September started with one of our residents having case of biliary, with a very high temp but thankfully after a vet visit or two it was sorted. It’s difficult to be rid of all ticks permanently, as ticks are the carrier of the disease but as long as you catch it and treat it early, all should be ok.
A recheck on two of our donkeys and friends resulted in more thorough advice being given on putting weight on the animals. People often think that feeding more concentrates will put on the weight faster but in our experience, good grazing is the best way and secondly is good quality long feed (fodder) ad lib (Meaning as much and as often as desired) This is provided there are no other complications obviously ie parasites worms, teeth issues, ulcers etc.
Four donkeys and two ponies hooves tendered to and once again owner of horses advised on weight gain. PLEASE NOTE: This time of year after the long cold winter , it is highly recommended to deworm all your equine with a PROPER EQUINE dewormer. Dectomax, Cydecton and Ivermectin used independently will not suffice!.
Jackson (walmer cart owner) lost one of his donkeys for over a week and was understandably worried but thankfully we received a call late one Sunday afternoon, of a stray donkey enjoying the greener grass in the local park. The Good Samaritans who alerted us, kindly also offered their vehicle to tow him back to the unit in the horsebox. (Unfortunately we have been without a proper towing vehicle for most of the month) Thank you Dave and family for his safe return!
Two more donkey’s hooves trimmed and dewormed on request of the owner.
A few of our retired working donkeys that had been fostered out, were looking a little worse for wear .. After a chat with their foster mom it was decided she would get their teeth checked soonest. Please remember to have your older Equines teeth checked on a regular basis as their teeth often go unchecked by pure ignorance and this can make a drastic difference in their quality of life in their golden years.
One of our adopted out Jennies, who was mistakenly impregnated, gave birth to a perfectly healthy boy. Welcome to the world Big Boy! Checked and relevant precautionary measures taken when we visited the following day.
A call of concern for Little Snappy, a Fella Bella with strange swellings on her face. After a vet’s appointment and X-ray, confirming complications which called for the kindest decision to be made. We arranged to bring two donkey companions for the friend left behind before the deed was done. Rest In Peace Snappy L
A complaint of a donkey with very overgrown hooves! After a phone call or two the donkey at hand received his overdue pedicure. Let’s hope it won’t happen again!
Two donkey geldings, done and dusted. Hopefully they will be behaving a little better now ;)
Our Wall of Sound (aka Melody) was officially adopted after a month’s trial.
We are still debating with an elderly owner to do the responsible thing for her two old pensioners. We have now suggested we bring our vet in to give a proper assessment to help things along.
More practical’s for a soon to be Animal Welfare Assistant.
Then a complaint received regarding some underweight horses entered into a local agricultural show. The owner of the Riding School concerned was spoken to, as well as the show organiser to find out the details. There seems to be valid explanations for now but please remember, If you enter your animals, whatever they may be, into a public arena of sorts, be prepared for scrutiny on a different level . You WILL be reported or reprimanded if their welfare is not up to standard!
Two more horses vaccinated against AHS.
A recheck on a horse and donkey of ours- all very pleased indeed!
A call from Moses to collect and treat a lame donkey. We collected and admitted to unit. We are still monitoring as he is not lame in his leg as such but seems to be more in lower back and hips. Will keep in for rest and observation until we know what’s going on.
Our Humble Addict finally adopted into his forever home. He had a bit of a rough year moving from yard to yard, but this is it. So happy for you boy!
Our Storms River resident was returned after his gelding and recheck done on the rest. Still one in question but Stan working on that..
Then a call from the authorities to collect two donkeys involved in a thievery (donkey cart) in uitenhage. It resulted in the donkeys going AWOL before we were able to collect. They must have realised they were in trouble ;)
A recheck of the horse with the sarcoid….Not looking great..
A recheck on one of our horses and donkey companion also very pleased all round!
Two more horses vaccinated for AHS.
A Lady came in to supposedly pay a donation in lieu of her debt. She asked for some sort of receipt as proof for her ‘creditor’ ie receipt then after realising we don’t have a card machine quickly trotted off saying she would do an eft.. Still waiting.. how low can you go lady.. Let’s hope her conscience works on her..
Another four donkeys and one pony tendered to re a hoof trim.
One of the old boys awaiting his dentist appointment decided his time was up. Thank you Terry for gently helping him along. RIP sweet boy.
We received a complaint from a neighbour of a pony owner. The ponies were getting out and on their property . Unfortunately it is not a Welfare Issue just yet, but a domestic one rather. However we will do a follow up inspection none the less.
Our Audrey and Tiny were adopted by a very kind couple with perfect paddocks . Lots of love and attention coming your way guys, enjoy your spoils XX
Two more horses jabbed with the AHS vaccine.
Then we had a special Birthday Party for both Kierra and Sugar at the unit. These two celebrate their birthday on the Same day. Sugar was however so stuffed after all those carrot muffins, banana muffins, apples and molasses sprinkles.. all on a luscious bed of grass mix ;) Happy Birthday You two! SEE BELOW:
Another Two donkeys and Six horses received a much needed hoof trim from Stan.
We finally got to fetch our, what looked like a brand new vehicle, from SEPERIOR AUTO. Wow!! These angels fixed 90% of our rust damage for absolutely nothing. Lee, you are a godsend as are you Juanita . We cannot thank you enough! Please know how grateful we are and how much we appreciate you !
One of our fostered out children, was collected and returned to the unit after proving to be unhappy where she was. Please remember we have the right to remove any of our animals if we are not happy with their condition or situation.
Nine more donkey hooves trimmed.
A very positive property check for our two senior brothers and possibly more. Yay! Lucky boys..watch this space J
Then the dumping of donkey carcasses near old cape road. Disturbing to see.. If you have any information regarding this matter please let us know.
A recheck on a problematic owner’s three equines, was actually pretty positive..
A very bad hoof situation was seen to by Stan and will have to be followed up on a regular basis. Eina shame..
And Finally our Handsome Jeff AKA Spirit from now on, was adopted and delivered to his new home /yard alongside one of our previously adopted out Tbs. This big boy is also very looking forward to having Jeff/Spirit as his new camp companion. Go well boys so happy for you both !
That’s it till next time!
Carla
GENEROUS DONATIONS RECEIVED DURING September FOR WHICH WE ARE MOST THANKFUL!
DONATION – Chelsie 5 x bales grass mix (C collected from Feed n Seed)
DONATION – 10 bales lucerne from Sonja and Kierra
DONATION – R250 cash - Cianna
DONATION – 150 bales Grass mix from , Marcel and Matilda !! Thank you !!!! Wow!
DONATION – Chantal Killian Big fence Poles (C collected)
DONATION – R1000 Rhoda Bday!
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 - Mia
VOLUNTEER - Philippa
VOLUNTEER – Penny
VOLUNTEER - Alex
VOLUNTEERS – Estelle and Josh
VOLUNTEERS – Maddy and Greg
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 cellphone 072 357 2505 NO LANDLINE email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.