Storm Darragh causes damage at Mare and Foal Sanctuary sites

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is assessing the damage caused by Storm Darragh, which left a trail of destruction across its four sanctuary sites. 

Severe winds overturned wooden field shelters, toppled trees, disrupted power, and forced the cancellation of a Christmas event for visitors.

At Honeysuckle, the charity’s Newton Abbot sanctuary, two field shelters were torn from the ground. 

One landed on its side, while the other flew through a section of fencing. 

All ponies had been moved out of the field beforehand, ensuring their safety. 

A tree was also brought down at the site.

At the Upcott Park Rehoming Yard near Holsworthy, the storm loosened the metal side of a feeder barn, and wooden panels from outbuildings worked loose.

Two trees were also brought down by the exceptionally strong winds.

The Yelverton Moorland Rescue Facility was without power for the entirety of Sunday, and Coombe Park Education and Equestrian Centre near Totnes faced a tree fall and a triggered fire alarm.

Chief Operating Officer Iain Wylie said: “Although our top priority is to provide safe sanctuary and shelter to every one of our horses and ponies, exceptionally severe weather like this can make our work extremely challenging. We look after 130 equines across our four sanctuary sites, with more than 400 living with Sanctuary at Home carers. Our horses and ponies live as naturally as possible in safe, secure pastures with field shelters.

“Despite the damage caused by Storm Darragh across the region, we anticipated these challenges and implemented measures to ensure everyone’s safety. Thankfully the only casualties were tree branches, barn panels, a fence and outdoor field shelters. The Maintenance team will be busy this week, clearing debris, assessing any damage and repairing structures.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff for managing through such awful conditions. The Sanctuary’s equine care team kept our ponies safe, and our retail team kept our shops open, providing a vital community service during Storm Darragh and Storm Bert two weeks ago. I am incredibly proud of everyone for their resilience and commitment.”

Director of Fundraising and Communications Dawn Vincent added: “It’s been a huge team effort to keep operational and it’s something we do incredibly well as a charity, but safety had to come first at the weekend. We were very disappointed to have to cancel our special Christmas Tea and Tour event, which we know many visitors were looking forward to attending. Events like this help us to raise awareness of our work and money to allow us to keep rescuing horses and ponies in critical need and give them lifelong, loving care and support.

“We’re counting the cost this week, but we’ve had some lovely messages of praise and would like to say a massive thank you to all of our supporters for their understanding and kindness. As a charity we are entirely reliant on donations. Because of the generosity of our supporters we are able to give our rescued ponies and horses a much safer place to live and thrive.”

The maintenance team is now focusing on clearing debris and repairing structures to ensure the sanctuary’s operations continue smoothly.