We started off the month with a few new tyres, an expensive but necessary evil..
A Little old mare with colic complications sadly did not make it..
We gelded a little stallion who was keen on trying to impregnate his mother , as well as getting out and causing havoc with the neighbours.. Thankfully owner agreed and paid for it.
Four donkey’s hooves sorted..
A complaint of stray donkeys with their foals in Uitenhage residential area. Unfortunately every time the complainant saw them we were unable to get there. In saying that, the donkeys were quite happy grazing in the quieter suburbs, no injuries or emergencies, so actually not a train smash. Sometimes happy strays are better left alone, as it is IMPOSSIBLE to collect all the strays in a town or city. All the animal organisations are very aware of this, as well as the fact that it is actually the responsibility of the Municipal Pound..
Recheck on 13 Thoroughbreds done and acceptable.
Went looking for a complaint in thorn hill with no luck but eventually located the horse back in P E safe and sound ..
A property check done for a Tb in Oyster bay unfortunately not suitable. It must be understood that Tbs(Thoroughbreds) need extra care and facilities. You cannot have them in the veld with no shelter..
The little Stray colt we found on the highway near Sundays River has healed beautifully and ready to go to his new mom as soon as he has been gelded..
On visiting a pony found another horse in bad nick, warning given and follow up date set..
Hooves of a problematic pony done.
A lady in oudshoorn contacted us for advice and if we could possibly take in two stallions and a mare and foal if they delivered them to us via Choice carriers. But because it is in Western Cape, have to wait for AHS vaccinations. We need to start moving some animals in order to accept others. Still no Horse Care Unit in Cape Town/ Western Cape? Anyone up to it??
Then the gorgeous little Nelly was born on a Saturday morning, what a solid little creature, her two legged parents are convinced she is a Hinny (Dad Pony and Mom donkey) but I think she is just a big boned girl ;) We visited, gave the necessary injection and sprayed umbilical cord. Very healthy thankfully. Welcome Nelly!
We then we had a sad story of an older stallion who had deteriated drastically in condition. Owner agreed to allow us to get him properly assessed by our vet which did not bring wonderful news. A heart murmur and other questionable symptoms .. We fed him, sheltered him and Donovan even donated his expertise to try get him back on track but unfortunately a week later he deteriated even more. The vet came out again and made the call. Heart murmur was worse now and organs starting to shut down. So sorry boy, but you were too far gone. I wish we could have done more. RIP sir..
Managed to assist a lady who’s ponies had to calm down for a visit from the dentist.
Three strays that kept visiting a lady in Uitenhage were identified and collected by owner after posting on line.
We received a new filly off the track, Hot To Trot, Stunning girl! Very green though obviously. Available for Adoption.
We had a new camp put up asap as we had no space to accept new horses that were coming in. Please keep in mind we have limited space and all new horses that come in have to be kept separate in quarantine for a while before we can put them with the herd.
Then there was the stray in motherwell, which I could not get to in time either. However Stanly does know the owner and will be checking up on him from time to time..
We were then asked to assist one of our vets with a bit of man power to get a horse up , unfortunately it did not have the desired outcome and the kindest thing had to inevitably get done..RIP boy
One of our own then became sick and listless, the beautiful Riz (Marieza).To be honest I think it was the stress of losing her previous companion and being returned by her recently split up parents. We have noticed the mares take a lot more strain than the geldings when they arrive here and often manifest their anxiety and stress in physical illness. All I can say is that if you are going to surrender or return an animal to the unit, try to just take some time to be there for the animal. Try to ease their transition as calmly and peacefully as possible. It really does make a difference to them. Although we try to be calm and caring and to give them the individual attention they need , we just don’t get the time, especially when we have a lot of animals. It really is sad and frustrating.
Assisted with tick treatment of two of our boys that have been adopted out. Good to see them, love visiting our children that have found happy homes.
Then we had a coughing pony who had people in a panic, please note: horses do cough from time to time for a number of reasons. If the horse has no temperature, eating normally and no thick green/yellow mucous coming from its nose, relax and monitor for a few days before you start administering antibiotics and freaking out..
Then off to collect a donkey apparently knocked by car. After collection Stan took straight to the vet and treated. Luckily the muscle is not too damaged so hoping for a full recovery.
Another seven donkeys and four horses hooves done,
Stan was then called out to a TB losing the plot in a horsebox whilst travelling. He was able to assist and educate the owner on how to transport highly strung horses correctly. Whenever transporting any animals let alone horses, please drive SLOW and careful, even if it is an emergency. More haste less speed..
Another four donkey hooves done
Our Rock Star(dom) will soon be on her way to have some schooling done before her final forever home/ adoption .
Advice given to a lady with a potential rig (only one or no tactical/s descended into the scrotum), a difficult one to be honest and I think it will most likely be surrendered to us.
Some good news though, we finally received some African Horse sickness vaccines, only the number ‘TWOS ‘ available so far , but hoping the ONES will follow soon.. Shew, was worried about that.. All horses at the unit are now done!
Another 16 donkey’s hooves trimmed.
We end off the month on a sad note. The late, Megan Hope has been gone for a year already.We miss you Meg. I wish we could still bounce things off each other..
Stay warm, Till next time
Carla
GENEROUS DONATIONS RECEIVED DURING JULY FOR WHICH WE ARE MOST THANKFUL!
DONATION – Susan and CJP Chemicals -12 large solid Pallets to use in shelters
DONATION - Rhoda and Isabella and Arthur - lunch and cold drinks for staff and carrots for kids
DONATION – truckload of poles delivered from Cindy and CJP Chemicals –Yay!!
DONATION – Anon – Tack box
DONATION – Eva Dressage saddle
DONATION – Philippa 2 x rolls of fencing
DONATION – Sam -two bags of tack and clothes for auction
DONATION - 5 bags shavings from Taryn MCCarthy
DONATION – Mastertons coffee gift pack - Ryler
DONATION – Ryler wooden Pallets
DONATION – Sally Schramm lots of tack and a saddle with saddle stand.
Please note we also have donators who put money into our account every month, even though we don’t mention your names and amounts, please know how grateful we are to you for it!
VOLUNTEER – Alex
VOLUNTEER – Brett and Eugene
VOLUNTEER - Philippa
VOLUNTEER – Angie
VOLUNTEERS – Gaby, Susan and Let.
VOLUNTEERS -Hannah and Leah
VOLUNTEERS – Donna and Darian
VOLUNTEER - Lilly
Banking Details: Eastern Cape Horse Care Unit: Standard Bank Current Account 080733875, Code 051001. Reference: Your name. Facebook: EAST CAPE HORSE CARE UNIT Contact numbers Office cellphone 072 357 2505 NO LANDLINE email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.