A Ras Al Khaimah resident has rescued more than 50 sick, injured or abandoned horses while developing a sanctuary that currently cares for approximately 35.
Yasmin Sayyed, who was born in Germany and has lived in the UAE since 2004, began rescuing horses in 2014. She established Ride to Rescue three years later after her first rescue, Salambo, inspired her to continue helping animals requiring long-term care.
The sanctuary has gradually expanded and is also home to four donkeys and more than 60 cats. Sayyed estimates that operating the facility, paying staff and providing feed and treatment costs approximately Dh3,000 a day.
Among its residents is Pebbles, a 41-year-old pony believed to be among the oldest in the UAE.
“Horses are not our servants,” Sayyed said, explaining that the sanctuary is intended to give animals time, appropriate care and a safe home regardless of whether they can continue working or riding.