EXETER EQUINE CARE TRUST
A loving home for life
Registered in England & Wales
Charity Number 1188994
What we do
Founded in 2019, Exeter Equine Care Trust works with voluntary help to give a permanent haven to retired horses. Inspired by the 'home for life' philosophy of Janet Portbury, the Trust looks to extend the work she has been doing for decades and which she continues to do by offering free the facilities of the Hilltop Riding School, such as the site and voluntary team. As we grow we are expanding the educational services for disadvantaged adults and children offered by the Hilltop based team and make this somewhere for our local community to feel the health and psychological benefits of being around horses and ponies.
Home For Life Horses
Meet some of the horses re-homed to Hilltop under a 'Home for Life' scheme. For many years Janet and now Exeter Equine Care are approached by owners and other charities who are no longer able to look after a horse or pony. They are usually finding it difficult to re-home them because of a long-term medical condition, age, or behaviour and they are seeking the assurance of a knowledgable long-term home for them.
Big Jasmine
Big Jasmine is not only the tallest but also one of the oldest residents at Hilltop and very much a grand Dame of the yard. She was re-homed to Hilltop because her owner was struggling to find a home that could handle this magnificent girl who was only suited to the very bravest of riders. Retired and no long ridden, her carers focus on finding suitable feedstuffs she can chew, enrichment activities and pampering her.
Jasper (11)
Hilltop was approached by a rescue charity to re-home this gorgeous piebald pony when he was only 6. He can be quite a nervous soul but has settled into a herd well since his arrival. Volunteers providing him with the calm environment he needs inevitably fall in love with his sweet nature
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Lomou and Quinoa (mid 20's)
In August 2024 Lomou and Quinoa were rehomed with the charity to ensure they would continue to remain together in their retirement. They are a rare french working breed called Meren and incredibly strong, yet these sturdy giants have the sweetest gentlest of natures and quickly settled in.
Arthur (18)
Hilltop's tiniest resident, a miniature Shetland, was re-homed with his lifelong friend Sparkle to Hilltop from a family home whose children were grown and sadly they could no longer look after the pair. Too small to be ridden, this aging teenager is kept youthful doing agility with a community group at Hilltop.
Chewie (25)
Chewie whose official name is Pikachu is a New Forest pony. He came to retire to Hilltop with his life long companion due to lameness. Once met he is a very memorable character full of mischief both in and out of his stable.
Todd 🤍
Whilst Janet has welcomed and personally supported retired horses for many years at Hilltop, Todd a gorgeous palamino was one of the first to be supported by the charity. We were able to provide him with new friends, a comfortable retirement and veterinary care until he passed in 2022.
Support a Home For Life with a Donation
By making a one off donation or setting up a small regular payment you will be helping the volunteer team provide a caring home for life at Hilltop in Exeter to horses who would otherwise be difficult to rehome. Cash donations are used to provide veterinary treatment or specialist supplements, as well as regular worming, farrier and dental visits. Bedding is approximately £15 per week , a hoof trim costs £25 every three weeks and supplements typically cost £1 a day.
Every amount big or small helps!
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Whether you wish to learn more about what we do, enquire about donations, ask about our events or enquire about volunteering, here is all the information you need to find us or get in touch!
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