An update from the Footprints of Joy equine sanctuary
A new start for Beppe, Bruno, Pamela, Perla, Pina, and PattyIn November 2025, we received an urgent call for help. At an abandoned farm on the outskirts of Bucharest, dozens of animals, including many horses, were being kept in appalling conditions. Many had already died from neglect and starvation. We immediately intervened and, thanks also to the donations we received, were able to transfer the most serious cases to Footprints of Joy, our shelter in Cernavodă, Romania.
Thanks to the fundraising campaign organized to mark our President Sara Turetta’s birthday, work is now under way to expand and improve our equine sanctuary. The existing facilities were simply no longer large enough to cope with the more than 70 horses, donkeys and other equines we take care of every day.
Today, we’d like to share some good news about the six horses we rescued and update you on how work on their new home is progressing.
Their state of health
Of the six, Bruno was in the most critical condition when he arrived with us. He underwent surgery to remove what remained of his left eyeball and was later castrated. Today, he shares an enclosure with three mares, two of whom are disabled, and has settled happily into his new little herd.
The other five horses have now made a full recovery from laminitis, thanks to the dedicated work of our farrier and veterinarian. They have also regained weight and have recovered from the effects of severe malnutrition.
Work on the sanctuary
This autumn, we will complete the expansion of two large enclosures next to the stables. Beppe, Pamela, Perla, Pina, and Patty will then be able to move in there permanently.
In the meantime, we have already purchased the tractor we urgently needed and have created a new quarantine stable, which will also serve as the sanctuary’s new infirmary.
Continue following us on our social media channels for further updates as work on the sanctuary continues.
