Equine Gentling horse sanctuary closes due to rising costs

Equine Gentling Community Interest Company provided lifelong care and rehabilitation to rescue horses, as well as community events including pony walks and off-site nature days.

However, owner and founder Dan Corbin said that weather affecting grass growth and high rent for land have forced him to make the decision.

He said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that after much thought and ongoing tears, I have no choice but to rehome the herd.

“Sadly, with the constant loss of land, new high rent for a small field and the weather affecting grass growth, even with working full-time, I’m accumulating more debt each month on the hay bill alone.

“My heart breaks as I make the hardest decision of my life, to find new homes where the herd can be cared for how they deserve.

“I hope you know that this is the very best outcome given the dire need to find a new and safe home where the herd can remain together.

“I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for supporting us for so long and I know with your help we will find safe places for them all.”

MOST READ:

• Anger at lack of CCTV after ten garages were burgled in one night
• Children’s play equipment and sports area dropped in £4m cuts to seafront scheme
• Which road is the worst to drive on in Brighton? Drivers say, 'every single one!'​

The not-for-profit had struggled for several years with the threat of homelessness as it sought to find a permanent new home.

Mr Corbin has managed to arrange for the whole herd of 13 horses to move to Springwood Sanctuary, near Carmarthen in Wales, which has committed to ensuring the horses enjoy a peaceful and healthy life.

He has encouraged people to sponsor the herd as they start their new life.

He said: “Springwood have the space for the herd but not the financial ability to support them and so we need to help so they can nurture the health and wellbeing of the herd alongside their existing 11 rescue horses.

“The herd need £600 a month for them to be able to move there to cover costs such as medicine, additional feed, hoof care and any foreseeable vet and dentist visits.

“I would love to be able to pay all of this, but I am unable to meet the full amount out of my earnings and still live and eat.”