Animal welfare group Save the Brumbies was the organisation responsible for forming the sanctuary and founder and chief executive officer Jan Carter said the future is exciting for both Armidale and Guyra with opportunities for tourism.

While the objective of NEBS is to save wild horses from slaughter and promote their protection, Ms Carter emphasised the New England could also receive an injection into the region’s tourism industry.

“There’s fantastic opportunities for Armidale and Guyra - from a tourism aspect the future is really, really good,” she said.

“It would make a lovely attraction for the tablelands.”

Ms Carter conceded Save the Brumbies has high hopes for the sanctuary - she said as the organisation progresses infrastructure could allow for guest accommodation and a range of advancements attracting people to the area.

The success of the opening illustrated NEBS’ potential with considerable interest in the sanctuary and the preservation of the animals.

“It was fantastic, there was great attendance and we got a lot of interest in the horses,” Ms Carter said.

“What was popular was the sanctuary tours - every half an hour we took two four-wheel-drives out to see the breeding stallions and mares, everyone exclaimed over how beautiful they are, you couldn’t stop the cameras.”

NSW National Party leader Andrew Stoner did the honours and officially cut the ribbon as patron of Save the Brumbies, while Olympian Craig Burton arrived riding a brumby after having cycled and inline skated from Sydney to raise money for the charity.

Ms Carter said both personalities were a hit with the crowd as they promoted the organisation.

“Of course we rely on the public for support - we’re only a small operation, we have no paid staff and no funding from the government,” she said.

Save the Brumbies operates relying on a sponsorship system where people can sponsor the horses.

Ms Carter said brumbies can also be adopted and open days will be held regularly to give people this opportunity.

The first NEBS open day is proposed for the second week in December when there will be more chances for people to see, pat, play and possibly adopt a brumby.

However, there are adoption regulations to ensure the welfare of the horses.

For more information go to www.savethebrumbies.org or contact Jan Carter on 6655-2224.