At Goodheart, we care for all kinds of equines, from gentle giants to lively ponies!
Discover fascinating facts about horses and ponies, including some fun facts about horses that might surprise you. If you’re interested in adopting a horse or simply want more information about horses, read on to learn more about these wonderful animals.
Book a visit to our sanctuary and meet our horses and ponies!
We care for all kinds of equines, from gentle giants to energetic ponies. Before our sanctuary had even opened its doors, we received a request to help with a young pony called Harry. Naturally, we couldn’t say no, and since then our group of equines has continues to grow.
Most of our horses come to us later in life, often after a career as riding or competition horses. All of them now enjoy retirement here at our sanctuary and receive the same individual care as the rest of our residents.
Horses have 10 muscles in each ear – compared to us humans having just 3 – and they can rotate each one 180° to listen without turning their head. Like vocalisations, ear movements are also an important part of equine communication.
Like pigs, equines use a range of different vocalisations to communicate with their animal and human friends. The most well-known is probably the “whinny” which is social sound designed to attract attention, but horses also use “nickering”, “snorting” and “squealing” sounds for a variety of purposes.
Horses thrive in social environments where they can interact with other individuals. They will groom each other in the form of licking to form strong bonds, as well as play fight, chase, and vocalise to each other!
Domesticated horses have a natural lifespan of between 25-30 years while ponies can live up to a staggering 35-40 years! In an industry like horse racing, a horse’s career will end after 2-3 years. After this, many are sold to slaughterhouses and their meat exported abroad, typically within Europe.
Although horses and ponies are highly regarded in the UK with many kept as beloved pets, equines are still exposed to mistreatment and exploitation on a daily basis, including:
Ever wondered about the differences between horses and ponies? For starters, pony breeds are usually shorter and stockier than horses, with distinct muscle and bone structures. Ponies are also known for their cleverness, which can sometimes make them a bit more mischievous!
We pride ourselves on providing a very high standard of care for all our animals here at Goodheart. Will you help us to care for them by making a donation today?
Looking for a unique way to support our sanctuary? Consider a symbolic adoption of a pony! By donating to adopt a pony, you’re making a meaningful contribution to our work and helping provide care for our charming animals, each with their own distinct personality. You can also adopt a pony as a gift, the perfect gesture for any animal lover!
Meet some of our friendly equines – from petite ponies to gentle giants…
Poppy is a chestnut mare with a firey attitude to match her colouring! Her closest companion is Harry the Welsh cob, who is utterly besotted with Poppy and follows her around everywhere she goes.
Gentle giant William came to the sanctuary just a year after we had opened, as his owner could no longer look after him. He is a Friesian horse, a breed known for its calm temperament and intelligence, and William has both in abundance!
Our little Shetland pony Dudley is one feisty character and what he lacks in height he certainly makes up for in attitude! He shares a paddock with fellow pony Morris who likes to keep him in check with a playful game of chase around the field!
Click the button below to learn all about our latest habitat development project here at Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary.
Read our latest article where we dive into some fascinating facts about horses! Whether you’re a lifelong equestrian or simply curious, you’ll love discovering these intriguing horse fun facts that highlight the unique qualities of these magnificent animals.
Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary, The Nickless, Milson, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY14 0BE
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