St Mary's Horse Refuge is a registered charity located in Hawkwell, Essex, a few miles from Southend on Sea. The charity's founder, Digby Saunders, had been taking in horses and ponies in need of care for nearly 30 years with little help and no funding. By the early 2000s it was time to take action and in 2003 the horse refuge was established as a charity. Our horses and ponies have come to us for many reasons: some have been neglected, some need special medical care, others are enjoying their twilight years with us. St Mary's Horse Refuge gives its loveable horse and pony residents a happy, healthy life they can enjoy. Our registered charity number is 1101405.