
We need your support to nominate Remus Horse Sanctuary for this incredible opportunity. It’s quick and easy to take part:
- Visit the Benefact Group 12 Days of Giving website.
- Complete your details.
- Submit your nomination – and encourage others to do the same!
The more nominations we receive, the greater our chances of being chosen.
Why This Matters
At Remus Horse Sanctuary, we provide a safe haven for animals who have endured neglect, abuse, or abandonment. A £1,000 donation would go directly towards the care of our animals, from essential feed and veterinary treatments to maintaining warm and secure shelter during the harsh winter months.
This is a wonderful opportunity for you to help make a difference – without spending a penny. Your nomination could help us give our animals the love and care they deserve.
Spread the Word
Please share this campaign with friends, family, and your community. Every nomination increases our chances of success, and together, we can make this holiday season brighter for our Sanctuary’s residents.
From all of us at Remus Horse Sanctuary, thank you for your kindness and support!
Why Giving Tuesday Matters for Remus Horse Sanctuary
Giving Tuesday, on 3 December this year, a global day of generosity, is an incredible opportunity to come together and make a real difference. At Remus Horse Sanctuary, we rely on the kindness of supporters like you to continue our vital work of rescuing and rehabilitating neglected and abused animals.
This year, we’re inviting you to participate in Giving Tuesday through one (or more!) five impactful ways. Every act of generosity, big or small, helps transform lives—not just for the animals we care for but for our community as well.
Five Ways to Give on Giving Tuesday
1. Give Your Time or Talent
Do you have a few hours to spare? Volunteering at Remus Horse Sanctuary can be incredibly rewarding. From helping with animal care to offering your professional skills in marketing, fundraising, or admin, your time and expertise can make a lasting impact. Please complete and return the application form.
2. Give Your Voice
Support us by speaking up! Share our story on social media, sign petitions for better animal welfare laws, or talk to your friends about the Sanctuary’s mission. Raising awareness helps us reach more people who care about protecting vulnerable animals.
3. Give Money
Every donation counts. Whether you can contribute a little or a lot, your support directly funds the care, feeding, and medical treatment of the horses and animals at our Sanctuary. Consider setting up a regular or one-time donation this Giving Tuesday.
4. Give Goods
Have items you no longer need? Donating goods like clothes, toys, or food parcels to a local charity or food bank is a wonderful way to give back. If you’d like to donate directly to Remus, we welcome specific items such as horse feed or bedding which you can purchase directly from our Amazon Wish List or via our online shop. Additionally, we can pretty much recycle anything nowadays, visit our ‘How you can Help’ page on our website to view the options.
5. Give Yourself a Challenge
Why not take on a personal challenge for a great cause? Whether it’s a sponsored walk, run, or even hosting an event, challenging yourself can inspire others to contribute to the Sanctuary’s mission. Decide on your challenge and get fundraising today – it’s really easy to get started!
Your Support Saves Lives
Generosity doesn’t just happen on Giving Tuesday, but this special day provides an opportunity to amplify your impact. By giving in one (or more!) of these five ways, you’re helping us continue to provide a safe and loving environment for animals who have suffered unimaginable hardship.
Let’s make this Giving Tuesday a day to remember for the animals who rely on us. Thank you for your support!
If you’d like to get involved, just click on any one of the web links above or contact us directly on telephone: 01277 356191 — we’d love to hear from you!
#GivingTuesday #GiveYourWay
By the way, you might also be interested to know we have a few places remaining for our Wreath Making Workshop on the 5th – choose between a 10am or 1.30pm start. Please spread the word.
Remus Winter Appeal – We Need Your Help
As if the whole budget thing wasn’t enough, the cancellation of three Open Days during the summer has resulted in a significant loss of income – a shortfall of £15,000. As we approach the winter months, this is deeply concerning given the increased need for bedding, feed, and hay. Will you help us please?
2024 has presented us with some unexpected challenges, not least the cancellation of three of our Open Days during the summer, as you’ll know doubt be aware! This resulted in a significant loss of income – a shortfall of over £15,000.
In addition to the increased need for bedding, feed and hay over the wintertime, we are also facing rising costs across the board: national insurance, wages, fuel, utilities, feed, veterinary care, medication, postage – absolutely everything. At the same time, we’re experiencing a substantial drop in donations.
Our animals rely on us for their wellbeing, and we, in turn, rely on you. We are reaching out to ask for your support during this critical time.
Every contribution, no matter how large or small, makes a tangible difference. Your generosity will ensure our rescued animals continue to receive the care they deserve and will aid those we monitor and assist in the field.
Thank you for your continued compassion and support.
How are we Repaying the Loyalty of Horses?
The National Theatre’s wonderful touring production of Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse is back on tour, and is a stark reminder that despite all that horses have done for us – whether at war, in work, or as companions – people continue to fail them.
A fascinating interview with Belinda Day, the Senior Curator of the National Army Museum, reveals that while we may have the impression that animals were badly treated during wartime conditions, they were in fact cared for better than the men, in many cases.
Belinda tells Everything Horse magazine: “Horses would be given hay before breakfast at about 6am. If they were on a march, they may travel 20 to 25 miles in walk, with soldiers encouraged to jump off and walk alongside their horses at intervals. Every time there was a stop on the march, the horses would be encouraged to graze in order to stretch their rations further, and their saddles would be taken off to rest their backs. After the march, they’d be fed again with hay, chaff and oats.”
