Equines
We have several permanent resident equines at the sanctuary who will stay with us for the rest of their lives due to medical or behavioural issues, making rehoming not an option. While they may face challenges, we are committed to providing them with a natural and comfortable life.
Our horses live in herds and spend most of their time grazing in the fields. When they need to be indoors, they stay within their social groups to avoid stress. Our retired equines enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, much like we all hope for in our later years.
When you visit, you may meet our ‘mini herd,’ who are more comfortable around visitors. The sanctuary can get lively, especially during school holidays, so some of the other horses prefer the peace of our more distant fields, which also helps us manage the pasture and rotate grazing areas.
At times, our ponies might be indoors for veterinary care, farrier visits, or quiet training sessions.
Horses can live into their 30s and, like us, may develop age-related health issues. Some of our older equines need a bit more attention, including regular medication and extra TLC, to ensure they remain comfortable and well-cared for
Our Shetland Ponies
Arnie
Arnie is a gorgeous Miniature Shetland with a big personality! Despite his young age, he faces several health challenges and will remain with us permanently. He requires careful management and daily medication for metabolic issues, which he’s not too fond of.
Generally quiet and unassuming, Arnie transforms into quite the little charmer when there’s a mare in his herd. He takes on the role of protector, acting like a proud stallion and looking after his lady with great care (though he has a tendency to quickly “trade up” if a new mare enters the yard!). His cheeky antics and loving nature make him a very special part of our sanctuary family.
Wotsit
Wotsit is Arnie’s best buddy and the bigger of the two, standing at an impressive 32 inches tall! Also a Miniature Shetland, born in 2011, Wotsit came to us on the brink of being put to sleep due to his naughty behaviour. We soon discovered that he is partially sighted because of congenital cataracts. Since teaming up with Arnie, Wotsit has settled down and is no trouble at all.
However, Wotsit does have IBS, so we need to be very careful about his diet (which is why we have “please do not feed the animals” signs around the sanctuary). He’d happily eat anything offered to him, but unfortunately, this can make him really unwell. Thankfully, with careful management and the company of Arnie, Wotsit is thriving and enjoying life
Our older equine residents
Gordon
Gordon is a Hanoverian x Thoroughbred gelding, born in 2009, so still quite young. He was sadly abandoned during the winter, left in a field with no food or shelter while his owner left the country without a word. As a result, Gordon arrived at the sanctuary in poor condition, both physically and emotionally. He suffers from anxiety and exhibits behaviours related to this, which means he will stay with us permanently.
Gordon can give subtle warning bites, which is why he lives with horses that don’t require much human interaction (for his comfort and your safety). Our sanctuary setup is perfect for him, with a herd living in spacious fields, access to a large run-in barn, and constant access to forage — essential for Gordon as he has a history of stomach ulcers.
Despite his challenges, Gordon is always the first to greet us. He sometimes lacks awareness of personal space, so can be a bit too eager with his greetings! He also struggles to read other horses’ body language, occasionally getting himself into trouble. However, Gordon’s true nature shines when new horses join the herd; he’s the first to welcome them, quietly showing them around as they settle in
Bourbon
Bourbon is a horse who suffers from high levels of anxiety around humans, stemming from extreme fear-based behaviours due to past experiences with people. She arrived at the sanctuary with deep trust issues, but here, she will live peacefully with Gordon and the others, free from any unkindness or stress for the rest of her life. It’s heartbreaking to think about what she must have endured before arriving.
Within her herd, Bourbon has become quite assertive, especially when it comes to food. In fact, she is the only horse we’ve seen who can push Gordon off his meals! As a result, we now have to “babysit” Gordon at meal times to ensure he can eat in peace. Bourbon has also developed an interest in essential oils and herbal teas, especially those thought to have calming, anti-anxiety properties, which seems to bring her some comfort.
Can you help our resident animals?
At Ferne we have over three-hundred resident animals which need life-long care. Your sponsorship means we can feed, look after and provide further enrichment for our much-loved residents.