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.

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 you, our wonderful supporters. Without you we couldn't do what we do, and we chat to Heather, our Supporter Engagement Manager, all about a special 'Thank You Thursday' and how much she loves you all! And Redwings CEO Lynn looks back on 2022, and gives us a sneak peek into what's instore for Redwings in 2023. All that is left to say is we hope you have a very Merry Christmas, and we will see you in 2023!

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 uses. As Sarah explains, we could not be without them, and in this episode you will find out why!

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 Lodge Riding School, which is now home to five rehomed Redwings cobs, and join Campaigns Manager Andie at Appleby Horse Fair handing out the Best at Appleby awards, rewarding happy, healthy horses at the fair. And last but definitely not least, we introduce you to Sanctuary Star Audrey and hear from two keen cob fans as to why she is so special to us here at Redwings.

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 Team all about why we are so passionate about the issue, and how people who long for a change in their use can have their voices heard. Plus, Carrie Stones, Campaigns Manager at the RSPCA, updates us on their #BangOutOfOrder campaign and their work to make fireworks less frightening for animals in the UK, and how they would like to hear from you if you and your animals struggle this Bonfire Night. Six years on, and Sprite and Percy's story stays with all of us here at Redwings - but none more so than Dawn. Please listen to and share this episode to encourage others to think of our four-legged friends this Bonfire Night, and help horses in the future.

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 Hoof' feature, Redwings team member Emma takes us along for the 'Check', a vital part of Redwings daily life to keep our residents safe and healthy, and we enjoy cuddles with a handsome chap named Waffle too!

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 outbreak, but for spotting other signs of ill health too. She explains the steps you can take to stay safe during this process, and how to confidently approach it if it's your first time. Plus, hear how we have been working with International Event Rider Piggy March, and all about her support of the challenge. You can watch her #TempCheckChallenge video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SrAc0i95bE

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 creating (that's where the pizzas come in!) Then, we catch up with Campaigns Officer Guilly fresh from her time at Badminton Horse Trials earlier in the year where she was busy promoting Strangles Awareness Week to event goers. And last but not least we go 'On the hoof' to meet VIP (Very Important Pony) Redwings Leon and his Guardian Liz who helped us create a very special film about his recovery from strangles, and his happy new home! A true insight into how varied life at Redwings is!

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!) Plus, Nicky shares her advice on how we monitor our younger horses so we are best prepared to safeguard their quality of life as they get older. For horse care tips and rescue stories that will warm your heart, subscribe to the Redwings podcasts and never miss a moment!

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 lends to Redwings! We also chat to David and hear how he made a complete change from a career driving a lorry to now working at Redwings, and making friends with every horse he meets! And, we hear from Hollie at Redwings Ada Cole all about the lovely Ruby, affectionately known as their grandma, and the special care they give their 'golden oldies'!

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 monitoring and managing weight change in our horses. For more advice you can read our 'Lightening the Load' Field Notes here: https://www.redwings.org.uk/sites/default/files/redwings_advice_lightening_the_load.pdf More advice on Body Condition Scores, and a video, can be found here: https://www.redwings.org.uk/body-condition-scoring For horse care tips and rescue stories that will warm your heart, subscribe to the Redwings podcasts and never miss a moment!