Founded in 2008, our non-profit rescue centre saves neglected, abused and abandoned equines in Spain. We also welcome volunteers to work in the shops.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre was founded in 2008 by Sue and Rod Weeding. We are British expats who had moved to Spain from England in 2001 to enjoy an easy sunshine-and-relaxation retirement. But all that changed in 2008 with Luceiro, a two-year-old stallion we found locked in a filthy and dark stable, his left eye badly injured and rotting, hurling himself repeatedly against the bars of his
stall as flies drove him crazy. Unable to walk away from such a distressing case of animal cruelty, we brought Luceiro home to our own finca – and unwittingly created a much-needed horse rescue centre. We set up our Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre near the little town of Rojales in the province of Alicante, along Spain’s Costa Blanca coastline. We now care for more than 90 horses, ponies and donkeys saved from abuse and neglect. We believe that when you love an animal, you fight to save it. They may be old crocks and broken down and disabled or whatever, but for the abuse they’ve suffered and survived, they deserve a second chance. We are determined to help push for the better treatment of animals in Spain and constantly lobby authorities to change laws and punish those who abuse animals. Learn about our many donation options, including one-off donations and horse sponsorships, here: www.easyhorsecare.net/donate
We also run a network of charity shops across the Alicante province. Donations of furniture, clothes and bric-a-brac to stock the shops are gratefully welcomed. Find out more here: http://easyhorsecare.net/shops/charity-shops
Every single cent donated or spent in our charity shops goes towards the hefty feeding and care costs of all our animals. Thank you for helping us gift these equines a second chance at life.
– Sue and Rod Weeding
22/06/2025
💩 Let’s Talk... POO! 🚜
Yes, you read that right – today we’re getting down and dirty with a subject that everyone wonders about but few dare to ask: what happens to all the muck our 120+ horses, donkeys, ponies (and friends) produce?
With so many large animals in our care, let’s just say… it adds up! 😅 Thankfully, we have an incredible team of ground clearance volunteers who spend their mornings out in the fields shovelling and barrowing it all out. But where does it go after that?
In today’s video, Susan lifts the lid (not literally, don’t worry!) on the next stage of the journey as our muck containers are collected and taken away.
It’s all part of the less glamorous but absolutely essential side of rescue work – and yes, it’s still powered by community spirit, muscle, and a lot of wheelbarrows.
🎥 Watch the video to see behind the scenes and give a shout-out to the unsung heroes who help us stay clean and composted!
21/06/2025
🔥 Devastating News from Our Charity Shop in Quesada 💔
We’re heartbroken to share that our charity shop in Ciudad Quesada was the target of an arson attack late on Thursday night.
Thanks to the quick response of emergency services, the fire was stopped before it could pe*****te the interior – a narrow escape, as the whole row of shops could so easily have gone up in flames. However, the front of the shop was badly damaged, and the inside is thick with smoke, meaning the shop will need to close for a time while we assess the full extent of the damage and begin repairs.
This is not just a shop – it’s a vital lifeline for the rescue centre. Along with our other stores in La Zenia and La Siesta, the Quesada shop plays a major role in keeping the centre running, helping to cover feed, vet bills, and the daily care of over 120 rescued horses, ponies, and donkeys.
We know how upsetting this will be for our incredible volunteers, who work tirelessly to make the shops a success. And for the manager of the Quesada store – recently featured in our newsletter – this is a particularly cruel blow after all the heart and energy she’s poured into the shop.
We’ll be sharing updates as we know more. In the meantime, please keep our Quesada team in your thoughts, and if you’re able to support the rescue centre in any way, now would be an especially good time.
💛 Together, we’ll get through this. As ever, our gratitude to you all.
21/06/2025
🦚 Peacock Parenting: A Masterclass in Two Styles 🐔🐣
Yesterday, we watched one of our beautiful peahens proudly es**rt her three fluffy chicks through the stables for the very first time – a gentle, touching glimpse of motherhood in action.
But today, things get even more interesting…
In this delightful follow-up video, our peahen returns – this time leading her little ones straight over to the surrogate chicken mum who’s been raising a clutch of abandoned peacock chicks. What follows is a curious moment of cross-species parenting observation, as our peahen seems to assess the chicken’s childcare techniques with a certain... scepticism. 👀
Two mothers, two very different styles – but both with the same aim: keeping their babies safe, warm, and learning about the world.
As Susan says in the video, it's one of those quietly magical moments that makes life at Easy Horse Care so endlessly surprising. It also speaks volumes about the resilience of nature – and the gentle adaptability of our animals.
🎥 Watch now and enjoy this sweet exchange between two devoted mothers, one feathered in royal blue and the other in humble hen-house hues.
20/06/2025
🦚 The Peacock Parade – A Mother's First Tour 🐣
Not long ago, we shared the extraordinary tale of a broody chicken stepping in to raise some abandoned peacock chicks. But today, we celebrate the other side of the story – a proud peacock mum doing the job herself!
