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Monday 8am - 4pm Tuesday 8am - 4pm Wednesday 8am - 4pm Thursday 8am - 4pm Friday 8am - 4pm

The Hugs Foundation

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The Hugs Foundation

The Hugs Foundation is a horse rescue centre that provides well-being support to children, young people, the elderly, serving military personnel and veterans.

The Hugs Foundation is a rescue and rehabilitation centre for horses and ponies that also provides well-being support for children, young people the elderly, military personnel and veterans. We rescue, rehabilitate and rehome mistreated, sick, unwanted and abandoned horses and ponies. Situated in a unique, nurturing and safe environment, we provide for a range of needs including; social, emotional

, physical and mental health support, learning/developmental needs, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), social isolation, reengaging with education, school transitions, transitions from military to civilian life, life challenges, self-harm and those at risk of su***de. We teach life skills, coping strategies and resilience for lifelong impact through therapeutic learning, animal assisted interventions and ecotherapy. Our rescues each have their own rehabilitation plan and many work alongside our service users, where they can both benefit and grow from spending time with each other, making a positive difference to both lives. We also do well-being visits to care homes, hospices and schools and community events with our ponies to improve well-being and educate in animal welfare and human well-being. We are proud to be one of the first organisations to be accepted onto the Human Equine Interaction Register (HEIR) UK and a member of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC). We are open by appointment only due to the nature of our work.

12/10/2025

🔊 Exciting Announcement!! 🔊

New role available at The Hugs Foundation. 💚

We are looking for a Volunteer Coordinator to join our team and drive our volunteering programmes forward.

This is a paid role.

Title: Volunteer Coordinator
Hours: 24 hours a week (to include some Saturdays)
Salary: £27,040 pro rata

Some of the key responsibilities include:

🐎 Work with all departments to recruit interview and onboard volunteers.
🐎 Promote volunteering through campaigns and events.
🐎 Supervise, train and develop volunteers, maintaining records of activities and training.

To enquire further, receive a copy of the job description and request an application form, please contact our Operations & Volunteer Manager - Charlotte via [email protected]

11/10/2025

💚🌟 Rehoming Star 🌟💚

Lucky Lady Lucy the Last of the Lush Lemons Lollies

Yes, that’s her official name — but don’t worry, we just call her Lucy (it’s much easier on the tongue! 😄).

Lucy is one of our 2024 Dartmoor babies, and she couldn’t be any sweeter if she tried. When she first arrived at Hugs, she was a very poorly little soul who needed a lot of care, love, and time to get back to full health. With patience, cuddles, and plenty of TLC, she’s blossomed into the most wonderful pony. 💛

Since then, Lucy has been everyone’s best friend — a gentle babysitter, a loyal field and stable companion, and a true all-round superstar. She’s fantastic to catch and lead, super quiet and kind-natured, brilliant for the farrier, and fully up to date with worming and vaccinations.

Lucy is now ready for her next adventure — a loving home where she’ll be cherished just as much as she is here at Hugs. Whoever is lucky enough to have her will gain a real gem. 💫🐴

Head over to our website and fill out a rehoming application www.hugsfoundation.org.uk/rehoming

10/10/2025

💚 World Mental Health Day 💚

Today, we honor World Mental Health Day, a moment to pause, reflect, and remind ourselves that mental health matters just as much as physical health.

At The Hugs Foundation, we believe in the power of Hope, Understanding, Growth, and Support. Whether you’re struggling or simply needing someone to talk to, you are never alone.

🤗 A hug can be more than a gesture, it can be connection, comfort, and courage.
🌱 Healing isn’t linear, and that’s okay.
🗣 Talking is a strength, not a weakness.
🤝 Let’s build a community where support is safe and stigma has no place.

Today and every day, let’s check in on one another. Offer a hug, lend an ear, and spread kindness.

If you need support, we’re here.
If you can offer support, the world needs you.

💚 Together, we can make mental health a priority.

08/10/2025

📣 Important reminder 📣

Over the next few days and weeks many equines are coming up for sale — and a lot of them will be young, unhandled ponies.

If you’ve found yourself responsible for an equine, feeling overwhelmed or unsure — you are not alone, and we’re here to help.

As an equine rehabilitation and welfare charity we have years of experience with handling, health and trauma. If you find yourself struggling, please remember there are organisations and professionals who can support you. Don’t wait until it becomes overwhelming — reach out.

