Rspca Lockwood Equine Centre

It is with a very heavy heart that we have to inform you all today that we have had to say good bye to Lockwood’s oldest and dearest donkey Shaggy.
Shaggy was suddenly taken ill this morning and with everyone’s best effort we were unable to make him comfortable and therefore had to take the very hard decision to put him to sleep.
Our dear old friend has brought much light, love and laughter to many people from many different walks of life. He will be missed by everyone dearl...y.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the devoted staff, volunteers and friends of RSPCA Lockwood and RSPCA Milbrook for their continued support and dedication.
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***LOCKWOOD TO REOPEN SOON!*** We're really excited that, following our temporary closure, we'll be opening our doors again in the coming months!
We're currently recruiting for an Equine Centre Manager - if you know anybody who would be suitable, please share with them: http://bit.ly/2vAGNuq
... Once we have our new manager on board and the centre up and running again, we'll let you all know so you can come back and visit us.
Thank you so much for your support and understanding - we and our equine buddies can't wait to see you at Lockwood in the near future 🐴💙
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Happy Bank Holiday Monday from all the Lockwood Donkeys 😍 We hope you are enjoying the sunshine as much as we are at our holiday home, RSPCA Millbrook 😎

***Lockwood temporarily closed***
Please note that our centre is temporarily closed for a short period of time while we are resolving staffing issues.
We are temporarily relocating our rescue horses, ponies and donkeys during this time. They will continue to receive the highest standards of care until they can return to Lockwood.
... Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing you at Lockwood again soon!
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Nothing can cheer you up more than a donkey if you’re feeling down - especially when it’s smiling! Our cheeky little Elmo ✨

Bromance 😍 Sprout and Elmo 💙

So unbelievably proud of this little lady today. Some of you may remember us posting a video of our welshies who were feral and frightened when they arrived. Fifi was the worst out of the four but is getting there slowly but surely 😌
Over the last few weeks her groom Megan has been getting her comfortable with eating from a scoop and feed bowl as she did not even feel safe enough to do that, with or without anyone around. After eating from a scoop on the floor she gradually b...uilt it up to her to eating from a scoop with Megan holding it. Once Fifi was comfortable with this she progressed to Fifi eating from a scoop with her hand in the scoop. Although to some this may sound like nothing, it really is a massive step forward and she is beginning to trust more each time.
Today felt like the right time to try and see if Fifi would trust her enough to eat from her hand. After first of all letting her eat from the scoop with her hand in there, she then lifted her hand from the scoop and Fifi was happy to eat from it. Megan then took the scoop away and just had pony nuts in her hand. You can see from this short video Fifi is still unsure and nervous and her little ears are twitching and thinking about every little step - but she did not panic or worry. There is no force or pressure, Fifi has the option to walk away if she wants to and she decided to be brave enough to try it after a good sniff! We are so, so impressed with her today and can’t wait to see what the future holds for this little mare! 💗😊
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We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has kindly treated us to these wonderful items from our Amazon wish list! As you can see Dylan & Clyde are also very grateful! 🤗😍

Brandy is our fourth superstar to travel to their forever home this week! Our Beautiful girl loaded like an angel and begun her new adventure not too far from us ❤️
She arrived in September last year after previously being found emaciated with a foal at foot. Brandy has been wonderful to work with and has spent the last few weeks nannying the babies in the field and keeping them in line for us!
We wish her the best of luck and hope she enjoys her new home which she truly deserves 💖✨

