Well its full speed ahead toward the end of the year! Can somebody please put the brakes on!
Started with two AHS (African Horse Sickness) vaccinations.
Jackson brought his two donkeys in for two nights R n R, Fed watered , groomed and dewormed.
We then got a call about a donkey behaving very strangely. Biting herself and trying to bite her companion . Advised to keep her separate until we collected the next day. We collected and walked on the box fine. Sadly by the time we got to the Unit the poor thing had passed. Very strange. We then saw the bite mark on the back leg and realised. A sample was taken by the state vet the next morning which confirmed the dreaded disease. The results came back positive for Rabies. This was in the Uitenhage area, KruisRivier. Once again, PLEASE VACCINATE ALL YOUR HORSES AND DONKEYS AGAINST RABIES.
Vaccinated two more donkeys in the same area for Rabies
Our little stray from Sundays, Aptly named Sunny Highway, was gelded and behaved very well. Now just one more month and then he is off to his new home with doting mom and new bff.
Hot To Trot went to her snazzy new foster home where she will be rested and looked after until ready to be homed. Will miss her, but she is much happier there.
Below: Then the road trip to collect the elderly stallion, Duke inland. A lovely trip actually. We always love going inland to collect horses as the karoo is a magical place to be and we always come across interesting, beautiful things. Stan and Duke immediately engaged into a man’s understanding,as he was having nothing from me(lol). Loaded like a dream and travelled smoothly.
Duke will be available for adoption , as soon as he is out of AHS and promptly gelded.
Four more patients /residents at Unit vaccinated for Rabies
Two horses and two donkey’s hooves trimmed.
A stray donkey and calf out on lakeside safely back home after owner contacted.
We then had an interview with 4Racing who have started to support us on a monthly basis. Thank you 4Racing!
Two more horses vaccinated for AHS.
The flies are out in full force after the rain,our usual fly repellent is not working so well and we had to end up bandaging some of the donkeys legs as they were being eaten terribly! Eish, anyone have any full proof recipes?
A complaint of an old neglected thoroughbred checked on and owner contacted. It looks like we will be collecting her soon too..
Then a plea to help an elderly individual care for her two older horses. After our visit it was determined someone was willing to help for now but advised that it is not kind to rehome them at this age. Both still in acceptable condition but rather make the kindest decision and put them to Rest instead of the stress of a move and change of ownership. In our dealings with older horses ,they do not do so well with big change at the end of their lives.Rather just let them go at home in peace.
A Laminitic donkey went home after a few weeks in our detox programme ;) Her grassy camps at home had been eaten down enough for her. All good and happy!
Then the commotion of the ‘abandoned’ ponies. To clarify on this type of situation: When a property owner takes on someone’s horses out of the goodness of their heart because you are trying to help someone or be kind, COVER YOURSELF WITH A BLACK AND WHITE CONTRACT!! This type of thing can get very ugly but at the end of the day is a domestic issue and if you want to get any justice, you need to have a signed document in place. DON’T TRUST ANYONE!! Unfortunately there is a limit to what the ECHCU can do legally, especially if the animals are in good/acceptable condition.
Seven more donkeys and one pony s hooves trimmed.
Another AHS vaccination done.
Some concern of donkeys not doing so well. After visiting, a dewormer and weaning of the now older foal advised. Sometimes moms will feed their babies for much longer than necessary at the detriment of themselves. Positive all will be resolved though.
Finally got to deworm all our residents: Boys, girls and geldings Tick!
Yes we don’t do cows but hate seeing an animal in pain. A slow, lone big girl has been hanging around the outskirts of the unit with one very sore leg. Animal Welfare and ourselves tried to get close to see. It looks like a huge abscess just starting to burst. Cattle are not easy though, and they also kick! Tried to spray Supona , tried being the operative word. Will monitor though as may get better after bursting.
Humansdorp Strays – Another concerned citizen phoned about some strays heading to the Highway. We explained the situation and asked if she could herd them back off the main road onto the community land near tip. She kindly did just that. Thank you Philippa! Please do the same if you happen to come across any when you are in the humansdorp area.
