TIME is fast running out for an equine support charity which urgently needs a new home if it is to continue to care for recovering horses.

Teignmouth based Devon Equine Crisis Support (DECS) needs to find a new home for eight permanent horses in their care and four additional horses and ponies that are being rehabilitated and trained with the hopes of them eventually being re-homed.

They have only until the end of July when their existing tenancy runs out and they have to find a new home.

The expanding charity is looking for at least 10 acres of land and four stables to rent, sole use, within 30 minutes of Teignmouth.

A potential yard did become available and Melissa Middleton, the founder of Devon Equine Crisis Support, thought their search had ended but after the lockdown restrictions she was unable to view the location and the property fell through.

Melissa and her team have always been there for equines and their owners who are in genuine need, without judgment and showing only kindness. She campaigned tirelessly for two years to get two neglected mares into the safety of DECS’ care, she rescued and rehabilitated a ‘dangerous’ mare who was about to be shot and is now enjoying life in her forever home.

Melissa has helped so many horses and ponies, either by taking them under her wing and offering them a forever spot at her sanctuary or by giving them the love and care they need until they are physically and emotionally fit enough to trust a new family. Now Melissa faces her own crisis as she struggles to find a new base.

Melissa Middleton, founder of Devon Equine Crisis Support, said: ‘Trying not to worry too much, still haven’t found a new yard for our beautiful rescues, they are my life, my heart and soul. I feel like I’m in limbo land, I need a miracle, keeping faith that I will find somewhere perfect for us.’

If you can help Devon Equine Crisis Support find a new home, please contact Melissa Middleton at [email protected] or call her on 07920105319. For further information regarding the charity, to make a donation or to find out more about volunteering once the lockdown is over, please visit www.devonequinecrisissupport.com or join the Devon Equine Crisis Support public Facebook group.