In this heartwarming video, you’ll see one of our resident peahens gently guiding her three newly hatched chicks through the stables area for the very first time. There’s a lovely sense of quiet determination as she introduces them to the sights, sounds, and scents of sanctuary life.
In Spanish, a peacock is called “pavo real” – literally, “royal turkey” – and we can’t think of a better name for these majestic creatures with their proud strut and regal plumage.
These moments of peace, beauty and natural instinct are the kind that make life at the centre so special. We hope this little family brings a smile to your day, just as they did to ours.
🎥 Watch the video and take a stroll with our royal mum and her tiny treasures.
17/06/2025
🐴 Pedro’s Eye Update – Fighting to Save His Sight 🐴
Beautiful Pedro has been through a lot recently, but today we bring you a glimmer of hope.
In this video, our vet Dorothea explains the next steps in Pedro’s treatment as we continue the fight to save not only his eye, but perhaps even some of his sight.
Administering medication directly to his eye had become increasingly difficult — stressful for him and challenging for us. So a catheter has now been carefully fitted, allowing us to deliver the medicine more efficiently and comfortably, without further distress.
The good news? Pedro is responding to treatment. The swelling is reducing and, while it’s still early days, Dorothea outlines her plan going forward and the cautious optimism we’re holding onto.
This is the kind of round-the-clock care and commitment that every animal here receives — made possible by your support.
Watch the video to hear Dorothea’s expert insight, and please keep Pedro in your thoughts as he continues his journey toward healing. 💜
16/06/2025
🐴 A Week in the Life of Rescue: When Everything Happens at Once 🐴
Some weeks at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre feel like a blur of bandages, vet calls, and constant problem-solving — and this has been one of them.
Moses kicked things off in dramatic style by slicing his pastern down to the cartilage on a water trough, leaving a deep, serious wound. He’s now heavily bandaged and soon to be plastered, under close observation.
While that was unfolding, one of our ponies began struggling to breathe — a sudden and frightening reaction that needed immediate intervention to stabilise his respiratory system.
At the same time, one of our laminitic donkeys developed an abscess, adding another layer of pain to an already difficult condition. Then Ginger, one of our front-field regulars, came up lame with a hoof abscess of her own and is now resting with her foot bandaged.
Just as we caught our breath, Harley — our proud, beautiful 37-year-old palomino — began showing signs of swelling in a back hock. It seems an old injury is breaking down with age. He's too elderly for complex surgery, so comfort and gentle care are now our focus.
The weather hasn’t helped: hot and humid days have triggered bad reactions in several horses from fly bites — some so severe they’ve required cortisone injections to settle the swelling and discomfort.
And then Dakota — quiet, gentle Dakota — developed a viral infection. She’s now on antibiotics and under watchful eyes.
It’s a lot. But it’s what rescue looks like.
Every limp, cough, bite, lump and flare-up is taken seriously. Because in a sanctuary like ours, there are no small problems — only big hearts rising to meet them.
🐴💜 If you've ever wondered where your donations go, this is it. Into plasters and poultices, syringes and sweat, into every act of care that helps keep these animals safe.
Thank you for standing with us. We couldn’t do any of it without you.
15/06/2025
🎉 🐷 Ruppert the Pig is now... OFFICIALLY LEGAL! 🐷 🎉
It’s true – paperwork has been signed, stamps have been stamped, and we are thrilled to announce that Ruppert, our free-spirited, gate-crashing, apple-munching pig, is now officially certified by the powers that be. ✅
Yes, after a long and winding journey through the labyrinth of Spanish bureaucracy, Ruppert now holds the kind of official status most pigs can only dream of. He strutted his stuff this morning with an air of quiet satisfaction.
Let’s not forget – this is the same Ruppert who turned up here uninvited six years ago, narrowly escaped a trip to the slaughterhouse, and has been living his best life ever since. And now? He’s not just part of the furniture – he’s got the paperwork to prove it.
📸 Swipe to see Ruppert posing like the proud citizen he is!
Big thanks to everyone who helped us navigate the endless forms, tests and inspections. This might just be the most important piece of pig paperwork ever processed.
13/06/2025
🌾 Mornings Matter – Can You Lend a Hand? 🌾
We’re reaching out once again in the hope of finding someone reliable and physically fit who can help with morning forage feeds at the rescue centre. With staff illness and others away, we’re really struggling to keep up — and the animals still need their breakfast, rain or shine!
This is a hands-on role, heading out into the fields to distribute hay and forage to our residents — over 100 horses, ponies and donkeys, many of them older or recovering from trauma. It's a job that truly matters, and for the right person it can be immensely rewarding.
⏰ Time commitment: ideally three or four mornings a week, starting at 8:00 a.m. and finishing around 10:00. It’s a consistent routine, so we’re looking for someone who can really commit.
This is a vital part of how we keep the centre running — and right now, we could really use someone dependable to step up and make a difference.
👉 If this sounds like something you could do, or you know someone who’d be ideal, please message Susan Weeding directly on 📞 652 021 980.
