• October 2011 Photos of our successful tree planting event. 420 hedgerow saplings were planted by volunteers the length of the fencing along the ring road (behind Lady in the photo). The hedgerow will be a colourful feature as well as providing additional protection for the horses and shelter for wildlife. Special thanks to Don the Gardener, Vivian (from First Direct) and to Greg and Jocelyn from the University of Leeds Running Club (who move too fast to be photographed.) We welcomed Greg Mulholland MP who planted a row at the top of the donkey field along with the special sapling from one of the royal estates. The trees were donated by the Woodland Trust who have more free tree packs available to interested groups or individuals on their website www.woodlandtrust.org.uk.

• October 2011 3 Dartmoor foals arrived last week and have settled in well. They are adorable and we are so shocked that if we hadn't taken them in they would have been slaughtered, and we're so sad for all the little ones who aren't so lucky. Little Prince, John and Pinto will stay with us until they are tamed, halter broken and gelded than they will be looking for loving new homes.

• October 28th 2011 We were thrilled with this e-mail today:
  Subject: Your Horse Awards Winner
  
  Hi,
  
  You were recently nominated for the Your Horse Awards, Charity of the year
  by a huge number of supporters. I am delighted to tell you that you have
  been chosen as the winner because of all the fantastic work you do helping
  equines.
  
  Lauren
  
  Lauren Gilman
  Web Editor - Horse Deals and Your Horse
  Bauer Media

          Thank you to everyone who voted for us!!!

• October 23rd 2011 Jessie and Emma are 2 of our recent rescues and need a new home. Emma is a Welsh Mountain Pony and Jessie is a New forest pony. They are approximately 10-12 years old, passported, vaccinated and microchipped. We would prefer them to go together and although they aren't ridden they are healthy so can begin training, or would make nice pets . Both are Good in all ways to handle except that Jessie is a little frightened of the vet. Please contact us for more details, thanks.

• October 1st 2011 Sadly on Saturday we lost our old pony Prince due to severe arthritis. He was a very special pony who was always there for a chat and a cuddle and he had so many friends, her will be missed by many people , RIP old man xx

• September 2011 Well done to Michelle Latham who did a sponsored walk to the top of Ben Nevis mountain to raise money for Hope Pastures.

• September 21st 2011 We are sorry to announce that little Thelwell our oldest pony, was put to sleep last week due to ongoing health problems and liver failure, he is missed by all the staff and volunteers and his best buddy Jasper, who stayed by his side and took care of him at all times. Rest in peace Thelwell xx

• August 1st 2011 Michelle Latham, a pony day girl, aged 12 is doing a sponsored walk in August in which she will walk to the top of Ben Nevis mountain to raise money for Hope Pastures. She has raised £181 so far and has asked if we would put something on our website and notice board in case anyone else would like to sponsor Michelle. Michelle is at pony day again on August 11 so anyone wants to sponsor her they can do it by either giving the money to Michelle, or through our paypal on the website.

Letter from Michelle

• July 28th 2011 Sad loss of our friend Zak.
  We lost our dear old horse Zak after many months of struggling to help
  him cope with his arthritis.
  Zak was put to sleep and went very quietly surrounded by people who loved
  him, and having spent the day in the sunshine with Lady and his other
  friends.
  Read his full obituary here
  

• July 24th 2011 'New' Molly arrived at Hope Pastures (more to follow)

• July 5th 2011We have had an update from Grace's loan home.
  
  "Grace is doing very well in her new home and has settled in nicely, she is enjoying running around the field with her new friends. She has got herself a new boyfriend called Sonny and they enjoying playing and eating together. Grace is in the process of been broken in and is doing very well she can now be ridden without someone leading her. She is feeling much better and is like a new horse!. We are hoping to start taking her on a ride with her new horsey friends!she is a lovely pony and is well known with the other animals on the farm. We hope she can be competing in local shows as she is a natural beauty !"
  
  We would like to say thank you to Grace's new carers for looking after her so well. It is very heart warming to see such a beautiful pony doing so well.
  

• June 1st 2011 Hi my name is Lucky and a I am a 9 month old welsh mountain pony gelding.
  I am looking for a special home with other young ponies to run and play. Read more details about me here
  
  

• May 28th 2011 spring draw tickets announced. Are you a lucky winner? Check here

• April 3rd 2011 'Alfie' added to adoption list

• March 29th 2011 Hope Pastures has now been reopened to visitors.
  After three weeks of being closed to the public whilst essential drainage works were carried out, we are pleased to say all works have been completed and we are once again open. We would like to thank all our visitors for their patience.

• February 26th 2011 We were very proud when one of long time volunteers, Jim O'Neil, was the winner of the LEEDS YEAR OF VOLUNTEERING ENVIRONMENTS, PARKS AND WILDLIFE AWARD. Jim comes to the sanctuary every morning to help the yard staff water the horses and deal with the odd jobs around the place. The wild birds that visit Hope Pastures also appreciate all that Jim does as he tops up all the bird feeders everyday through the long winter months.
  Well done Jim, you deserve it.

• January 2nd 2011 It was with sad regret that we said goodbye to another one of our residents, Willow. More details to follow.

• January 2011 Regrettably we have had to put up the cost of our gift adoption from £12.00 to £12.50 to cover the increased cost of the adoption pack and postage.

• January 2011 The next phase of the improvements is the drainage to the fields and central walkway which is due to start as soon as the weather improves. The work is expected to last about two weeks and visiting is likely to be disrupted during this period. If you are planning to visit in January, please check the home page of the website first!