Over the centuries, the horse has been the favoured companion of man. This unique relationship, where man uses the horse for pleasure, transport or work, all too often ends in a tragic or appalling manner. When the horse is too old or cannot work as hard as before, it is sent to...the abattoir. Appalled by this state of affairs and being passionate about horses since her early childhood, Anouk THIBAUD-MILLET decided to create an association called the Refuge de Darwyn (Darwyn, in memory of her faithful horse). The Association was created on 17th February 2000 and is situated in Geneva, Switzerland.

The objectives of the Association are to:

• To take in maltreated horses, to save horses that are destined for the abattoir and to look after retired horses, and to offer them all a haven where they can finish their days in a peaceful and dignified manner,
• To find good homes for the horses of owners who, for various reasons, are no longer able to assume the responsibility of caring for them,
• To follow up on complaints of maltreatment, to investigate the circumstances and to find the best solution for the horse,
• To denounce cases of mal-treatment to the competent authorities,
• To take in horses, donkeys and mules that have been confiscated by the regulatory authorities,
• To place horses with families who have the time and space to look after them,
• To set quality standards for stables that look after retired horses in order to ensure they are well cared for,
• And to create the first association in Switzerland for the protection and well-being of horses (as the Society for the Protection of Animals does for dogs and cats).

The Association does not receive any grants or subsidies

Only the owners of saddle horses, known as active members (membres actifs) pay a subscription to cover the expenses and upkeep of their companion. The up-keep of all the other horses (maltreated, retired or saved from the abattoir) depends entirely upon gifts made to the Association.

The Association is recognised by the Society for the Protection des Animals and the Cantonal Veterinary Service.

If you love horses, then become a member of the Refuge de Darwyn by paying an annual subscription. All you have to do is complete the membership form – see under ‘to become a member’.