Thought we could start the month with this stunning photo of HUMBLE ADDICT at the Melbourne sales, faraway over the seas when he was just two years old. This was sent to us by his new mom who is madly in love. Just too stunning not to share ;) She has being doing her research and we love it. Finally in your forever home boy, so happy for you X
A call for help re a foal that was not getting up and no vets available. Thankfully a vet managed to assist within the hour thereafter and foal good to go.
We were then asked to transport two horses from one yard to the other because of unresolved issues between yard owner and horse owner. This is not really our job but assisted none the less for a promised reimbursement which we never received.
Vaccinated the last two horses for the season against AHS. Advised once again not to vaccinate now until June. It’s not against the law to vaccinate outside the preferred time period (June to October) but strongly advised as vaccinations outside of this period could potentially contribute to or aggravate possible outbreaks.
One very handsome young man in for removal of testicles. Should have been done at least a year ago. Anyway done and dusted all be it after some back and forth with the owner. Breeding is a big deal If you DO NOT HAVE LAND for your current horses then WHY may I ask would you add to the problem??
One Laminitic donkey treated for an acute attack. Strict diet going forward and regular farrier check ups..
A complaint of an owner having too many horses on a property with manure building up. Now to be fair, everybody knows how work duties are generally carried out through Christmas and New year season. And yes sometimes waste is not collected as every company / individual deserves a break. When you reside in an agricultural zoned area, it is advisable to have 2 to 4 large livestock per hectare, however this is just a guideline not rule. Many factors contribute ie climate, grazing, hygiene etc. So if the animals are fed, watered and sheltered accordingly there is no welfare concern. And no it is NOT illegal to own stallions, and yes they can neigh a lot. So honestly, if you are living in these agricultural zones, learn to expect large animals and what comes with them (flies and animal noises) this is still way better than living in a compact urban environment with human noise and mess. After an inspection of the property, all 18 horses were found to be kept in a clean acceptable environment with healthy visual weight estimates, except for one very old mare who surprised the owner with a foal soon after he purchased her. Plans have also been put in place to meet her special requirements due to her age. Will recheck in a bit to make sure she has improved.
A recheck on 14 hoses and 4 donkeys, all good.
Out little Kei (aka Pumpkin) was adopted as a companion to the sweet natured Ganicus. Enjoy children. