The Trust does not buy or sell animals Who Owns the Charity Horses and Why? Charities are not owned by anybody. The charity is controlled and its assets held in trust by a board of trustees. Trustees are responsible in law for ensuring that charities are well run to deliver their charitable purposes for the public benefit as set out in their constitution. As the founder of The Epona Trust, I took
the decision in 1997 to give up ownership of the 25 ponies I had rescued. The motivation behind this was, if anything happened to me or I crashed financially, the ponies would be counted as my assets and could be sold to the highest bidder, possibly the meat man. The Charity and association were set up to protect the animals by appointing a board of trustees who are ultimately responsible for the assets... and EPONA was born ! Our Aims and Objectives
In 2007 Epona became a registered non-profit making Association in Normandy, making it the first English run Equine Charity\Association in NorthWest France. Our farm in Normandy is home to more than 60 ponies, horses, donkeys and mules, who have come to us from all walks of life, sick, old, rescue missions, ill treatment, neglect and welfare issues but also from owners who sadly have died to those who have fallen on hard times and can no longer keep their beloved pets, we never turn an animal away. We do place horses into suitable homes whenever we can as this is our preference to keep them in a family environment. When this happens it is under the conditions of our Constitution where we retain ownership of them until the day they die but there are some residents who cannot leave the sanctuary for medical reasons and need to be supported from here. We have never rescued animals threatened by the abattoir as we see this as 'supporting the meatman by putting money in his pocket and steak on his plate'. We try to be in front of him and get to those animals who are in need before they reach him. We provide emergency cover for any animal in need as well as permanent lifelong care for them. Something never talked about is our commitment to 'owners in need'. We will help owners (where we can)who are struggling and find themselves in hard times to keep their pets at home. This is usually with unexpected Vet bills, long term medication and winter feed but everything we do it can only be accomplished with your help and support, Epona cannot continue into the future without your help. The shelter has no financial income and only operates from public donations and with the help of a few volunteers. Everyone can help the shelter residents by
1. Becoming a sponsor which is 30 euros per year. This entails choosing a resident to sponsor. In return you will receive regular updates and photos.(more info on this will follow in the coming days)
2. Monthly donation if only 1 euro(every little helps). With 30 euros paid to the shelter for a year, you will be a great help to us and will help pay towards the bills for hay and straw as well as veterinary care. If you wish to be involved and help the resident please contact us, we'd love to hear from you.