Our big girl, Cup Bearer was rehomed to a new owner without having to come back to the unit. New mom thrilled and looking great! Happy all round.
A check up on some of our fosters looking very round and happy. Hooves and dewormer done.
We have also been assisting a horse with a with a suspected snakebite. A tricky one , lengthy but lets see… Please be aware snake season is upon us!
Finally the beautiful Lucky Lucianno was adopted to a very capable,competitive family. Expecting great things from this boy. Looking forward to see how far they go together ! All the best boy, will miss you but so happy you have your special person once again, let’s hope this is forever x
Two minnies were surrendered to us after a divorce. Hard to do but the right thing if you can’t be sure they will be looked after. One very old , one laminitic so will have to go to knowledgeable person once ready..
Two more donkeys dewormed, both with very round bellies indeed!
Then our Pin Up Fold delivered to her new home in Plett. Go well girl! We hope you are very happy with your new person.
And one more Tb adopted out straight from old home to new home ,( Love those ones ) Go well Believer , we wish you all the best big boy! X
Four more donkey hooves tended to.
Two more horses for AHS.
Then a frantic call on a Friday afternoon, for a wild pony unable to walk on her front leg. Vet had been called out but could not get near the animal as never handled. After getting halter on Stan managed to clean wound and left halter on for further handling. Thanks Stan! Please note start handling foals from a young age , the younger the better, much more difficult if you leave it till they are full grown.
Please note Blocking the unit is not going to help your situation. It will only motivate us further as you obviously have something to hide otherwise you would be open and honest with us. Just saying..
Our usual complaint about Moses ‘s donkeys tied up with no water. Explained once again, but yes rather care than not.
Two ponies and 6 more donkeys hooves done.
Two more donkeys dewormed on a recheck.
A very welcome donation of one 5000lt water tank from EC Tanks. Donated and delivered to where we need it. Wow and Thank You soooo much!! Now just to fit it :)
Finally we were invited to attend the Algoa cup Race day by Sunshine Coast Eventing in order to receive a donation of R5000 as their chosen beneficiary. Thank you so much! What a lovely afternoon we had. To top it off, it was one of our oldest supporter’s birthdays and had organised to be there for lunch with us .The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all So thank you from all of us and Happy Birthday Rhoda!
Lastly a call for help with a horse suddenly going lame, first thing is it broken? The video clearly showed that it wasn’t.. Thank goodness! Vet booked for following day though just to be safe.
One more month to the silly season till then ..
Carla
GENEROUS DONATIONS RECEIVED DURING October FOR WHICH WE ARE MOST THANKFUL!
DONATION – Rufus R200 for old horse Shoes
DONATION – Mary, 2 x bags of cubes dropped off for husbands bday.
DONATION – Robyn – Saddle , Saddle stand , tack , boots etc.
DONATION – Heidy ½ bag cubes and chaff mix.
DONATION – Glenda 2 x biting/eating muzzles
DONATION – Tony Hill Saddle
DONATION – Cindy : Bale grass mix ,Fly Trap and R100 Cash.
DONATION – Paule Wave ski
DONATION – Alison Williams Beautiful cat Painting
DONATION – Sonja and Kierra -Step over style
DONATION – Nedbank two office chairs collected at walmer park branch
DONATION – Bales fodder and small round – Ashleigh
DONATION – Pat Schott -15 old ish bales fodder
DONATION – EC Tanks donated and delivered water tank (5000l) to unit.
DONATION – Ralston Oranges , spinach and cabbage for the kids
DONATION – Sunshine Coast Eventing - cheque for R5000.
DONATION - Ray from Art Iron Burglar arms came to weld and put back bars. Thank You Ray donating your time and services!
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
VOLUNTEERS – Brett
VOLUNTEER - Philippa
VOLUNTEER - Shannon
VOLUNTEERS – Sonja and Kierra
VOLUNTEERS – Susan,Let and Daughter
VOLUNTEERS -NEDBANK The Paddock Challenge – Came to plant flowers , Clean Roof and wrap Tree . Thank you Ladies Once again!!
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.