August '24

So the AHS seems to be available again in small quantities at a time, so keep checking in with you vets to see if they have available at least twice a month if you haven’t managed to vaccinate your horses yet.


After a bit of confusion (on their part) on signing the documentation required when you take on a ECHCU Horse. The Tb of concern was eventually collected and admitted back to the Unit. Please note all ECHCU animals have to have signed documentation in place. This is the best way to prevent them from getting into the wrong hands.


A late call for help when a very old child went down for the last time. A week or two prior we were just discussing the inevitable. Thank you once again to Michael from KKGP, for sending the old soul over the rainbow. Rest in Peace now sir, you did well with your time on this earth.


Another late night call to please assist with two township Jennies that had been attacked by dogs. Staff went to collect first thing in the morning.  Both Jennies were unfortunately also pregnant with moderate damage to their teats and private parts. After proper cleaning all seemed to be intact enough to give birth and suckle at least. Owner of the dog was also brought to task.


Our gorgeous little twins, Bindy and Violet, that were brought in last month found the perfect parents. Delivered and loving the grass! All the best you two, you could not have landed in a better home.


Some panic after a member of the public wanted to buy an underweight horse in order to ‘rescue’ it. Yes, some will say this is not the way to go about it but if it can solve the problem quickly and efficiently, then go ahead. There are so many cases of animals not being cared for correctly and it is impossible for the welfare organisations to oversee them all. Things had turned sour after buyer and seller had a disagreement on prices. After a few phone calls and liaising between both parties, all was thankfully resolved and the horse was moved to the better home. Please keep in mind to rather get the horse in your safe hands first before arguing about price. At the end of the day the welfare of the animal is of prime concern.


Our /Jackson’s little, old Mama, who has been at the Unit for the past ten years has FINALLY gone off to her retirement home. She joins her lifelong friends Daisy and Pepsi, in a beautiful Sanctuary by the see. Thank you Joanne for giving her this opportunity. We will miss you tough girl X


Then after reports that certain riding schools did not have a PAPA (Performing Animals Protection Act no. 24 of 1935) permit in place. We confirmed with our state vet that the department of Agriculture suggests it is not necessary. If you are doing so on your own property specifically, however if you are giving lessons/rides at a public premises then yes you do . If that makes sense.


A colt getting up to mischief will be surrendered to us. He was unfortunately palmed off on this person without being gelded and is now a problem and obviously no one is prepared to get him gelded except us. A simple procedure, the gelding would resolve their problems but none the less we will take him, just have no space at the moment with all our hospital and maternity camps full.


Two donks administered with rabies vaccine.


Three horses and two donkey’s hooves tendered to at the Unit.


PLEADE NOTE:  If you have a complaint of any other animal  ie dogs, cats, pigs etc. whats app it to the relevant organisations 1. Animal Welfare Society  083 650 6228  2.Animal Anti Cruelty 082 654 2852  or 3. SPCA uitenhage  060 4789087. We only have the authority to handle EQUINE cases.


A call for help from the SPCA in Uitenhage who had apprehended a donkey in very bad condition. The staff went to collect and what a sight. The poor boy looked so old on arriving but after checking his teeth it was discovered he was not even ten yrs old yet. Beating wounds, burn wounds, chafe wounds, over worn hooves and blind in one eye. Poor boy L SEE PHOTO: BENJI after Carli and Brett tended to wound cleaning and put him to bed with his very first blanky ;) (We’ll spare you what’s under the blanket)

Stan took off to Centane in the Transkei again. He was there to oversee the race day as well as a yard inspection. Over the Kei River he and the Isuzu went, safe and sound on the pontoon.

It went this well this time, no bad stories to report, roughly 60 equine seen. Racing horses looking good. The rural donkeys however needed a little TLC which Stan was happy to assist with.


After an approved property check and a perfect trial ride for our Ayita. She has thankfully found herself in a straight back to unit and straight out kind of scenario. We are so happy for you darling. Third time lucky xx


A complaint of a very old donkey in the public eye. After discussions with the owner all correct measurements were in place to keep her as happy as possible with an overseeing vet.


One recheck on two of our donkeys who were looking a little ‘not so round’ looked much better and up to scratch thankfully.


A recheck /inspection on a yard was satisfactory in the findings. 22 horses were seen in total.


NOTE: Donkey foals start to shed their fluffy foal coats after the first year or so, this is normal , they are now acquiring their adult attire and should be strong enough to withstand the elements without it ;)


Those 55km/hr winds managed to knock over an old dead and dying tree in the hospital camp. A blessing actually with no casualties thankfully. Dylan from Ahead Tree Felling and AWS sorted it out chop chop ;)


Our little Smeagol had a dentist appointment on request of his new adopter. Yes, he and Silver, I am delighted to share have been adopted out together to one of our favourite faraway homes. After the dentist and a deworm wee took them down the coast and delivered them to their REAL retirement home. This one we know is for real boys. Thank you J, you have made them and us so unbelievably happy X


Unfortunately we were asked to collect our little Misty and Shrek from their home after incidents with their young goats had occurred. Collected, dewormed and admitted. It seems not all donkeys are good as livestock protection. There are more than a few factors that come into play.


