Rescued group of horses taken in at Redwings

A group of horses rescued from the Llangynidr Common in South Wales last month have since been given a permanent home at the Redwings Horse Sanctuary.

The rescue

All eleven horses and a foal were rescued from the common on 26 April, after concerns were raised about the animals’ welfare. Three of the horses had serious health issues, and Redwings veterinary surgeon Nicola Berryman purposely removed all the animals to maximise the safety of the operation.

“The horses were removed as a group so as not to divide family units. Some of the horses were subject to animal welfare offences and were in a state of suffering meaning they were not likely to survive if left to fend for themselves on the common,” she said.

The Welsh commons had been a concern for animal rescue charities RSPCA and Redwings for several years, but with assistance from the Powys County Council, the 3,500 acre search proved a success and the horses could be taken into the care of Redwings.

Happy horses

The rescued horses are now on the road to recovery, thanks to the team of people behind the operation.

The Redwings Sanctuary is nearly at full capacity – but Chief Executive Lynn Cutress was determined to give these horses a home for life.

“Although our Sanctuary is fit to bursting – we currently provide daily care to over 1,500 permanent residents – we are delighted to be able to offer this group a home at Redwings.”

It is not clear yet as to how many horses could find a home outside Redwings, but Lynn is hopeful.

“We also hope to give those that are fit and well enough to find loving homes outside the Sanctuary the opportunity to join our rehoming programme, which will in turn enable us to continue to help more horses in need,” she added.