Rod Weeding Builds Second Hay Barn to Support Expanding Rescue Work

Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre (EHCRC) in Rojales has completed the construction of a second hay barn, a major addition to the charity’s infrastructure and a vital step in supporting the 117 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys now living at the centre.

The new structure was built entirely by co-founder Rod Weeding, whose skill, vision and determination have shaped the rescue centre since it opened its gates in 2008. Working largely alone, Rod designed and constructed the barn from the ground up, creating a weather-resistant, well-ventilated store capable of holding several months’ supply of hay.

With feed prices continuing to rise across the region, and the centre’s resident population expanding steadily as more animals are rescued, the need for extra storage has become increasingly urgent. The new barn allows the charity to purchase larger quantities of hay at more favourable prices and ensures consistent access to the specialised forage required by many of their animals.

EHCRC co-founder Susan Weeding explained that hay is the centre’s single biggest ongoing expense. “We can never run short,” she said. “Some of our horses have come to us severely underweight or with long-term digestive issues. Reliable, high-quality hay is essential for their recovery and wellbeing, and having the space to store it safely gives us a little more security.”

The barn sits alongside the first hay store that Rod built several years ago, now filled to capacity year-round. The new addition has already been stocked, thanks in part to the centre’s recent grant from Rojales Council.

The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre runs entirely on donations, volunteer work and the efforts of Rod and Susan, who have dedicated nearly two decades to rescuing animals from neglect, abandonment and abuse. Rod’s latest construction project is one more example of the practical ingenuity that keeps the sanctuary operating.

“We’ve never had a big building team or large corporate backing,” Susan added. “Everything you see here — the stables, the shelters, the accommodation — was built by Rod. This new hay barn is another step in securing the future of the animals already in our care and those still waiting to be rescued.”

Further information about the centre, its rescue work and ways to support its mission can be found at www.easyhorsecare.net.