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 wit...

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 demo...

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 ag...

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. R...

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 cau...

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...

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 s...

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...

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.  Mea...

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...

We're back and bringing you one more, very special, episode of Sounds of the Sanctuary for 2022.  In this episode we catch up with beloved cob Mildred, who was foster mum to Phoenix, as she is getting ready to spend her first Christmas in her new home. Hear from her new Guardian Gabby, and find out what Mildred had on her Christmas list! Plus, we wanted to take this episode to say thanks to y...

In this episode, Redwings veterinary surgeon Sarah tell us all about our wonderful woodchip paddocks and the many ways they help our residents stay happy and healthy.  From Audrey who needed somewhere clean and dry to allow her hooves to heal, to Trixie who found being in a stable stressful, but needed somewhere safe to recuperate from her lameness issues - our woodchip paddocks have a wealth of u...

This episode we are celebrating everything we love about Cobs! Redwings is home to many cobs and cob crosses, and we love everything about them - from their fluffy feathers, piebald patches and all the hair, everywhere!  Hear from new arrivals Pickle and Carey (and their Shetland pal Mariah) and their new herd of cob friends - who were very keen to star on the podcast!  Plus, we visit Turpins Lodg...

Join us for a special edition of the Field Notes podcast - all about fireworks.  In this episode we speak to Redwings Vet Dawn Trayhorn, who shares her powerful recollection of the 5th November 2016. Sadly, on that night two Redwings residents, Sprite and Percy, had to be put to sleep as a result of traumatic incidents caused by a local firework display. We also hear from Helen from our Campaigns...

This episode, come with us as we catch up with two rehomed Redwings donkeys! Hear us chat to their new Guardian and discover more about their 'Roarr-some' new home! Plus, we chat to our youngest podcast guests to date! Two young supporters tell us all about their delicious fundraising efforts, inspired by their favourite residents from Redwings Oxhill. Then, as part of our 'On the H...

This week we talk to Redwings' Campaigns Manager Andie McPherson about The #TempCheckChallenge. Launched in Strangles Awareness Week 2022 - the challenge encourages all horse owners to form a new horse care habit - to get to know their horse's average resting temperature.  Andie explains why this can be so vital, not only in protecting your horse and yard from a potential strangles outbr...

It's all the Ps in this week's Sounds of the Sanctuary!  Meet Dayzee - our pint-sized Adoption Star at Redwings Mountains and hear from Holly and Catherine all about how she likes to keep us on our toes! In this week's 'What have Maintenance made?' we hear from Redwings' 'Chief Upcycler'  Richard as he tells us about the latest things he is mending and creat...

In this week's Field Notes we are back with our Head of Veterinary and Care, Nicky Jarvis, to talk about how we care for our veteran horses at Redwings. She shares with us the signs to look out for as our horses get older and how, with the right care, these can be managed to keep our oldies golden for as long as possible! (Just like our cover star, Redwings resident Willow, who is now 44!)  P...

In this episode we meet Huw, who was the star of a recent fundraising appeal. Rescued alone and frightened from Gelligaer Common in Wales, Huw has been receiving care and training from the team at our specialist Behaviour Centre to work on his fear of people.  Come 'On the Hoof' to hear more about his training from team member Chris, and discover Chris' other talent, which he often...

Welcome back to Field Notes - the companion podcast to Sounds of the Sanctuary from Redwings.  Here we delve deeper into the horse care issues raised in our podcasts and share the experience of our Redwings experts. In this episode we talk to our Head of Sanctuary and Care, Nicky Jarvis and discover the dangers that obesity can pose to a horse, and what practical tips and advice she has for monito...

Welcome back to Sounds of the Sanctuary - the podcast from Redwings Horse Sanctuary! Join us as we catch up with one of our youngest residents, Monarch, who was born in April 2022 to rescued mare Majesty. Come with us as they move to their new home here at Redwings, and make some new friends of the four and two-legged kind! Plus, we ask 'What have Maintenance made?' and find out about a...

Welcome to the Christmas Special of Sounds of the Sanctuary - the  podcast from Redwings Horse Sanctuary. In this episode we will introduce you to an especially festive resident, handsome Drummer.  You will find out about his connection to Christmas, and hear from Redwings Senior Field Officer Julie as she remembers Drummer's rescue. Then,  we talk to Rehoming Team Leaders Kayleigh and Lucy a...

Welcome to Field Notes - the companion podcast to Sounds of the Sanctuary from Redwings. Here we delve deeper into how the UK’s largest horse sanctuary cares for its rescued residents on a daily basis and learn more about what goes on behind the scenes at Redwings, how the staff cope with all the challenges of caring for over 1,500 horses and ponies, and share the advice we've learnt along th...

Welcome to Sounds of the Sanctuary - the brand new podcast from Redwings Horse Sanctuary. In this episode you can discover more about rehomed pony Redwings Matty and his Guardian Sarah.   Matty came to Redwings as an emaciated and dehydrated orphan foal with a wound to his hoof. At Redwings he met Sarah, one of our veterinary surgeons, and it was love at first sight. Four years later Sarah rehomed...

Welcome to Field Notes - the companion podcast to Sounds of the Sanctuary from Redwings. Here we delve deeper into how the UK’s largest horse sanctuary cares for its rescued residents on a daily basis and learn more about what goes on behind the scenes at Redwings, how the staff cope with all the challenges of caring for over 1,500 horses and ponies, and share the advice we've learnt along th...