Equine welfare charity The Horse Trust has welcomed three new donkeys to its sanctuary in Speen, near Princes Risborough, marking a step in the charity’s ongoing investment into donkey-specific care.

The new arrivals – Milly (16), her mother Molly (20), and Gus (17) – arrived quietly over the festive period and spent their first Christmas settling into the sanctuary where they are receiving lots of love, comfort and expert care. They were rehomed after their previous owner was no longer able to provide the specialist support they required, and at the request of The Donkey Sanctuary, The Horse Trust stepped in to offer them a lifelong home.

With ears longer than most of the charity’s equine residents and personalities to match, Milly, Molly and Gus have already begun bringing companionship, lots of fun, and what staff describe as “a little extra bray” to the paddocks they now call home.

Investing in donkey care

The Horse Trust has a long-standing commitment to equine welfare and is now actively expanding both its donkey family and the facilities that support them. Donkeys have unique physical, behavioural and social needs and typically live significantly longer. On average, donkeys can live well into their 30s and beyond - meaning a much greater long-term investment in their care.

The Horse Trust has been home to some extraordinary donkeys including Briar, Henry and Troy, who each lived to over 40 years old and became some of the charity’s longest-serving residents. Their longevity highlights both the responsibility and the privilege of providing lifelong care.

As the charity expands its donkey family, it is also investing in enhanced donkey paddocks, enrichment and facilities, designed to support natural behaviours, social bonds and long-term wellbeing across decades of care.

Care from day one

Since arrival, Milly, Molly and Gus have been supported through a careful settling-in period, including isolation, routine health checks, enrichment activities and gentle reassurance from experienced teams.

Molly and her daughter Milly share a particularly strong bond, which has been especially heartening to observe as they navigate this major life change together. Their relationship mirrors that of fellow sanctuary residents Lola and Nora, a much-loved mother-and-daughter donkey duo rescued by The Horse Trust following the Spindles Farm cruelty case - one of the most high-profile animal welfare cases in the UK, which attracted national and local attention.

Now thriving many years on, Lola and Nora’s story stands as a powerful example of the long-term impact of specialist, compassionate care.

About The Horse Trust

The Horse Trust, previously known as The Home of Rest for Horses, is the world’s oldest equine charity. It relies entirely on donations and legacy gifts to provide specialist care for rescued horses, ponies and donkeys. It also provides retirement and respite for horses who have served our country or protected our communities.

The Horse Trust was established by Ann Lindo in 1886, who, inspired by her love of Anna Sewell’s novel “Black Beauty”, created a respite home for cab horses in Victorian London. She pioneered the gentle care, recovery and retirement of working animals, and her loving approach to horses continues to inspire the work of The Horse Trust today.

Members of the public can support the specialist, loving care of horses at the charity by donating via The Horse Trust website www.horsetrust.org.uk/make-a-donation/ or calling 01494 488464.

The Horse Trust reopens its gates to visitors on Thursday 5th February and will resume its normal opening hours: Thursday to Sunday, 1–4pm, as well as on bank holidays and Wednesdays during the school holidays. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the new long-eared arrivals as well as the horses who live there. It's a beautiful spot with the added attrraction of the Black Beauty tea room for refreshments.

The Horse Trust, Slad Lane, Speen, Buckinghamshire, HP27 0PP