In 2015, Trebaluger Equine Rescue Centre, a non-profit association, was formed to offer a place of saftey to horses and donkeys that had been abandoned or neglected on the island. With the help of family, friends and volunteers, Samantha Lake formed Trebaluger equine rescue centre with Kate and Vicki as signatories. We rent premises which have 42,000m2 of land with a few stables and have grown from just a few horses to now homing 26 permanent equine residents. Over the years 14 cats have appeared and now live with us, numerous chickens and cockerels and 2 ducks. The land unfortunalty isn’t arable land so doesn’t allow us to grow any feed, but we do have beautiful wooded areas offering shade in the hot summer for them all.

None of us are experts, we just love animals, and give our time to the centre freely. We all have busy lives and jobs but, with the help of volunteers, give these rescued animals a chance to live happy, healthy and safe lives. It’s not always easy, it’s hard work but truly rewarding. We believe that every horse, pony, donkey and mule has the right to a happy and healthy life, free of fear and neglect, giving them a safe & loving place to live & be free, providing essential veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and lifelong care.

We gradually re introduce human contact, some of the horses have never had contact & others have lost their trust in humans due to bad experiences in the past. We currently provide permanent sanctuary care to 26 residents, the majority of whom are unlikely to be re-homed due to their challenging veterinary needs, sympathetic handling requirements or behavioural difficulties, which are a result of the neglect they have suffered.​

The Horses & Donkeys live out all year round in natural herds, encouraging them to exhibit their natural behaviour and make friends. Some, however, are stabled during the night for safely or health reasons. Our aim is to ensure that every resident at the Rescue, no matter how complex their needs, has the opportunity to live out the rest of their days in a loving and safe environment.