Redwings Horse Sanctuary, one of the UK’s largest equine welfare charities, is considering closing two of its centres—Redwings Oxhill in Warwickshire and Redwings Mountains in Angus, Scotland—due to significant financial pressures. The charity has been drawing on its financial reserves for four consecutive years, and rising operational costs have made the current situation unsustainable. Both centres will remain closed to the public during a consultation process expected to last at least a month, with more than 100 rescued horses and donkeys potentially being relocated to the charity’s Norfolk sites if closures proceed. The charity’s remaining visitor centres in Norfolk and Essex will continue to operate as normal.

Chief executive Lynn Cutress emphasized the charity’s commitment to its mission of rescuing and caring for horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules across the UK, while acknowledging the need to reduce operating costs immediately. The consultation could affect 39 staff members, and the charity is exploring every option to ensure the welfare of both animals and staff remains a priority. Beyond sanctuary operations, Redwings also plays a significant role in national equine welfare campaigning, including advocating for tighter regulation of fireworks to protect horses.