Unfortunately, many horses today are not treated with such care – and Remus Horse Sanctuary continues to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals that have been neglected and abused. Like Rosie the Shetland pony, who was forced to pull a cart while suffering with severe arthritis and laminitis and Blax, a horse that was kept in a muddy paddock with nowhere to shelter or lie down, and was walking on a fracture.
Like Joey, the horse in War Horse, who eventually returns to his farm with his loving owner, most of our animals have a happy ending, living out their days being loved and cared for – but there are many more who need our help…
You can read the full interview with Belinda, and find out more about the theatre production at: everythinghorseuk.co.uk/the-real-war-horses
To help us continue our work rescuing animals that have been neglected or abused, whether through negligence or intent, please make a donation online. If you prefer, cheques can be sent to: Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary, Little Farm, Buttsbury, Near Ingatestone, Essex CM4 9NZ, or credit card payments can be made over the telephone to a member of our team on tel: 01277 356191.
The Impact of the Autumn Budget on a Small Charity
Leading elderly horse welfare charity, Remus Horse Sanctuary, is planning numerous fundraising events leading up to Christmas, with something for everyone to enjoy.
However, commenting on the recent Budget announcements, Founder Sue Burton said: “We are massively concerned about the impact of the Labour budget. Already things were tough, and we are barely keeping our heads above water. Everyone’s costs are going up therefore we are seeing the knock-on effect in that our costs are rising also, and our donations dropping as people cope with less money in their pockets.
“With yet another increase in minimum pay and a hefty hike in National Insurance we are at our wits’ end as to how we will raise the money to cover this when our income is spiralling downwards. We can’t pass any costs on as we are not a business.”
The charity receives no government funding and relies solely on its own fundraising efforts. In light of the above and as the weather closes in, Sue Burton and her small team would very much appreciate your support at their future fundraising events:
Christmas Sales
Come and join us at Stock Village Hall on Sunday 10 November from 11am to 2pm, or at the Billericay Reading Rooms on Saturday 16 November from 9am to 4pm, where you’ll find lots of good saleable items, including homemade cakes and preserves, china, jewellery, books and bric-a-brac, all at bargain prices! Plus of course you can shop for Christmas Cards, Christmas Puddings and Christmas Gifts, including our new 2025 Wall Calendar.
Curry Lunches
Bring your family and friends along to the popular Nirvana Restaurant, 72 High Street, Ingatestone, Essex CM4 9DW for a delightful lunch with the team from Remus on Sunday 24 November and/or Sunday 22 December, at 2pm. £20 per person, non-refundable. Includes poppadoms and dip, main course, side dish, rice and bread. Booking is essential. Telephone 01277 356191.
Wreath Making Workshop
Create your own bespoke wreath this Christmas and make your neighbours green with envy at our first ever Wreath Making Workshop on Thursday 5 December with award-winning florist, Emma from Blooming Occasions. The workshop will take place at the Reading Rooms, 73 High Street, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9AS at either 10am or 1.30pm. Book online at: www.remussanctuary.org/events/wreath-making-workshop to secure your place.
“The Chancellor has not considered the impact on small charities that are running on a small income. We have over 150 animals here, all of which have been rescued and all of which still need food, bedding, care and vets’ appointments which we can’t take away from them. Due to the economic situation, we are finding many more welfare cases and these all need dealing with as well.
Sue concluded: “More work. More costs and less money in – it just doesn’t add up.”
Remus Horse Sanctuary would very much appreciate your support at one of their fundraising events. Alternatively, a donation can be made online at: remussanctuary.enthuse.com/donate#!.
Remus Horse Sanctuary Response to the Autumn Budget 2024
An update from our founder, Sue Burton, following yesterday’s Budget announcements:
“We are massively concerned about the impact of the Labour budget.
“Already things were tough and we are barely keeping our heads above water. Everyone’s costs are going up therefore we are seeing the knock-on effect in that our costs are rising also, and our donations dropping as people cope with less money in their pockets.
“With yet another increase in minimum pay and a hefty hike in National Insurance we are at our wits end as to how we will raise the money to cover this when our income is spiralling downwards. We can’t pass any costs on as we are not a business.
“The Chancellor has not considered the impact on small Sanctuaries that are running on a small income. We have over 150 animals here all of which have been rescued and all of which still need food, bedding, care and vets’ appointments which we can’t take away from them. Due to the economic situation, we are finding many more welfare cases and these all need dealing with as well.
“More work. More costs and less money in – it just doesn’t add up.”
If you are able, please make a contribution towards our escalating costs. And, as we always say, every little counts!
If you would prefer to donate over the telephone or via post, please contact the office on tel: 01277 356191, or make your cheques payable to Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary and send to: Little Farm, Buttsbury, Near Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 9NZ.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Postscript 1 November 2024: The NCVO (The National Council for Voluntary Organisations) has today circulated an open letter to the Chancellor, calling on her to take urgent action regarding the increased employer National Insurance contributions for charities, estimated to cost an increased £1.4b a year. By adding your name to that letter, you’ll help us make it clear how important this issue is. The more names, the more people will listen. Please sign and share the letter: www.ncvo.org.uk/news-and-insights/news-index/open-letter-chancellor-national-insurance/#add-your-signature.
Christmas Shop Officially Open
Our Christmas Shop is now officially open, and we’d like to invite you to take a look at our new and unique items.
100% of the profits from our merchandise sales and online shop go directly to help the rescued animals here at Remus. Despite being based in Essex, we continue to help rescue animals across a wide geographical area.
And don’t forget our exclusive Christmas Cards and Christmas raffle!
Your purchase will help save lives.
2025 Wall Calendar
£6.99
Other Appeal
