Rescued Ponies Search for Lifelong Companions in Heartwarming Valentine's Initiative
This February, a herd of rescued ponies and horses are on a quest for love, as South West equine welfare charity The Mare and Foal Sanctuary launches a unique Valentine's-themed campaign. The charity is celebrating the season of affection by creating social media "dating profiles" for its equines, aiming to find them special someones through the Sanctuary at Home rehoming scheme.
Finding the Perfect Match Through Equine Dating Profiles
With Valentine's Day approaching, the charity invites prospective carers to browse through detailed profiles of real ponies, each showcasing their distinct personalities and needs. From gentle golden oldies ideal for retirement companionship to confident characters who thrive in herd environments, every profile is crafted by the team who knows them best. This innovative approach helps people see that rehoming a rescued pony on loan can be as rewarding as purchasing a horse, while offering a life-changing opportunity for equines in need.
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is currently operating at full capacity and hopes to rehome more non-ridden ponies as companions this year. Each pony that finds a loving home on loan frees up crucial space and resources, enabling the charity to rescue another horse or pony in urgent need.
The Chemistry of Equine-Human Bonds
Jenna Goldby, the Sanctuary's head of welfare and rehoming, explains: "Finding the right pony is a lot like finding the right partner because it's all about chemistry. We work really hard to understand our ponies as individuals so we can match them with people who can offer the right environment, time, and care."
She emphasizes that the goal is to foster relationships that bring mutual joy, connection, and companionship. As herd animals, equines require company to feel safe and secure. A good companion pony can transform another horse's life and significantly impact the wellbeing of their human carers.
Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Pony Companionship
Research into the human-animal bond consistently shows that regular interaction with animals can reduce stress levels, improve mood, and support better mental health. Studies of horse and pony owners report:
- Lower feelings of loneliness
- Increased physical activity
- A stronger sense of purpose and routine in daily life
Many owners find that simply spending quiet time with a pony—through grooming, leading, or being together in the field—helps them feel calmer and more connected.
Jenna adds: "Our carers often tell us that their loan pony becomes their best friend. The ponies offer gentle, non-judgemental companionship, and that can make a real difference to wellbeing. At the same time, those carers are directly helping us to rescue and rehabilitate more horses and ponies in serious welfare situations. It really is a love story on both sides."
Sanctuary at Home Scheme: Lifelong Guardianship and Support
The charity's Sanctuary at Home scheme provides rescued ponies the opportunity to live with knowledgeable carers while remaining under the lifelong guardianship of The Mare and Foal Sanctuary. Carers handle day-to-day care, routine exercise, and companionship, while the Sanctuary oversees each pony's long-term welfare.
Jenna details: "As a charity, we ensure every pony receives a full veterinary and behavioural assessment, and we're always honest and transparent about the pony a carer is loaning. Our team carefully matches the right pony with the right carer and home to give the best chance of a lifelong partnership, and we provide ongoing training, support, and guidance, with someone on call 24/7 in an emergency. We want people to see our ponies as the amazing individuals they are and to offer them a loving, lifelong home, feeling genuinely privileged to care for them."
