Hello everyone,
I’m Laura Bruder, and I joined the team back in April this year. It’s been a whirlwind ever since. First off, I want to say a heartfelt thank you for your patience during this quiet spell on our website. We’ve been so busy behind the scenes, and I’m excited to share what we’ve been up to.
☀️ A Summer to Remember
We had a fabulous summer season, welcoming countless visitors and basking in the joy of happy horses and donkeys enjoying the sunshine. From car boot sales to our magical Unicorn Dinosaur Day, birthday parties, and taking our donkeys to events like the Southern Tractor Show, Nobles Park Fun Day, and Agricultural Shows—it was non-stop fun!
💪 Powered by Volunteers
Our incredible volunteers were the heartbeat of it all—helping with props, decorating, gardening, café and shop duties, maintenance, and so much more. We also hosted corporate responsibility days, where teams bonded while making a real difference for our animals and site.
🐴 New Arrivals
We welcomed some wonderful new additions to our herd. Ebony, a stunning black Andalusian mare, has quickly bonded with Mena, and the two are now inseparable. Nemo, affectionately known as the BFG, is full of charm and sweetness, while Katie may seem reserved—but don’t be fooled, she’ll lead you straight to the nearest patch of grass! Jet, a wise and gentle old soul, has settled beautifully into our quieter herd and delights in the fact that here, people mean treats.
We also introduced two cheeky goats, Rudolf and Spencer, who now happily share their space with equines Spirit and Millie—and yes, they even have their own climbing frame!
🌈 Sad Farewells
Sadly, we also said goodbye to some beloved residents: horses Lady, Mable, and Revel, all firm favourites for their affectionate natures, and Mariette the donkey, whose passing was unexpected and deeply felt. Their memories live on in the hearts of our team and visitors alike.
🚐 Community Kindness
When our vehicles broke down, the outpouring of community support was overwhelming. Thanks to your generosity, we raised enough to fund repairs and replacements, keeping everything running smoothly.
🚜 Ending Summer on a High
We wrapped up the season by hosting the Southern Vintage Tractor Show here for the first time. It was a huge hit—especially the tractor train rides, which brought joy to children and adults alike!
🎃 Halloween Magic
Then came Halloween, and it was all hands on deck! Our team and volunteers transformed the site with handmade props, recycled decorations, and spooky creativity. Our potion and slime workshops sold out, and we were blown away by the number of visitors who came to see our eerie display. Every penny raised went straight to the care of our beloved residents.
🎄 Christmas Prep in Full Swing
Now, we’re deep into Christmas preparations. The lights are going up, the team is painting and prepping like elves on espresso, and for now, the site is temporarily closed. But don’t worry—we’ll be open on select days in December, so check our event pages for dates and times!
🐴 Winter Retreat for Our Horses
Just last weekend, 24 of our horses made their way across Richmond Hill for the winter. They’re now enjoying acres of fresh grass, a huge barn with warm straw beds, and endless hay. Their joy was clear as our amazing team of 20 volunteers helped with the move—topped off with delicious donated muffins from Brown Cow Bakery.
Thank you for sticking with us. We can’t wait to welcome you back soon and share the festive magic we’ve been working so hard to create.
With gratitude,
Laura Bruder & the Team