The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, a South West equine welfare charity, is celebrating Valentine’s Day by launching “dating profiles” for rescued horses and ponies seeking new companion homes through its Sanctuary at Home rehoming scheme. Inspired by online dating, the profiles highlight each pony’s personality, needs, and ideal environment to help potential carers find their perfect match. The charity emphasizes that rehoming rescued ponies on loan offers a rewarding alternative to buying horses, providing companionship for both the animals and their carers while freeing up space to rescue more equines in need.

The Sanctuary at Home scheme allows ponies to live with knowledgeable carers under the charity’s lifelong guardianship, ensuring ongoing veterinary care and support. Research shows that interaction with ponies can improve human wellbeing by reducing stress and loneliness. Jenna Goldby, Head of Welfare and Rehoming, explains that matching ponies with the right carers fosters mutual joy and companionship, benefiting both parties. The Mare and Foal Sanctuary cares for nearly 600 horses and ponies, relying on donations and partnerships to rescue and rehabilitate animals across the South West. More information and pony profiles are available at mareandfoal.org.