Today is #NationalEquestrianSafetyDay! ⛑
“Be safe, be seen” - very wise words from our Jerry! 👏🏼 If you think you are taking your pony for a stroll or going on a hack without any Hi-Vis on, think again! Jerry will be after you!
The aim of this day is to highlight the importance of thinking, acting and being safe around horses. 🐎
... As you know, horses and every other living creatures have a mind of their own and can be unpredictable at any time. Horses are prey animals and have a “fight or flight” response which is why it is so vital to be alert and listening when around them. It is easy sometimes to forget just how big and powerful they really are - so make sure you are wearing suitable footwear, gloves and a hard hat when riding or doing any groundwork with them. And remember to always take your time ⏰ accidents often occur when we are in a rush and not giving our full concentration!
https://www.rspca.org.uk/…/details/-/An imal/JERRY/ref/13715…
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❗️❗️ New Arrivals ❗️❗️
It is always exciting when new horses arrive at Lockwood but this intake is a little different! Many of the staff here at Lockwood were involved in helping the inspectors remove these horses from the terrible conditions they were in. It was a huge eye opener for us as we do not often see the heartbreaking condition these equines are found in. In most cases, the equines come to us from private boarders where they are already nursed back to health and rea...dy to find their forever home. We do however get the occasional equine which comes to us straight from being lifted and it’s a big wake up call.
So, 6 months on and we are reunited with some of the precious ones we helped save! After impeccable veterinary care and support from so many people they all look incredible. Their grooms Alice & Sam cannot wait to get to know all 8 of them and find out who is the cheekiest! 😍❤️
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Another special day for us today at Lockwood. Our two beautiful ladies Miffy and Mopsy went down to Somerset to begin the new chapter of their lives! 🏡
The pair of them arrived in March 2015 with 14 other donkeys! Both Miffy and Mopsy were pregnant along with close friend Lassie. After giving birth to their gorgeous, fluffy babies named Elsa, Eeleta and Elmo they became a close ‘mum group’ and the babies settled in very well with the rest of the herd. After a number of months... their babies were weaned and found wonderful new homes, this meant we could properly focus on Miffy and Mopsy to earn their trust and for them to gain confidence.
After three years of being with us at Lockwood and during that time sadly being returned from a home due to no fault of their own, they have finally found their amazing new home together. They have been a delight to be around and really are the sweetest girls. They have been best friends for a very long time and been through a lot together - including Miffy’s tummy operation which some of you remember seeing our posts about. We wish them the best of luck and happiness with their new family, thank you to everyone who has been a part of their very special journey 💗✨
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Happy #WorldPoetryDay everyone! 📝🐎
This poem is about a few of our ponies in need of their forever homes .. ❤️
Let’s start with Puddle our longest stay,... We can’t understand why - she just wants to play! Her close friend Trixie is a striking young mare, After losing her mum she had special care, Then there’s Poppy & Dee Dee the inseparable pair, They both have heart murmurs it just isn’t fair, Our poor girl Brandy who’s had a hard ride, She was found emaciated with a foal by her side, The four feral welshies who were shaking with fear, Now when they see us they want to be near, We are so proud of our equines with what they achieve, They just need time and for someone to believe, Anything is possible with some love and care, Please help them find a home by giving this a share! ☺️✨
(More info about each of them on our website) 👍🏼
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Our stunning Nancy went to her fancy forever home today which couldn’t be more perfect for her. After being told by our chiropractor and vet she cannot be ridden she has found the most wonderful companion home with a lovely lady down by the coast. Nancy has not been with us for very long but her confidence has improved greatly over the last couple of months. She has been a pleasure to handle and she loaded beautifully today. We wish her all the best and can’t wait to hear how she is settling in 😊💗

As today is #InternationalDayOfHappiness it would be rude not to share a photo of each of our very special and cherished donkeys! They bring love and happiness to our lives every single day and never fail to make us smile ☺️❤️
From the left: Shaggy, Dolly, Lassie, Paddy, Pickle, Elmo, Sprout, Mopsy, Miffy, Dylan & Clyde ✨

🐰🐣🌷🍫 EASTER SUNDAY 🐰🐣🌷🍫
Lassie and Paddy would like to announce we will be opening our gates to the public on Sunday 1st April!
Don’t forget to bring edible goodies for our donation box! Everything we receive will be used in our 2pm donkey treat time for you to watch and enjoy! 😃🥕
... Sadly our donkey walk is not yet open but we have our fingers crossed for it to be up and running again soon. We look forward to seeing you all again ... the donkeys have missed you all so much! ❤️
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Today we did some loading practice with our very clever ponies, Jorge & Donald. Both of them have been anxious and worried about loading before which is probably from having bad experiences in the past. Today we ensured we took it slowly with plenty of gentle encouragement and carrots! A good experience is so important, it is like us having a bad experience at the dentist, you find it hard to forget about and will be worried for the next time! We are super proud of these boys and hope they find their forever homes soon 😊❤️

