🐴 A forever-home rescue in Mid Sussex

Every horse deserves a soft place to land

We give rescued horses a forever home on 20 acres near Bolney — and offer calm, gentle time with them that helps people feel steadier, too.

Support the sanctuary Time with horses

What we do

Sussex Horse Sanctuary is a Community Interest Company caring for horses that need a second chance — and sharing what they give back.

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Forever homes

Rescued horses stay with us for life on our 20-acre site — safe, cared for, and never rehomed to uncertainty.

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Gentle groundwork

Quiet, on-the-ground time with horses — no riding. Many people find simply being near them calming and grounding.

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Open to our community

We welcome neurodivergent and disabled visitors, families and groups to share unhurried time with the herd.

Two rescued horses walking together in warm golden-hour light on the sanctuary fields Two children resting their hands gently on a pony's back and mane A group of sanctuary volunteers gathered around a white pony in the field

Time with horses, on the ground

Not everyone wants to ride — and not every horse can be ridden. Our experiences are about being with horses: watching, walking alongside, learning to read them, and letting their calm rub off on you.

People tell us this quiet, unpressured time helps them feel more settled and present. We're developing this groundwork approach as a dedicated programme, with support from partners in the assisted-activity world.

Our experiences are for wellbeing and enjoyment. They are not a medical treatment or a substitute for professional care.

Two children quietly stroking a pale pony in the barn — gentle time on the ground, no riding

Developing something new

We're working with partners to build a groundwork horse experience for people who benefit from time with horses without riding — with the aim of becoming a flagship site for this gentle approach in the UK.

Meet the herd

Real horses, real mornings on our 20 acres near Bolney — rescued, safe, and home for good.

Two rescue horses walking side by side through the mist on an early morning A grey and a bay horse trotting together along the fence line Two horses walking away across the sanctuary grounds, tails flowing Everyday care — the farrier trimming one of the horses' hooves

Get involved

Every visit, hour and pound keeps the herd fed and the gates open.

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Donate

Hay, feed, farrier and vet bills never stop. A one-off gift or monthly support goes straight to the horses' care.

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Volunteer

From mucking out to mending fences, willing hands are always welcome. No experience needed — just care.

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Visit or book time

Come and meet the herd, or arrange a quiet groundwork session for yourself, your family or your group.

Get in touch

Come and say hello

We're on our 20-acre site near Bolney, Mid Sussex. To arrange a visit, volunteer or support the sanctuary, get in touch — we'd love to hear from you.

hello@sussexhorsesanctuary.org

Founded and run by Amber John · Sussex Horse Sanctuary CIC