My Life With Rescue Horses

From 'Adoption Stars' to urgent care, we look at the charity offering vital homes for horses in need

-  SERENA SHORES

When life-long horse lover Susan Ilsley found her dream job at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Aylsham, Norfolk, she knew about the invaluable work the charity does providing a safe, caring environment for hundreds of horses and ponies who spend their days socialising, grazing and playing in the open fields. But she soon learned how important getting close to these beautiful animals is to the thousands of people who visit every year. 

"I really wanted to do something worthwhile," says retired hotelier Susan, 62. "I joined Redwings in March 2022 having owned rescued ponies myself and initially began work in the Visitor Centre. I realised that I was not only serving customers food and drink, but it was up to me to interact with the public as an ambassador for the charity, talking about Redwings' work."

Susan's life with horses began early in life. She learned to ride aged 10 when her parents could finally afford it, and competed in cross country and dressage. Every weekend she would go to a local stable and offer her time caring for the riding school ponies in return for a free ride.

"Straight from school at 16, I found myself working at a manor house in Buckinghamshire where they bred ponies," Susan smiles. "They were very happy times living in a wing of the house with three other girls and working on the care of the brood mares and stallions. I even got to meet Princess Anne, who was really lovely to talk to!"

With a passionate desire to care for both dogs and horses, Susan always wanted to be a vet, but marriage, children and a career in hotels and catering took her life along a different path.