“Hey, get back here!” ... So not only were the boys fighting over the grooming kit ... Ginger also grabbed one of his grooms when she went to brush another pony! 🙈😂 we have never met such cheeky and loving boys! ❤️

This photo says a lot about these boys, they are honestly like brothers! 😂 Poor Beauty got caught in the middle of Ginger and Charlie fighting over the grooming kit! You can tell what Beauty is thinking ... it’s written all over his face! 🙈🙄

Wonderful place for the equines, teaching them to play and have fun, especially for those with not the best start in life.



Such innovative& cost effective toys and games from all the staff for the horses & donkeys to play with. Love it!

The staff at Lockwood were very helpful when I initially enquired about a foal, I was then able to go back and groom and handle her! Everything happened very quickly and within 3 weeks of first contact I was able to bring her home! All of the animals look so happy as well

Thank you very much indeed ladies for a fab Corporate Volunteering Day last week. Myself and the team had a wonderful time with yourselves, the ponies and the donkeys! We really appreciate the time you took to give us a really informative tour and loads of info on the amazing work that you do at your centre. I think our highlight was Donkey Enrichment!!

One visit and my Grandaughter found her love of horses

I'm shattered! A day of filling up stables and poo picking was actually the best fun!!

I took an elderly relative to visit there as part of his bucket list ( he is 90!) He said how well cared for the donkeys looked and how friendly everyone was that we spoke to. He loved it. Thank you lockwood for making an old man very happy xx

I recently rehomed a pony from Lockwood (Rufus). The staff are all so friendly and helpful and more than happy to answer questions and offer advise

I have adopted lots of wonderful horses from here. Very experienced & helpful staff. A must if you are thinking about buying a horse - give something back & adopt a rescued one.

Had a wonderful day out at Lockwood. The staff and volunteers were very helpful and knowledgable. Left after having sponsored Tinsel, a beautiful donkey! Highly recommend.

Great place, friendly volunteers and inquisitive Donkeys. Dog friendly too. Nice shop and tea/coffees. Bring fruits and veg for the 'enrichment' sessions

Great place to visit - bring veg and fruit!

Great place for all the family, helpful dedicated staff with a nice shop for your Donkey needs.

Enjoyed a lovely Mothers' Day visit to Lockwood. Children loved meeting all your gorgeous ponies and donks while I stuffed my face with scrummy vegan cake - everyone's a winner. Keep up the fab work. ���

A wonderful centre with hard working volunteers and employees. All the donkeys and ponies were happy and we loved seeing the enrichment time - something I'd never seem before. We learnt loads about donkeys and why we couldn't rehome but did fall in love with two ponies who are now settled at our farm! Had a brilliant 2nd hand shop too - wonderful bargains found there!

A lovely pretty and peaceful place filled with such beautiful and wonderful animals. I have totally fallen in love with Shaggy and the rest of the donkey crew and who doesn't?! They are all such characters! I remember this place as a kid but had forgotten about it tucked away in the green woods. 1st time back today and I'm planning at least another 2 before the end of October. Wonderful caring and informative staff, I'm so pleased and happy to see this place up and running again ❤️

A lovely day with mum once again. Had a good rummage through the tack sale and a lovely time seeing the donkeys, although we barely got a look in as they were so busy playing with there treat balls ect.. All the staff\volunteers do a wonderful job

A lovely afternoon out...staff are very enthusiastic and helpful and it was great to watch the donkeys having treat time and being groomed! Gave up trying to work out who was my fav donkey...they're all so lovely!

"its the best place ever!!!" According to my 4 year old son! Its a great place for a day out, everyone is friendly and welcoming. We always enjoy saying hello to our donkey friends before visiting the shop to find another cuddly donkey for our herd at home!! We love Lockwood and were glad we discovered it!

