Redwings Horse Sanctuary holds summer open weekend

Redwings Horse Sanctuary is opening its doors over the weekend of 12-13 July to give the public the chance to meet some of its rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.

Redwings was established in 1984 and is now the largest horse charity in the UK. The charity aims to provide rescue and rehabilitation, specialist sanctuary care and prevention through education.

The horse care and welfare hotline typically receives 3,000 calls per year. In March of this year, the sanctuary was providing more than 1,000 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules with specialist sanctuary care and they currently have 600 horses on loan to Guardian homes.

Redwings has three visitor centres in the UK, but this is one of only two chances the public have each year to visit the Norwich headquarters.

Redwings was recently involved in the high-profile rescue of 111 horses from James Gray’s Spindle Farm in Buckinghamshire.

During the weekend, people can see for themselves the safe and loving home that is offered to the rescued animals — and the hard work that goes into it.

The public can meet the centre’s current equine inhabitants, watch riding and horse handling demonstrations and take a tour of the horse hospital with Redwings’ senior vet.

Redwings chief executive Lynn Cutress said: “The two open weekends are a highlight of our year here at Hapton. A visit to us is perfect for anyone who loves horses, animals and the countryside and suits people of ages.”

The sanctuary at Hapton near Norwich will be open on 12 and 13 July from 10am to 4pm, entry is free.

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