From Tragedy to Hope: Why Remus Horse Sanctuary Still Needs You

A Tragic Beginning

Whether Remus Horse Sanctuary is a new name to you or you’re a seasoned supporter, you may not know the story of why and how we were formed.

Not long after arriving in Essex from London in 1983, Sue Burton witnessed first hand the horrors of more than 100 horses abandoned on the bleak, flooded marshlands of Rainham. Thirteen were trapped by rising waters, left to drown in the most appalling conditions.

The Story of Remus and Pickles

Shortly after, the charity’s namesake, Remus, was found dumped outside a livery yard – tied to a lamp post in a pitiful, emaciated state. He had been stolen and starved in a dispute between two people over just £50. His suffering was too great to survive, and in an act of kindness, he was put to sleep.

Not long after Remus, Sue and her friend Pat heard about another desperate case – Misty and her foal, Pickles. Misty had sustained a fractured skull, possibly from a kick while on the Rainham Marshes during the flooding. Incredibly, her plight became known not because of her suffering, but because Pickles, left to wander, was attacking people on a footpath.

Misty, tethered and unable to reach her foal, was beside herself. Tied by her neck to the ground despite her fractured skull, she had no way to care for her baby. There was nothing more that could be done for Misty, and to end her suffering, the vet made the heartbreaking decision to put her to sleep.

Sue and Pat found themselves with Pickles – and an urgent need for land where he could live. But walking away from what they had witnessed wasn’t an option. And so, in 1983, Remus Horse Sanctuary was born.

Why Our Work is Still Urgent Today

We wish we could tell you things have dramatically improved in the last 40 years. While some progress has been made, it is simply not enough.

Even today, horses and ponies suffer the same horrific neglect and abuse. It’s estimated that there are over 7,000 welfare cases in England, with numbers rising every year. That’s why we launched our #BornToDie campaign on our 40th anniversary – to raise awareness and fight for real change.

By the way, Pickles went on to thrive, finding a wonderful home with Remus member Sue Tredget. He lived a long, happy life, passing away in his 30s.

How You Can Help

Sue and the team work tirelessly – raising awareness with councils and authorities, fundraising for change, rescuing animals in need, and providing care for the many residents at the Sanctuary. But we can’t do it without you.

The cost of running the Sanctuary continues to rise, just as your own expenses do. Every donation, no matter how small, helps us rescue and care for more animals in desperate need.

👉 Please support our work today.

In memory of Remus, Misty, and Pickles, and for all the animals who still need our help today and in the future. Please click the link to donate or learn more about our #BornToDie campaign. Together, we can make a difference.