Thank you, as always, for being part of our incredible community. 💚
11/06/2025
🛍️🐴 Join the Rescue – One Charity Shop Shift at a Time! 🐴🛍️
Are you looking to do something meaningful with your time? Want to make a real difference in the lives of rescued horses, ponies, and donkeys – without getting muddy boots? Then we’ve got just the thing for you!
Our three fabulous Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre charity shops – in La Zenia, La Siesta, and Ciudad Quesada – are looking for new volunteers to join the team!
💚 Whether you’ve got a flair for fashion, love a good chat with customers, or simply want to be part of a warm, welcoming group of people all working towards a common cause, we’d LOVE to hear from you.
These shops are a vital lifeline for the rescue centre, helping to fund the food, vet care and shelter of over 120 rescued animals – and every shift you volunteer helps us continue this important work.
📞 Interested? You can contact the shops directly, or message Susan Weeding on 652 021 980 for more details.
Come and be part of something wonderful. 🐎❤️
10/06/2025
🐥🦚 Peacock Chick Update – When Mum’s a Bit… Clucked Off! 🦚🐥
Remember the story that melted hearts everywhere — the chicken who unexpectedly adopted a clutch of abandoned peacock eggs? Well, the plot thickens (and so do the tail feathers)!
In today’s video, Susan shares the latest on this wonderfully odd little family. As the chicks grow, it turns out that being a surrogate peacock mum isn’t quite as straightforward as sitting on eggs…
From surprise flapping frenzies to the peeping personalities of these rapidly growing peachicks, their devoted chicken mother is discovering that her adopted brood doesn’t exactly follow the rulebook.
We’ve been constantly adapting their housing to keep them safe as they get bigger, bolder, and more curious by the day — all under the slightly bewildered eye of one very committed hen.
🐔❤️ Just another day of surprises at Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, where kindness crosses species and love knows no feathers.
🎥 Tune in to see how they’re getting on — and prepare to smile.
08/06/2025
🚴♂️✨ Andrew Has Done It! ✨🚴♂️
Rhine Cycle Fundraising Challenge – Complete!
After 14 days, over 1,400 kilometres, a crash, bruised knees, technical mishaps, lost motorhomes, fierce headwinds, downpours, and a whole lot of determination, Andrew has completed his epic Rhine Cycle challenge – from the Swiss Alps all the way to the Hook of Holland!
We’ve not posted an update for a few days, but what a few days they’ve been. From navigating busy cities like Düsseldorf and Cologne, braving relentless winds through industrial heartlands and bucolic countryside, and even cycling in the pouring rain along Dutch d***s (no shelter to be had!), this journey has tested every ounce of his strength and stamina.
And yet, today, in the midst of exhaustion and elation, there was the perfect finale. Waiting for Andrew at the finish line in the Hook of Holland was Emma, one of our wonderful Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre volunteers. Emma, who lives nearby in The Hague, graced Andrew with her beaming presence, and we can’t tell you how much that meant after such a long, hard final ride.
This has been no small feat. Andrew undertook this challenge not only as a personal mission but as a heartfelt effort to raise much-needed funds for the animals in our care – horses, donkeys, pigs, and more – many of whom have endured the worst and now live their lives in safety and peace thanks to your generosity.
To those who’ve donated, followed his updates, cheered him on or simply sent a kind message – thank you. You’ve made a difference.
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Founded in 2008 by Sue and Rod Weeding, our non-profit rescue centre saves neglected and abused horses, ponies and donkeys across Spain's Costa Blanca region.
We’re British expats who had moved to Spain from England in 2001 to enjoy an easy sunshine-and-relaxation retirement.
But all that changed in 2008 with Luceiro, a two-year-old stallion we found locked in a filthy and dark stable, his left eye badly injured and rotting, hurling himself repeatedly against the bars of his stall as flies drove him crazy.
Unable to walk away from such a distressing case of animal cruelty, we brought Luceiro home to our own finca – and unwittingly created a much-needed horse rescue centre.
We set up our Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre near the little town of Rojales in the province of Alicante, along Spain’s Costa Blanca coastline. We now care for more than 90 horses, ponies and donkeys saved from abuse and neglect.
We believe that when you love an animal, you fight to save it. They may be old crocks and broken down and disabled or whatever, but for the abuse they’ve suffered and survived, they deserve a second chance.
We are determined to help push for the better treatment of animals in Spain and constantly lobby authorities to change laws and punish those who abuse animals.
Our Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre is registered as a charitable foundation in Spain and all donations are tax deductible. Learn about our many donation options, including one-off donations and horse sponsorships, here: www.easyhorsecare.net/donate
We also run a network of charity shops across the Alicante province. Donations of furniture, clothes and bric-a-brac to stock the shops are gratefully welcomed. We also welcome volunteers to work in the shops. Find out more here: http://easyhorsecare.net/shops/charity-shops
Every single cent donated or spent in our charity shops goes towards the hefty feeding and care costs of all our animals.
Thank you for helping us gift these equines a second chance at life.
– Sue and Rod Weeding
(And thank you to our volunteers Jean Cha, Koren Helbig and Diane O’Neil for keeping our page so well updated.)
