Laura Davies was described as dedicated, caring, hard-working and compassionate
An animal sanctuary worker who was found stabbed to death was dedicated, caring and compassionate, the charity has said.
Laura Davies, 21, was stabbed multiple times near Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society base.
The Basildon-based charity said she was a "very special girl who will be so missed by us all".
Twenty-two year-old Jordan Taylor has appeared at Basildon Magistrates Court charged with her murder.
Hundreds of tributes to Miss Davies were posted on the sanctuary's Facebook page.
The sanctuary said it was "privileged and honoured" to have Miss Davies as part of the team
Tributes about Miss Davies poured into the society's Facebook page
In a statement, the charity said Miss Davies was a woman who "put her heart and soul into caring for and improving the lives of horses".
"Laura was dedicated, caring, compassionate and hard-working with a true love for all the animals here at the sanctuary. They certainly loved her very much too.
"A beautiful and very special girl who will be so missed by us all.
"Our thoughts are with Laura's family at this time; we can't begin to imagine their heartache."
Miss Davies was found on Pitsea Hall Lane in Pitsea, Basildon, on Friday evening.
The society said its animals loved Miss Davies
Mr Taylor, of Churchill Avenue, Basildon, is due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday.
A 20-year-old man from the town, who was also questioned, has been released.
Police were called to the scene of the stabbing on Friday evening
Floral tributes and cards were placed near where Miss Davies was found
