Sue Burton Founder of Essex Horse Charity Awarded BEM in HM The King’s Birthday Honours List 2024

Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary in Essex, has been awarded a Medal of the Order of the British Empire for her services to equine welfare. His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List 2024 recognises selfless and innovative service to others from people across the UK.

Sue founded the Sanctuary in 1983 following the plight of the horses on Rainham Marshes in Rainham, Essex, where over 100 horses were left on the bleak marshland. As the water inlets flooded, they became cut off resulting in 13 horses dying in the most awful conditions.

“There are two main reasons why I formed the Sanctuary”, said Sue.

“Firstly, I cared passionately about animals and the way they suffered at the hands of humans.

“And secondly, I have always had a great belief in wrong and right and total respect for all living creatures – be they animals or humans. I could not believe that in this country we could stand by and watch an animal suffer and die needlessly and that we would not all move mountains to ensure it never happened again.”

Sue continues to work tirelessly for the animals at Remus, for animal rescue and in raising awareness of the horse welfare crisis in this country.

Today, the Sanctuary provides rehabilitation and lifetime care for over 200 horses, ponies, donkeys, sheep, goats and cats. It is a safe environment for these animals who have been victims of physical and mental abuse, whether because of ignorance or malicious intent.

Over 7,000 horses continue to be at risk in the UK and, in 2023, Sue launched her #BornToDie campaign, calling for greater enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act in relation to equine welfare – saving horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.

Further information on the #BornToDie campaign can be found on the charity’s website at: www.remussanctuary.org/borntodie.

Of her BEM award, Sue said: “I am very proud and honoured to be selected but have always loved the work I do and have been honoured to care for so many wonderful creatures who have taught me so much.

“Of course though, none of that would be possible without the help and support of all our lovely members and supporters, staff and volunteers over the years.”

Image: Sue Burton features with blind mares Holly, left and Grace right. Their stories can be found at: www.remussanctuary.org/what-we-do/animals-we-have-rescued/hollys-story and www.remussanctuary.org/what-we-do/animals-we-have-rescued/graces-story respectively.

The Sanctuary is only open on selected dates and the next event will be an Open Day with novelty dog show taking place on Sunday 7 July 2024. Details at: www.remussanctuary.org/events/open-day-at-the-sanctuary-july.