Redwings and I

There are not many places I can say I keep returning to, but Redwings is one of them. We have been going to see the horsies for at least 10 years now. Prune has celebrated her birthday there, Suzi just paid her first visit. And I’m sure, this summer, we will be back.

Redwings has five centers in the UK, one of which, Caldecott, is the one we’ve always visited. One summer, way back when we lived in Carlton Colville, we first discovered Redwings. I remember how fun we found the journey there, enjoying the twisting country roads, so different to the suburbia we lived in. We’d jump out of the car and rush across the gravel parking lot to pat and fuss over the horses closest by. Bubbly white clouds in summer skies, dandelions growing, horses grazing. It was an idyllic day out for a little girl, and it still is.

Every time we visited from Malaysia, we would spend time at Redwings, and one summer, we decided to adopt one of the four-legged residents. Back then, I had this dream of owning a shetland pony, and so chose a chubby little grey one, called Sampson. This was the closest I’d come to my fantasy, but I was happy. Sampson is adorable, but not the friendliest soul. Still, it never stopped me from rushing over to pat his shaggy head and rub his pink nose.

When we moved back to England, we took Prune to Redwings on her birthday. It was a bright day, but that usual sea breeze kept it cooler. Prune watched the horses, but wasn’t fussed. They, on the other hand were very curious about her. She was sitting next to the fence when a large horse strolled over, almost touching Prune with its head. I reckon it wanted to wish her a Happy Birthday too.

At Easter recently, we took Suzi to Redwings for the first time. It was a brisk Spring day, we got confused by the new parking layout and ended up far from the entrance. More change was afoot when we arrived- the place was expanding and in the mean time there were temporary buildings and different paddocks in use, but we still saw many of our favorites. We saw Sampson messing around with his miniature mates, and lots of other equines, each with their own sad story. Whenever I visit I do feel sad, sad that these innocent creatures could have been treated so horrifically. That’s why I will continue to drop by; bring a few carrots, and give those horses and donkeys the hugs they deserve.

Redwings is FREE to visit, and has five centers in the UK. We might visit the Aylesham one this summer! Bring some carrots if you visit, and maybe adopt a pony too… 

UPDATE- Sad news, Oliver has since passed away. I’m glad he got to spend a good chunk of his life at Redwings, but he will definitely be missed 🙁