Redwings Horse Sanctuary (redwings.co.uk)

Just in case you have never heard of Redwings Horse Sanctuary, it not just a small farm in the middle of nowhere with a few horse on it. It is a registered charity organisation, run purely for the benefit of its rescued horses, ponies and donkeys. Redwings Horse Sanctuary will only take on horses, ponies and donkeys that have been deemed “unfit for use”. This basically means that they are either no longer able to be worked, unfit to be ridden or they have to be on long-term treatment for the rest of their lives due an illness. This means that Redwings has a lot of costs that need to be met, to make sure they can look after all of their resident animals.

So, what can you do to help and what benefit is it to you?

Well you can help in many ways and it does matter how you contribute, every little bit helps! The benefits to you are much more than just the basic satisfaction for helping animals in need as you will see below:

1. Adopt a horse – This can make a great present for your friends and family, when you cannot think of what to buy them anymore. For a small price of £8.50 for a year, you get to adopt a horse, pony or donkey of your choice from the ten to twelve that are available for adoption. As a result, you receive two letters a year updating you on the progress of you adopted animal. You get a photograph with each letter as well. All the information comes in a presentation folder and you also get all the redwings newsletters issued for that year.
2. Visit one of the Centres – Redwings now has four sites that you can go a visit. These are CALDECOTT Visitor Centre, STONHAM Rescue Centre, HAMPTON HQ (this is the main centre, where all the mail correspondence is sent to) and NORTH NORWICH ESTATE. It’s a great day out for the whole family. Costs are £3.50 for adult, £2.50 for concessions (including senior citizens), £1.50 for children and under 3’s go free.
3. Become a member – If you can join the “Friendship Matters” Scheme, which is the Redwing’s club for its members. For £15 per annum you get an annual membership card, which entitles you to free entry at all of the Visitor Centres. You also get 10% off any purchases you make from the Redwings Mail order mini gift catalogue and you receive the regular issues of the Redwing’s Newsletter of course. If you have a child under 16, why not let them join the “Young Redwings Club”, which is only £10 per annum. In return they will get an annual membership card (also for free entry to all of the Visitor Centres), a Young Redwings Poster, three Young Redwings magazines throughout the year (packed with games, competitions and stories ect), and a Surprise Redwings Gift pack (worth £5).
4. Buy a gift – Redwings has a Mail Order mini gift catalogue, which is packed full of animal friendly gifts (not just relating to horses!). You can by anything from Stationary to Clothes. Soft Toys are also available. Plus, Homeware (such as tea towels, ‘I love dogs’ cups, fancy picture frames and ornaments) and if you have an adopted animal at Redwings you can buy gifts relating to your chosen adopted animal!
I have done sponsored events, had an adopted horse for 3 years and done numerous leaflet drops to help aid the work of Redwings. I think that Redwings are doing an excellent job for all the animals they manage to rescue. If you are still not convince take a trip down to one of their visitor centres, with your family and I am sure you will all have a great time.