Herd on the Hill Sanctuary

11/09/2026

Foraging Friday - Rosehips (Rosa canina)

The gloriously long hot Summer means we are having a bumper rosehip year! Ive never seen so many on our wild roses around the sanctuary. These stunning red jewels are a power pack of goodness for our herds and ourselves.

The horses absolutely love them and it's such a joy to hear that pop and crunch as they select them off the shrubs.

Packed full of antioxidants, vitamins E, D, A, a huge source of Vitamin C, vitamins of the B complex up to vitamins K and P, as well as high concentrations of beta-carotene and flavonoids. Minerals and trace elements such as calcium, iron, copper, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus and zinc are also present in considerable quantities. They also have fantastic anti-inflammatory properties.

Research by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International has even confirmed that a protein present in rose hips could help horses by helping reduce symptoms of the start of osteoarthritis. Complex compounds of fatty acids and sugar reduce the sensitivity to pain in joint problems and arthrosis and ensure greater mobility. This is especially useful as we have an ageing herd many of whom are in their 20's now.

They are also fantastic for hoof growth and coat condition because of their high levels of natural biotin and essential fatty acids.

Being such a good year we will be drying as many as we can to keep in store whilst also using regular suppliers to top up as we have so many horses.

Fantastic nature always provides 🌱❤️

07/09/2026

These gorgeous ladies are rocking the late Summer sun bleached look! We all had a bonding day on the yard yesterday as the rally meant the mini gang couldn't go out.

When you have a bonded herd that know and trust you and the environment (in this case a car rally!) becomes stressful, it can really help to be amongst them, holding space and giving reassurance. Inda came to me multiple times yesterday for reassurance and to just hang out.

It was actually rather lovely to spend time with them. So often I'm busy running around getting jobs done I forget to just stop for a moment. Though not a lot of work got done as every time I opened the feed room or hay barn I had 7 little helpers!

Left to right we have the beautiful Seren who came to us because of laminitis, Lindy Loo who had hind gut collitis and laminitis and dear Tinker who had EMS. The prospect was grim for all three so we stepped in to give them a chance and after a lot if rehabilitation work they are all doing well and loving herd life.

06/09/2026

Oh my goodness the noise of the first of 149 rally cars is deafening! The horses are ok so far. They weren't too impressed with the low flying helicopters but seem to be settling down with the car noise somewhat.

The minis' track and shelter runs within feet of the lane and im so glad I've kept them on the yard. Lots of enrichment with goat willow, hay and fibre nuts provided and the main herd have their hay as far away from the road as I could carry it!

We have them coming past again at 2pm; might have to wear ear defenders!

05/09/2026

Its been a beautiful sunny September day here on the hill, so peaceful and all the animals are enjoying the cooler weather and return of grazing.

Tomorrow is not going to be so peaceful as the huge international car rally is coming directly past us, twice! Ill be getting up at the crack of dawn as the ponies won't be able to go on their track at all so lots of haynets on the yard for them. Wish us luck folks, its going to be a noisy day!

04/09/2026

Coming in for breakfast.

We seemed to have jumped straight to October here in West Wales and the crunchy brown fields have turned emerald green again.

The main herd come in every single day for a check over, feed, herbal self selection, meds and creams as necessary.

Watching them walk over the hardcore track is especially useful at this time of year, during a flush of grass, as it gives us vital early warning of laminitis. Several of our rescues are here because of metabolic issues and these show up first as footyness on rocky surfaces which doesn't present on soft surfaces.

Love these amazing being so much. We hope you are all well and enjoying the cooler temperatures where you are 🥰

01/09/2026

Well we are slowly recovering from our over 20 mile challenge from the Cambrian mountains to Tregaron via Corscaron marshes, phew!

It certainly was a challenge this year as the weather threw all she had at us and the walking guide book was a bit vague in places leading to huge detours! With aches in places I didn't know could ache (you don't bounce back quite as fast in your 50's!) Timi and I are glad to have succeeded.

Thankyou so so much to all who have donated so far: we've got £475 towards our pallet of mats which is well over halfway there.

We are keeping the Gofundme open for a couple more weeks if you'd like to donate to help our rescued horses thrive through the wet months. Ill put the link in comments.

Please like, comment and share as it pushes our appeal out there the more interactions we get.

Thankyou all! 🥰

30/08/2026