Sounds of the Sanctuary

In this episode of Field Notes, Helen Whitelegg from our Campaigns team tells us all about the research Redwings has been involved in looking into the impact of the cost-of-living on horse owners across the UK, as well as rescue organisations like Redwings. 

As a member of the National Equine Welfare Council, Redwings worked on a survey, and a subsequent report, on the issue - which was shared with government bodies and across the equestrian industry.

Hear the results of the survey, and how NEWC members will use them to help tailor support for horse owners, even when our own resources are stretched by rising costs as well. 

Caring is in our nature at Redwings, starting from the first minute we are contacted about a pony in trouble.

Join us on the welfare operation that saw Mason, a weak orphaned foal, brought to Redwings, and hear the team in action as they take part in a rescue in South Wales, and then give him the treatment he desperately needed. 

We also care for our equines as individuals - as so beautifully demonstrated by little Neddy, a donkey at Redwings Mountains. Hear the team tell us all about this cheeky chap, and how he is much more comfortable in the company of big horses!

Last but not least, the team at one of our sanctuary sites in Norfolk tell us all about a project which has seen their barn transformed - all thanks to a bit of creative recycling and repurposing! Now they have more stables for ponies who need them, and the team are proud to show off their handiwork!

Listen to Helen Whitelegg, Redwings' Research and Policy Officer, talk about the links between Black Beauty, and the equine welfare issues we still encounter today. 

Almost 150 years after the novel's publication, we discuss how author Anna Sewell was advocating the same changes to the treatment of horses which Redwings continues to champion today, and how her insights all those years ago overlap with modern equitation science. 

Plus, Helen shares why she thinks the novel continues to be such a classic, and what horse owners of today can take from Black Beauty's story. 

In this episode, discover more about Redwings' connections to the inspirational Anna Sewell, and her novel Black Beauty.

Hear how Redwings is getting ready to launch our very own copy of the book - which for the first time will directly raise money for horses in need - and how our partnership with the University of East Anglia will bring Black Beauty to life for a new generation of readers.

Redwings volunteer Clarissa tells us all about looking after Anna Sewell House, and welcoming visitors to her birthplace to help them discover more about her impact on animal welfare, and Redwings' work today. 

Plus, Redwings team member Georgie (and Anna Sewell expert!) talks passionately about the links she sees between what Anna wrote about all those years ago, and how Redwings is continuing her legacy in equine welfare today. 

Hear from the team at Redwings Mountains, our resident experts for handling everything the weather can throw at them!

This interview, recorded just before Storm Babet and the red weather warning which impacted Redwings Mountains, features their top tips for surviving the winter, and their insights into how they provide the best possible care for our residents, whatever the weather!

Storm Babet caused damage across the site at Redwings Mountains, and the team have faced two more storms since - including one just this week. 

Help us weather the storm here:  www.redwings.org.uk/news-and-features/counting-cost-storm-babet - thank you

In this week's Sounds of the Sanctuary we are exploring the magic behind the Redwings Adoption Scheme. 

Hear from Rachael and Katie, members of the Communications team, who help bring the Adoption Stars and their stories to life, as they tell us all about the characters that make up the Scheme!

Plus, we meet our newest Adoption Star, the lovely Pickle! Hear from Vet Sarah as she carries out a special health check, to make sure Pickle was Star material, as well as Welfare Vet Nicola who recalls her rescue and her incredible transformation to the Star she is today!

Plus, we remember Muffin the mule, our longest serving Adoption Star who sadly passed away this year, and pay tribute to the impact he had on all of us.

We chat to Society of Master Saddlers Saddle Fitter Poppy Webber, from PeeWee Saddlery.

Poppy talks openly about the links she sees between saddle fit and horse welfare, and the duty of care equine professionals have to acknowledge when they witness issues, even when they involve difficult conversations with clients. 

Plus, Poppy shares her top tips to help horse owners get the most our of their saddle fitting, and have the comfiest horse! 

This week, it's all about Redwings rehoming as we hear from three ponies who have found new homes in 2023. 

We went along with Senior Field Officer Julie on one of her routine home-checks for rehomed cob Redwings Whitney. Julie helped rescue Whitney when she was an emaciated youngster, but in this episode you'll hear their reunion and meet her loving Guardian Sarah! 

Plus, hear from two very excited young Guardians about their new arrival, Redwings Budgie, as well as a somewhat unexpected rehoming update on a star from last series - Audrey - who is now a cherished companion!

Horse owners across the country are preparing themselves for Bonfire Night weekend, and the worry this can bring for their animals. Here at Redwings, we are no different. 

Hear from Hollie, Yard Manager at Redwings Ada Cole in Essex, about the mental strain on her, and her team, as they prepare to keep their 80 horses safe this season, in the face of near nightly displays in their local area. 

Meanwhile Centre Manager Catherine, and her team at Redwings Mountains in Scotland are in a very different situation thanks to the empathy of their rural neighbours who share our concerns. 

How can we encourage others to show the same empathy with their fireworks displays?

This podcast is part of Redwings' continued work to educate about the risks of fireworks to horses, and call for their increased regulation across the UK. See our website for more details.

Welcome back to Sounds of the Sanctuary and, just in time for 'spooky season' - join us to discover what happens at Redwings after dark!

We have a dedicated Nights Team at Redwings who are responsible for the care of our equines around the clock, checking they are happy and healthy and delivering feed and medication to those who need it. 

Meet Nights Team Leader Sarah and join her doing the night time check at the Horse Hospital, meeting residents Frieda and Cooper, as well as their (noisy!) neighbours Rodney and Ruby the donkeys - all without even needing a torch, or leaving the comfort of home!

Plus, hear how the team are preparing for Bonfire Night, and how we keep our residents safe during fireworks season.