A busy month. It started off by trying to convince an elderly owner of elderly horses, to rather euthanize than try find new homes or carers.
All residents at the Unit dewormed with Pegaquest (best for this time of year).
The two elderly brothers that were advertised on Facebook for sale under rather questionable conditions were finally handed over to us. Collected them from Alexandria. Both are very sweet and after all the necessary assessments and treatments will be available to retire somewhere in peace. Must go together however as really attached.
We rechecked on a complaint of ‘abandoned horses’ one very old and underweight, the other in good condition. They were both dewormed and proper advice given to new tenants.
Two African Horse Sickness vaccines given, at request of owner.
Finally, our big boundary wall around the entire premises is up! However not before they managed to steal our lovely, almost new farm gate from the top camp so anyone wanting to donate one to us is more than welcome ;) Let’s hope it will be safer on the premises from now on.
Then a late night callout of a stray donkey in walmer. We moved the ‘naughty Nelson’ safely into the unit as he belongs to one of our local donkey cart owners, Jackson.
Our other local, Moses, asked us to come collect two of his donkeys urgently as the one had been bitten by a dog and the other one lame. We collected, admitted and treated. They are still recovering and won’t go back until 100%.
Another complaint of an old, neglected mare, turned out to be a little complicated with adverse effects but let’s hope we can still sort this out. Not sure why people don’t like to receive advice on care of old animals.
A surrendered little pony, Sonny Boy, and collection of one colt for gelding, all the way from Storms River.
One little timid donkey returned to the Unit, hopefully will find his forever home one day, poor guy has been to a few homes and returned already.
A recheck on 22 horses done and acceptable conditions noted.
A dead donkey reported on highway. Unfortunately, we could not assist this time, we only have one horse box (without a winch) So if you do happen to come across a dead large animal, please also call the local police or traffic department. We are essentially here for the welfare of LIVE donkeys and horses so sometimes we cannot assist with carcass removal because we are tending to more urgent matters. Local game farms could probably also assist.
Then the saga of the new donkey owner in Jeffery’s Bay, causing havoc, galloping around the main roads. It is so difficult when the municipalities do not want to do their part either. Surely the traffic officials have authority to confiscate his so-called cart. It has two wheels with no numbers /names or registration on it and he is driving dangerously all over the main roads. Unfortunately going the legal route is a slow laborious process whereby you have to almost wait till the animals are in such a poor state before anything can be officially done. If they take the illegal, unsafe ‘cart’ away first then he cannot use the donkeys. It seems to be a lawless country at the moment, and it is really frustrating when the criminals have all the rights, and the legal system is stuffed!
Four more donkeys and three horse’s hooves trimmed.
Another complaint about two very old little ones who are not getting enough care has ended in neighbours assisting for now, as yes, they want to keep them alive. If you cannot look after your old animals how they should have then rather put them to sleep in our eyes, this way no suffering incurs.
Eugene’s funeral was attended by all who cared. Very touching ceremony, especially when his horse walked behind the Hearse, he would have loved that. RIP Eugene
Two more harnesses for Joe from Langa. However, our sewing machine was dismantled and stolen in separate pieces so not sure how we are going to make more in the future.
We finally managed to geld a twenty something year old stallion, at our cost obviously, after a lifetime of breeding. Longstanding problem over the years and yes, I did have champagne to celebrate! Thank You Storm for arranging.
Two boys gelded and returned on request of their owners.
Then a complaint of horses in good condition, standing out in the rain and cold weather with no shelter. Have spoken to the owner who says they don’t like to go into the shelters, which some horses do, but not been able to get there yet unfortunately as out of town.
Recheck on a farm with 5 horses and 5 donkeys. Still monitoring as not ideal condition.
One property check carried out, gave a few more pointers but owners very happy to oblige for two dear donkeys so let’s see.
A complaint of two horses having lost a bit too much condition over winter. Visited and given the right information as new horse owners. I.e., Use a proper oral Equine registered dewormer, makes a big difference, not just injectables. And proper Horse feed for horses PLEASE NOTE Molasses and mielies do nothing for a horse in order to put on weight, it just tastes nice. So proper dewormer administered and paid for. These owners were a pleasure to deal with as they really wanted to do better but just didn’t know how so winning all round.
Our Beautiful Hot To Trot was finally adopted out after a long rest at foster home with intended results. Go well beautiful girl! We wish you all the best X.
Our little Blitz was adopted to a new big boy companion. Go well feisty child, sure you will make best buds!
Little Jeff was returned to the Unit after developing some bad habits. Not too bad and very handsome indeed, just needs a little work with experienced hands. See Jeff Below:
Our Guest Getorixx (GG) was also adopted out to a very happy young lady with lots of time and love to give to her new best friend and yes it was Love at first site J So happy for you sweet child.
Seven donkeys and one horse hooves trimmed.
Four more Rabies vaccines administered.
Four Donkeys dewormed.
A complaint of tied donkeys in Motherwell - A difficult almost double-edged sword, as about a week later one of these donkeys had been knocked over by a vehicle because he was not tied up. A broken leg RIP boyL
One of our adopted out Tbs was abandoned at a livery with no payment. Collected and admitted back to the Unit, sorry it didn’t work out Boy, we will try harder for your next home, such a good boy really, now available for adoption.
A Complaint via Facebook of a truck trailer full of donkeys and cattle abandoned on the side of the road on the N10 – toward Patterson. After a phone call or two it was advised that the trailer had already been fetched.
Four more AHS vaccines administered.
Assisted with Vets assistant practical.
Another little boy gelded as was causing havoc with mom, all good to go now, no more irritating your mother, teenagers.
Two more horses and seven donkey’s hooves tendered to.
Oh, and Happy Spring Day!
Till next time
Carla
GENEROUS DONATIONS RECEIVED DURING August FOR WHICH WE ARE MOST THANKFUL!
DONATION – Asccendis leslie two bottles of eye cleanser
DONATION – 3 x bags shavings from Sonja and Kierra. C collected
DONATION – Blue steel - Feed supplements, gloves and medicine boots.
DONATION – Numnahs /tack – Michelle
DONATION – Jackie De lange – bag of old tack
DONATION – Port Elizabeth Angling club – 5 bales Grass mix
DONATION – 20 x Lucerne from Sonja (Stan and A collected from Cat box)
DONATION - Marion Dakin – Helmets and tack
DONATION – Feed n Seed - 3 bags cubes collected.
DONATION - Donovan Lamerton - ECHCU – Secret, little donk, had her teeth done and feeling better now. Thank you, DONOVAN.
DONATION - I x bag of feed from Claredon Boys
DONATION – North Field Engineering 30 bales grass mix – Delivered and fed carrots and apples.
DONATION – 5 bales of Grass mix (Chelsea)
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 – Brett
VOLUNTEER – Ryan
VOLUNTEER - Mia
VOLUNTEER - Philippa
VOLUNTEER – Penny
VOLUNTEER – Cecile
VOLUNTEER – Keata
VOLUNTEER - Alex
VOLUNTEERS – Estelle and Josh
VOLUNTEERS – Greg and Maddy
VOLUNTEERS – Sonja and Kierra
VOLUNTEERS – Susan
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 cell phone 072 357 2505 NO LANDLINE email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.