A few practical reminders:
• 🕰️ Time & commitment: Owning a pony is more than a weekend hobby — some new arrivals need ALOT more time than you expect.
• 💰 Finances: One of the biggest causes of poor welfare is underestimating costs. Think about feed, farrier, routine vet care, dentistry, emergency funds and ongoing maintenance.
• 👩‍⚕️ Health costs/needs & legal requirements:Be aware of parasite control, castration (if needed), passports and current vaccination needs.
• 🏡 Environment & company: Check stabling, secure fencing, turnout, and suitable equine friends.

If you do have room in your life and home, please consider adopting from local rescue centres. We currently have over 20 equines ready for loving homes — some young and playful, others ready to retire in peace.

‼️They come with clear histories: passported, microchipped, handled, and supported with parasite treatment and veterinary guidance.‼️

💚Without homes for the animals in our care, we can’t rescue more. If you need advice or support, email [email protected].💚

Adopt — don’t shop.

Please share to help find our ponies home and offer support to those who need it.

Photos are some of our current equines and past equines showing that with handling, time, training, health care and support …. These equines can flourish and be part of your family too 🩷

07/10/2025

✨Celebrating Success✨

Every equine that comes to us starts a journey of healing — from rehabilitation to the ultimate dream of finding a forever home. These photo captures just that moment: the reward at the end of a long road.

It takes more than luck to get here. It takes the dedication of our amazing animal welfare team, the kindness of our volunteers, the generosity of our supporters — and the resilience of the horses themselves, overcoming every hurdle put in their way.

Seeing them happy, safe and thriving in their new homes makes every bit of hard work worthwhile.

These pictures are a celebration for them, and of everyone who believed in them. 💙

06/10/2025

Good afternoon from Hugs HQ 💚

03/10/2025

🌍😊 Happy World Smile Day from The Hugs Foundation! 😊🌍
Nothing brightens the day quite like a smile and our herd are experts at spreading joy! 🐴💛
We’d love to see your smiley animals too! 📸 Drop a photo in the comments and let’s fill this space with happy faces!
Let’s celebrate the healing power of smiles together 💕

27/09/2025

💚 Rehoming Star Of The Week💚

Diam the Absolute Diam-ond 💎

11.1hh Dartmoor hill type.

Diam is 7 years old and is very genuine and lovely to handle. He is a little super star with an amazing personality and has been easily handled by children, volunteers and adults. He will require a confident owner who is used to young ponies.

Diam could be an amazing child’s pony or a friendly companion and with his stunning looks he would be a winner in a show ring 😍

Diam is a dainty gelding who does like some creature comforts in winter as he has previously suffered from laminitis so does need a home aware of these ongoing needs.

Diam is currently out 24/7 and is looking for his new home.

💚

Do you think Diam would be a perfect fit for you? Get in touch with the team by filling out a rehoming application!

www.hugsfoundation.org.uk/rehoming

26/09/2025

Shop & Support Hugs! It’s That Easy! 🐴💚

Did you know you can help rescue and rehabilitate ponies and support vulnerable children just by doing your everyday shopping?

✨ Here’s how:

1️⃣ EasyFundraising – Shop online with over 7,000 retailers and they’ll donate to Hugs at no extra cost to you!
👉 https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/thehugsfoundation

2️⃣ Co-op Membership – If you're a Co-op member, choose The Hugs Foundation as your local cause. Every time you shop, Co-op gives back to us!
👉 https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/93312

Your purchases can help fund hay, vet care, and well-being sessions, all while you shop for groceries, gifts, or even holidays!

Let’s turn everyday spending into everyday kindness 💫

25/09/2025

Thankful Thursday Thoughts 💭

This week we had a fantastic team day thanks to an innovative funding idea from the Sedel-Collings Foundation and Cornwall Community Foundation. The day was all about connection, care and well-being 💚. Our morning was spent with our young rescue ponies, led by the brilliant Sarah Simmons, helping them build confidence, trust and brighter futures 🐴💫. In the afternoon, our team came together for a wellness session, with the wonderful Sarah Jeffrey, giving staff a chance to reflect and nurture their own well-being, because caring for others starts with caring for ourselves 🌿💆‍♀️. We’re so grateful for days like these that remind us of the power of kindness, healing and community and how important it is to look after your team and show them how appreciated and valued they are🥰.

24/09/2025

Do you have great gifts to sell in time for Christmas?
then look no further...
Join us for our Christmas shopping and wreath making evening 🎁🎄

Address

Higher Whitley Farm
Bodmin
PL312NT

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4pm
Tuesday	8am - 4pm
Wednesday	8am - 4pm
Thursday	8am - 4pm
Friday	8am - 4pm

Telephone

+447539916048

Website

http://www.hugsfoundation.org.uk/

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