Two horses dewormed.


Sixteen donkeys and two horses hooves trimmed.


Thankfully it was decided to send the late Eugene’s horse, Star, to his good friends farm to live with her old mate Suzi. This was a welcome surprise as it was initially decided she would come to the Unit. A special moment of saying goodbye again, Star looked a little older, a little wiser maybe when we collected her. Go well Sweetheart, we know you are in safe, caring hands now again. Im sure Eugene is over the moon ;)


Two more Horses vaccinated for AHS.


We had some interest over Bobby and completed two property checks for him, deciding on the better option. The mom to be is delighted and busy finishing off his stable as we speak. So happy for him he so deserves this attentive mom, the polar opposite to his ‘carer’ before.


A final farewell to Rose. Rest in Peace. All horses have been moved to a place of safety under very capable hands and supervision. All the right things being done. Thank you ladies, you know who you are!


One recheck - only to find one pony with food . Maybe they have finally come to their senses..


When then had the wonderful (slightly terrifying ) birth of baby Bailey. Usually the donkeys decide to have their babies in the middle of the night away from prying eyes. This mama, however did things differently. After her dog attack and wounds thankfully healing, she was not eating well for the last few weeks building up to the birth. Very selective, only wanting to eat grass and no Fodder or supplements. Sometimes when they come from ‘free roaming’ areas they do take some time to adjust to the new diet, but never had it with a heavily pregnant mommy before. So as you know we have no grass in our camps so it was challenging to say the least. Monday lunchtime, she started her contractions outside on the grass. We put her back in hospital camp to give her some space. Her water broke and within an hour the beautiful baby boy was out and about. Stan assisted where he could and before we left that evening he was up and drinking. My heart. So grateful all turned out ok after such an uncomfortable pregnancy. Jab and wound spray on baba the next morning. Mama still very protective and managed to bowl me over whilst distracted with the fluffy adorableness. Lol. Never drop you guard! First rule for pony/donkey club ;)


Another property check done for two donkeys - all good.


A complaint received of an underweight horse. After inspection, it was attained the horse was older and due for a dewormer. Maybe the teeth and or increase of feed will help too.


All our children were dewormed with the relevant dewormer after a slight issue with pin worms.


A call for help after a donkey they were looking after was throwing out mucous and convulsing (CHOKE) Advised to call a vet straight away and try massage esophagus a little until vet arrives. All sorted thankfully, but no choke is not something to take lightly!


Recheck and two horses and  vaccinated for AHS .


One donkey vaccinated against tetanus.


Some FREEZING cold weather and no electricity made for some very somber days but we survived ;)


Two more donkey hooves and one pony trimmed.


Then our Chilli boy met his forever person. A perfect match, we are so happy for you boy, you have finally got the life you deserve. Only the best for you and your young lady with many a magical moments together. Colleen , thank you for being the AMAZING foster mom that you are, bringing our children on in the kindest, most caring way possible and introducing them to their forever people. We are FOREVER grateful X


A recheck and tick control measures to 22 horses and 3 dinky donks. A noble initiative at The Herd with some very happy horses just being horses. Please go have a look on facebook and try to support them if you can.


Lastly we had the pleasure of having Sibusiso come and do some of his welfare practicals with us. He did very well and his love and kindness for the animals was hard to deny. It is always so uplifting to see people with a REAL passion and love for the fourleggeds, it gives hope in this sometimes dark place. It was wonderful to meet you Sibu and we wish you only the best for your future in animal care, we know you will be a success !


Till next time


Carla


GENEROUS DONATIONS RECEIVED DURING August FOR WHICH WE ARE MOST THANKFUL!

DONATION – Janine Butler new tack

DONATION – 20 bales of teff - Geoff Herman. Yay!

DONATION – Samantha Garai – box of wound spray

DONATION – Isabella - Treats for staff and animals Carrots muffins etc.

DONATION – Kim Barnard 30 bales teff AWESOME!

DONATION – Alison Harris 4 bags teff

DONATION – Kim - Broken Teff bales, delivered to the unit , Thankyou Kim!!

DONATION – East Cape Motors (William Moffett) - 25 bales of AMAZING Lucerne Delivered to Unit!

DONATION – Odessa - ½ bag High Fibre

DONATION – big bag of tack from 343 Sardinia bay road (Karen Nzitoyi yard)

DONATION – Joleen – 2 x bags Shandy Cubes

DONATION – Gill Deltry, 4 Nice blankets!

DONATION – Anon 2 x bales of teff

DONATION – 7 good blankets - Annie


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 – Nicole

VOLUNTEER – Philippa

VOLUNTEER – Susan

VOLUNTEER – Alex

VOLUNTEER – Staci and Jemma


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.