The Mare and Foal Sanctuary are planning two inspiring events this Christmas for friends, supporters and those curious about the work that they do.

The first event is the family-friendly Christmas Fair at their Upcott Park sanctuary near Holsworthy. The festive event will be a lively and fun celebration of Christmas — with an equine twist. The exciting day of activities is planned on Sunday, November 27, from 10am-2pm. There will be stalls, games, an elves’ workshop and wreath making station as well as festive refreshments available to purchase, a raffle and a Christmas treasure trail. Most importantly there will be the opportunity to meet the sanctuary’s rescued horses and ponies and learn about how the charity cares for them. Everyone is welcome with free entry and free parking.

The second event takes place on December 4 and will have a more reflective atmosphere. The Celebration of Life event continues the charity’s Christmas tradition of marking the lives of people and equines who are no longer with us.

This year will be a very special event as it will also be a celebration of the sanctuary’s founder, Rosemary Kind, who died earlier this year at the age of 83. The celebration will commemorate Rosemary’s incredible life and achievements with friends, colleagues, supporters and the public then invited to remember their loved ones at this special time of year.

There will also be the chance to see the life-changing impact of Rosemary’s legacy by learning about the sanctuary’s rescued horses and ponies. Because of Rosemary, more than 1,000 horses, ponies and foals in need have been rescued in the UK and more than 630 are in the charity’s care today.

This is a free event at the charity’s Honeysuckle sanctuary near Newton Abbot with refreshments available to purchase on the day. The event will also be available to watch on Zoom for those not able to be there in person. If anyone would like to attend this event, either in person or virtually, book a place online at www.mareandfoal.org/events

For more information on both events, visit www.mareandfoal.org/events or speak to the charity’s Supporter Services team on 01626 882660.