A Torquay woman is skydiving from 10,000 feet to raise funds for horses and ponies in need, supporting a charity that she says changed her life for the better.
Eva Novi, 33, is demonstrating her commitment to Devon equine welfare charity The Mare and Foal Sanctuary by taking a courageous leap on National Help a Horse Day on 26 April.
This annual holiday raises awareness of the need for horse sanctuaries and encourages horse lovers and advocates to come together to protect them.
Four years ago, Eva found herself in a very dark place, struggling with severe anxiety after graduating from university.
Confined to her home during the lockdown, she watched others gradually regain their lives while she battled to find the confidence to leave her house. That changed when she discovered the National Lottery-funded This Girl Can Exercise with Equines scheme, run by The Mare and Foal Sanctuary.
Eva said: “It was a huge personal challenge. Once I got out the door and began interacting with horses, I didn’t look back. Visiting Coombe Park Education and Equestrian Centre near Totnes was the highlight of my week, and I eventually started volunteering at the Sanctuary’s Newton Abbot stables too. It was hard work, but I loved every minute of it.
“The Sanctuary has a unique way of allowing people and equines to connect through guided therapeutic sessions. I wanted to give back to them because they helped me at a time when I desperately needed it.”
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, based in Newton Abbot, rescues horses and ponies that have been abandoned, neglected, or abused, ensuring they have a sanctuary for life. The charity currently cares for almost 600 horses and ponies and specialises in managing and training feral or unhandled horses, as well as caring for mares in foal and orphaned or abandoned foals.
Eva developed a profound connection with the horses, many of whom had faced hardship. When a job opportunity arose at the Sanctuary, she was initially nervous about applying but ultimately embraced the chance.
She said: “Working at the Sanctuary has completely changed my life. It’s my happy place. If you had told six-year-old Eva that she would be working with horses every day for a living, she wouldn’t have believed it. But here I am, and I feel incredibly lucky.”
A study by the University of Brighton and Plumpton College, conducted on behalf of The British Horse Society, found that spending time with horses can stimulate positive psychological feelings, potentially reducing depression and lowering the risk of dementia by 30 per cent independently.
Dawn Vincent, Director of Fundraising and Communications, praised Eva’s achievements and determination.
Ms Vincent said: “Eva inspires everyone at the Sanctuary by conquering her fears in such a positive way. On April 26, she’ll not only be stepping out of her comfort zone; she’ll literally be stepping out of a plane at 10,000 feet. As a registered charity, we rely entirely on donations and legacy gifts. Without the generosity of our supporters, we wouldn’t be able to continue rescuing and rehabilitating ponies and horses in urgent need. For anyone else wanting to take on such an epic personal challenge, we’d love you to join Eva for this amazing opportunity to help provide better lives for horses, ponies and people."
While its primary focus is in the Southwest, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary collaborates with the RSPCA and other equine welfare charities nationwide as part of the National Equine Welfare Council.
The sanctuary was founded on the belief that horses and ponies, as sentient beings and long-time human companions, have intrinsic value and purpose.
It provides equine-assisted learning programmes to foster connections between people and horses. It also offers non-judgemental advice and support to horse and pony carers in need.
