The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is appealing for sun cream for its horses to cope in the hot weather.

The Devon charity is asking the public to consider buying an extra sun cream when doing their weekly shop and to send it to their rehabilitation centre, Honeysuckle Farm in Newton Abbot. The charity is currently caring for 61 horses at this site alone, with a further 60 at its remaining sites in North and South Devon, and the summer weather sees the charity go through hundreds of bottles when the temperatures rise.

Although specialist horse creams exist for the warmer weather, human sun cream is perfectly suitable too – and executive director Syra Bowden explains why children’s factor 50 is the best for equines’ skin.

“When it’s really hot and sunny, horses with exposed pink skin, for example on their noses, or pink skin under white patches on their coat are particularly susceptible to sunburn,” she said.

“As with humans, if this happens their skin will turn flaky. If exposed raw skin then becomes infected, this can lead to serious problems for horses or ponies.

“A simple factor 50 sun cream – children’s for sensitivity – should do the trick or at least minimise the risk of sun damage.

“Unlike humans, we apply it liberally rather than rubbing it in completely so that you can see exactly which areas you’ve already treated and make sure you don’t miss a bit.

“We’ve already received a few bottles from a very kind supporter, but we’d be really grateful for whatever people can give to keep us going through the summer months.”

If you can donate any sun cream, please send it to The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, Honeysuckle Farm, Haccombe with Combe, Newton Abbot, TQ12 4SA.

To find out more about The Mare and Foal Sanctuary visit www.mareandfoal.org call 01626 355969 or follow us on Facebook and Twitter @themareandfoal