Sanctuary’s Christmas appeal earns national spotlight

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, an equine welfare charity in the Southwest, has gained national recognition for its Christmas Appeal film, which conveys a message of hope and compassion.

The film, which highlights the stories of three rescued ponies, has been featured by UK Fundraising, a respected media organisation that showcases charitable efforts across the UK. 

You can find the Christmas appeal below

The Sanctuary’s Christmas Appeal was included in a collection of ten charity Christmas films for 2024, sitting alongside campaigns from prominent national charities such as Shelter, Scope, Help for Heroes, and Christian Aid.

The appeal focuses on the stories of three ponies: Pinky, Seren, and Chesney. 

Pinky, a Bodmin Hill pony, was rescued from harsh conditions on Bodmin Moor and is so fearful of human contact that she cannot even be groomed. 

Seren, an orphaned pony cross, was just a day old when she arrived at the Sanctuary as part of a large welfare case. 

Now, she is losing her sight and struggles with complex behavioural needs. 

Chesney, believed to have been forced to perform in a circus, has been traumatised by loud noises and is anxious around people.

Individual Giving Manager Charlotte Freeman, who led the appeal, highlighted the Sanctuary’s commitment to providing lifelong, loving care for its ponies. 

“No one should feel frightened or unloved, especially at Christmas. 

That’s why our Christmas appeal focuses on one of the charity’s core aims; to provide lifelong, loving care and support for equines in critical need. 

Every horse and pony we rescue is given sanctuary for life and many are rehomed on loan with our fantastic carers. 

But some of our ponies can never be rehomed. 

Some have chronic health conditions or have been traumatised following abuse or neglect. They need a great deal of space, patience and specialist care, as Pinky, Seren and Chesney’s stories help to illustrate. 

Thanks to our wonderful supporters, these ponies won’t be alone, neglected and homeless this Christmas.”

The film was produced by former ITV journalist Claire Manning and equine filmmaker Phil Jones, with a voiceover by former BBC presenter Pippa Quelch. 

All three have recently joined the Sanctuary’s team, eager to share more heartwarming stories in the coming year.

Pippa Quelch, PR & Campaigns Manager, spoke about the Sanctuary’s ongoing efforts to care for rescued ponies and support their local community. 

“As a journalist, from the moment I arrived at the Sanctuary, I started to appreciate the wealth of incredible stories waiting to be told. We care for horses and ponies across four sanctuary sites, at Newton Abbot, Totnes, Yelverton and Holsworthy, and have six charity shops which provide a valuable service in their local communities. The Sanctuary’s dedicated Education team supports vulnerable children and adults to find meaningful connections with rescued ponies in Equine Assisted Learning sessions, and our experts offer non-judgemental advice and support to equine owners across the region and beyond. The passion and commitment of our staff and volunteers is inspirational."

Pippa added, “I’m glad that through this special Christmas appeal film, we’ve been able to show how every equine, however complex their medical or behavioural needs, is valued, loved and given the chance to lead a safe and peaceful life with us. We’re so pleased that our film has received recognition on a national platform alongside some of the UK’s most high-profile charities.”