OMG !! My mother use to take me and my school friends to this sanctuary in the school holidays , travelling all the way from Palmers Green & Southgate . We were around 12 at the time . My mother did so much for animals when she was alive . Mr Lockwood was around in those days and use to wear an old tea cosy on his head . I am so pleased the sanctuary is still active . I have photos from those times and fond memories . I am going to make every effort to visit soon . Give the animals a hug from me 🐾 Denise X

Wonderful place for the equines, teaching them to play and have fun, especially for those with not the best start in life.



Such innovative& cost effective toys and games from all the staff for the horses & donkeys to play with. Love it!

The staff at Lockwood were very helpful when I initially enquired about a foal, I was then able to go back and groom and handle her! Everything happened very quickly and within 3 weeks of first contact I was able to bring her home! All of the animals look so happy as well

Thank you very much indeed ladies for a fab Corporate Volunteering Day last week. Myself and the team had a wonderful time with yourselves, the ponies and the donkeys! We really appreciate the time you took to give us a really informative tour and loads of info on the amazing work that you do at your centre. I think our highlight was Donkey Enrichment!!

One visit and my Grandaughter found her love of horses

I'm shattered! A day of filling up stables and poo picking was actually the best fun!!

I took an elderly relative to visit there as part of his bucket list ( he is 90!) He said how well cared for the donkeys looked and how friendly everyone was that we spoke to. He loved it. Thank you lockwood for making an old man very happy xx

I recently rehomed a pony from Lockwood (Rufus). The staff are all so friendly and helpful and more than happy to answer questions and offer advise

I have adopted lots of wonderful horses from here. Very experienced & helpful staff. A must if you are thinking about buying a horse - give something back & adopt a rescued one.

Had a wonderful day out at Lockwood. The staff and volunteers were very helpful and knowledgable. Left after having sponsored Tinsel, a beautiful donkey! Highly recommend.

Great place, friendly volunteers and inquisitive Donkeys. Dog friendly too. Nice shop and tea/coffees. Bring fruits and veg for the 'enrichment' sessions

Great place to visit - bring veg and fruit!

Great place for all the family, helpful dedicated staff with a nice shop for your Donkey needs.

Enjoyed a lovely Mothers' Day visit to Lockwood. Children loved meeting all your gorgeous ponies and donks while I stuffed my face with scrummy vegan cake - everyone's a winner. Keep up the fab work. ���

A wonderful centre with hard working volunteers and employees. All the donkeys and ponies were happy and we loved seeing the enrichment time - something I'd never seem before. We learnt loads about donkeys and why we couldn't rehome but did fall in love with two ponies who are now settled at our farm! Had a brilliant 2nd hand shop too - wonderful bargains found there!

A lovely pretty and peaceful place filled with such beautiful and wonderful animals. I have totally fallen in love with Shaggy and the rest of the donkey crew and who doesn't?! They are all such characters! I remember this place as a kid but had forgotten about it tucked away in the green woods. 1st time back today and I'm planning at least another 2 before the end of October. Wonderful caring and informative staff, I'm so pleased and happy to see this place up and running again ❤️

A lovely day with mum once again. Had a good rummage through the tack sale and a lovely time seeing the donkeys, although we barely got a look in as they were so busy playing with there treat balls ect.. All the staff\volunteers do a wonderful job

A lovely afternoon out...staff are very enthusiastic and helpful and it was great to watch the donkeys having treat time and being groomed! Gave up trying to work out who was my fav donkey...they're all so lovely!

"its the best place ever!!!" According to my 4 year old son! Its a great place for a day out, everyone is friendly and welcoming. We always enjoy saying hello to our donkey friends before visiting the shop to find another cuddly donkey for our herd at home!! We love Lockwood and were glad we discovered it!

OMG !! My mother use to take me and my school friends to this sanctuary in the school holidays , travelling all the way from Palmers Green & Southgate . We were around 12 at the time . My mother did so much for animals when she was alive . Mr Lockwood was around in those days and use to wear an old tea cosy on his head . I am so pleased the sanctuary is still active . I have photos from those times and fond memories . I am going to make every effort to visit soon . Give the animals a hug from me 🐾 Denise X