Started off the month with a lot of rain. Shame the boy’s side seemed to suffer the most. Their hospital camp was totally under water. We really need to raise and then concrete that area. Any takers? ;)
We then received a complaint re four horses that had recently been moved to PE/GQ and were taking strain. After only inspecting a week later all four seemed to be adjusting fine. Often with big moves the animals will take strain and time to acclimatize. Ensuring your horses are healthy and well fed and watered along the trip helps to prevent problems. The mange was recovering nicely and all four picking up weight too. Just a reminder that if you keep your horses in DIY yards, make it a rule to deworm all the horses in the yard at the same time. Otherwise if all separate, it will defeat the point and your animals will just become re-infested with the worms from the others. It is advisable to deworm 2 to 3 times a year with the allocated equine de-wormer for that particular season.
Some 2nd hand blankets were sent off to the rural areas for their horses. Some very persistent owners, who ensure their animals are well prepared for in the winter. Well done Jeffrey, I’m sure your horses are very appreciative of your dedication ;)
Rechecks done on current court cases.
Started with our AHS vaccinations, our two youngest first as they have very little immunity. (Remember from June to October is time to vaccinate) Eight more to go.. Please be Vigilant and vaccinate! Let’s hope there are enough in stock this year!
Two elderly ladies were sent over the rainbow bridge. Rest in Peace specials, may you bask in the eternal sunshine of the afterlife XX
Some concern over a wound that was treated three weeks prior which was not healing. Turns out the owner was over cleaning it. Remember the body is an amazing healer and does most of the work itself. The most important thing is to keep it clean with relevant antibiotics if prescribed by vet. Give it time, sometimes the less you fuss, the faster it heals. Over cleaning can also sometimes cause proud flesh (granulation tissue) which brings about its own set of problems. All good now thankfully.
Another complaint of a yard in Sardinia Bay. Apparently not enough feeding going on. Please be advised, the standard feed for thoroughbreds is generally 4 to 6 kgs of concentrate per day. Do the calculations. After inspection all seemed ok for now, as we know there has also been EEV (Equine Encephalosis Virus ) doing the rounds. This adds to the loss of condition. A word of advice to owners with horses at yards: BE MORE INVOLVED with your horses. Check on feed times and quantities every now and then, be there, be present, ultimately you are responsible for your horse’s care, don’t just dump them at a yard expecting other people to care for them as if they were their own. YOU are ultimately their guardian, who should always be watching their back!
Our precious little Smeags has been returned after giving a young girl her confidence back. Not a very fair trade in my eyes but hey we try again… We will find you the best retirement boy, we got your back.
Next the READING WITH HORSES PROGRAM. A great initiative from Philippa. Join her next on 5 July and 2 August. Bookings essential. SEE PHOTO:
A few minor complaints of two retired horses breaking out of a recently occupied yard in Sardinia bay. These two however belong to the owner of the land, not the previous manager. The pony is also very old so not in top show condition but acceptable in our eyes. And yes they have fixed the fencing where pony was getting out.
Then a Sunday callout to ponies out and wondering on other people’s properties. Interestingly, happened to belong to one of our current cases. Safe on a neighbour’s property by the time we got there but will be followed up..
The two thoroughbreds that came in after having no available water (Off-Grid), were thankfully returned to their mom after the rains had sorted the issue. Yay, all very happy to be home. Go well boys.
All our Unit residents were dewormed with pegafort. In four months we will do again.
More of horses getting onto neighbour’s properties. Domestic issue, been going on for years..Oh what it is to have good neighbours.. ;)
We are also currently assisting another Welfare organization in a case . One pony brought in for safe keeping. All relevant reports done, now we wait. She is doing so much better now already.
Ok, then we have the story of a slightly difficult horse who was sent to a ‘last option’ as had not worked out for the previous two. All knowing the horse was an ECHCU horse and if it worked out then great. Now after horse is doing well person in question does not want to sign our contract knowing perfectly well the horse is ours. All documentation in place and handed ove. So now either sign our contract which prevents the horse from being sold on and lost into the matrix or we come collect with force. Please understand we do what we do to ensure all our animals will never end up in a bad home, suffering, dying alone and uncared for. If it is your ‘Business or income’ to buy and sell horses, which often leaves the animal with no safety net what so ever, then we are sorry but not one of ours no.
Two of our elderly residents had their teeth tendered to by Happy Mouth Equine Dentistry, already picking up weight and feeling MUCH better. Thank you Monique!
A sad case of a young Tb who had suffered a stroke was humanely euthanased under veterinary supervision. Rest In Peace boy L
Our long lost friend, Baleka, moved to a new home. Please remember you always need to inform us if you are planning on moving one of our horses in order to keep track keep track.
Lol, Then another chancer wanting money for one of our horses we collected almost two years ago, after unlawfully being sold on after covid and death in the family. Once again if you adopt from us you sign a contract, covering us legally, so no chance of getting any money from us , no sorry.
Our very old Lop Oor, finally called it quits and was sent over the rainbow after being the last of the three retirees he went there with. Rest In Piece Old man , enjoy seeing your mates and being young and free again .
One donkey, Peter, gelded in prep for his new home Yay! One more friend to go though..
Another 6 donkeys being surrendered to us. Three new, three ours . Hopefully have some homes lined up though.
A recheck on one of our own and friend, doing very well.
Then the case of the Tb that almost didn’t make it. After two more rechecks, deworming and vet’s visit we are happy to say all involved did their part and he is now out of the woods. Other three also looking better. Sometimes one just needs a nudge or two to ensure the proper care is carried out.
The Craddock complaint of a young girl taking on horses and not feeding enough. The owner of the yard where the horses were being kept was contacted as well as the more responsible father, and a programme has been put in place to ensure better care. Personally, I Think one should be at least 30 yrs old before being classified as an adult and having their own animals. Far too many young, unexperienced, entitled, dare I say it, ‘spoilt’ youngsters thinking they know everything and not wanting to learn from the elders.. Just my opinion though..
One of our Thoroughbreds returned to the unit. Luckily for him, it was love at first sight for one happy to be mom ;) Should be in his new home early July! Yay So Happy for you JB X
A property check for 4 of the 6 donkeys looking for homes. All great, just one or two gates needing to be put into place before bringing them.
Another complaint of an old pony we have visited already this year. Still eating well and owner doing all the right things. Another recheck will however be carried out to be sure.
Then a recheck and tick treatment to two of our Donkey children adopted out a while ago. Unfortunately they have lost some condition due to being camped in to allow the grazing to recover. More feed to supplement should however resolve the problem. This is why rechecks are so important. Adopter happily learning along the way so all good.
Keep yours safe and warm till next time.
Carla
GENEROUS DONATIONS RECEIVED DURING June FOR WHICH WE ARE MOST THANKFUL!
DONATION – Umrie half bag golden years
DONATION - Christen R200 for Horse shoes
DONATION – 1 bag chaff Bay Feed n Seed (Sharon Dunning Kemp)
DONATION – Nicole - I x tub of F10 germicidal ointment.
DONATION – Ansi Herman - 9 bales lovely grassmix
DONATION – Feed n Seed Jenny– Horsebox full of bales broken and loose.
DONATION – Olivia Old tack etc.
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 – Cynthia
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.