The month started with our beautiful Rock Stardom being moved to a new home out of town. Go well darling, let’s hope this will be your forever home X
RANT incoming: Please note buying and selling horses off the race track (OTTB’s) is not something to consider lightly.
Please, I beg you, if you are going to do it, make sure all the correct vetting is done for the horse’s sake. You can also insist on seeing a copy od the second career assessment form from the trainer. You need to have the best interest of the animal at heart not your bank balance. All three of the Units have to pick up the aftermath of these poor animals ending up in the wrong hands. PLEASE consider the horses first.. They do not deserve to be treated like an ‘asset’ or ‘commodity’, they are not that, they are living, sentient beings that FEEL pain, stress and anguish, just like we do. PLEASE don’t sell them on without checking where they are going or having reliable references. The Units will always assist on a property or reference checks too if they can.
Seven donkeys and four miniatures’ hooves trimmed.
The poor horse in Maltino, that was severely lame, underweight and being ridden by cruel children, was humanely PTS after getting the Stutteheim SPCA involved. Thank you Natalie for reporting your concern and for ultimately ending the suffering of this poor innocent creature. RIP darling, you like so many others did not deserve that.
The equally desperate horse from Graaf-Reinette that had had a significant inflamed injury on the hind also went to God. RIP too Thank you Carlin for making this happen. All animals need us now more than ever please GET INVOLVED don’t sit back and let it happen, otherwise you are just as guilty as the offender.
Our two latest retiree cart donkeys, Arthur and Daaiman (now Diamond ;) were finally delivered to their awesome retirement village. Go well boys enjoy your peace and rest. We will miss you none the less x SEE PHOTO:
Concern over a hoof injury was advised/guided to poultice with warm Epsom salts water. Good to go in a few days.
After revisiting an old mare that had deteriorated quite significantly. The owners thankfully agreed to euthanase the following day. She was very tired and sore, so grateful the owners acknowledged their responsibility but just needed a nudge in the right direction. Thank you for doing the kindest thing. Heaven is also a home, no more pain. We know this decision is always difficult to make but please know it’s better than living if you are uncomfortable and in pain. Rest in Peace sweet lady X
A concerned foster mom, worried over a swollen eye. Quickly sorted when we rinsed the eye with cleanser or saline solution. By the following day there was improvement. Usually if this happens, something has been trapped between eyelids, Flushing with saline solution usually solves the problem. If after a few days rinsing and there is no improvement it is advised to get a vet in to check thoroughly though.
After second discussion with problematic donkey owner in uitenhage did not end in the preferred result, legal routes will now be taken.
Five donkey’s hooves tendered to.
We delivered our two boys, Rolo and Peter, to be companions to a lonely soul inherited by the new owner of the farm. Go well boys, be nice and behave ;)
We have had a few complaints of Laminitic equines this past month, bearing in mind that after the spring rains, new grass growth has a very high sugar content. This makes conditions favourable for a laminitic attack. Usually ponies/donkeys and non Tb’s are more susceptible but anyone breed can get it. Please NOTE Laminitis can be caused by a number of factors including hormonal imbalances but the most common one is by feeding on too much carbohydrates/ sugars. Also, once your animal has laminitis it needs to be managed intensively and consistently by yourself, a qualified farrier and vet, depending on the severity of the case, pain meds are usually necessary.
Concern over an underweight pony competing at a practice show. At graded shows, vets are present yes, but ultimately and in any unofficial event, it is the duty of the officials /judges /public to notice and report on any complaints re welfare of any pony/horse present at that event. The public can lay an official complaint to these officials if they feel any animal is unfit to be on the show grounds or treated in a manner that is abusive. The officials or club committee will then take matters further to decide if any further action is necessary.
Our Beautiful Humble Addict had to be returned due to unforeseen life circumstances and is now available for adoption. He is beautiful solid 16.2hh TB and an easy ride so if you are interested please get hold of us.
Eleven more donkey’s hooves trimmed.
We then had a call from a concerned passer-by of a young donkey lying down on the side of the road in kwanobuhle. We quickly asked SPCA uitenhage to get eyes on the animal before we get there as complainant had already left. After finding the poor thing, SPCA collected her and brought her straight to us in the back of their bakki. The poor baby was emaciated, could not stand and pale as. We carried her to the warm shelter and started administering fluids and glucose asap. She was also hungry, a great sign. After 15minutes of tlc she managed to stand by herself. Thank heavens, relevant supplements and Meds administered under Dr s supervision. Poor thing could not stop eating... After 24hours she was already so much stronger and out the woods. (see previous facebook post)
Two rechecks on six then five horses acceptable for now.
Dewormed eight donkeys and one pony.
A request to assist in removing stitches from our dear Pepsy , who encountered avery sharp object a few weeks prior. All done and dusted and healed well.
After yard inspection, only one horse came up as concern. Owner contacted and steps in place to improve. Maintaining old horses can however get complicated and keeping condition can prove to be difficult at times to say the least.
Unfortunately, our beautiful Hot To Trot is also being returned, so if any experienced rider is looking for a potential dressage/show horse please contact us for details.
Another Humansdorp complaint – A Horse on the N2. Because we are so far away Freek, who owns horses and lives in the area always assists where he can and knows most of the Community owners in that area too. Freek managed to remove the horse and contact owner .THANK YOU Freek !! You are a star!
Ten horses vaccinated against AHS.
Two rechecks on 11 horses done , some moderate and followed up on.
A property check done for two donks needing to be rehomed. A lovely farm, where two horses reside but unfortunately the very old lady will have to meet God soon, so plans been made for the younger mare so not to be alone. Should deliver them next week. Yay!
A recheck on 4tbs and a cross. Not ideal location. Improvement on weight but not quite where they should be. Premises definitely not ideal at all. Monitoring situation. They will hopefully move to their new premises soon. Unfortunately if you have horses and you don’t own land or have the finances to pay for adequate livery, things become complicated and unfortunately the animals may suffer because of this. Thoroughbreds need A LOT of feed and care. Please don’t take them on unless you are financially and physically capable.
Till next time
Carla
GENEROUS DONATIONS RECEIVED DURING October FOR WHICH WE ARE MOST THANKFUL!
DONATION – Kelly bag of full fat soya
DONATION – Michelle fly masks and halters
DONATION – Flo - Stocks , pins. And Showing gear
DONATION – Feed N seed 1 x bag of cubes
DONATION – Carissa – 4 bales teff – C collected at 5pm on Saturday
DONATION – 2 bags of cubes Susan Amos
DONATION – 1 bag cubes – Ashleigh
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 – Sonja and Kierra
VOLUNTEER – Susan
VOLUNTEER – Alex
VOLUNTEER - Philippa
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.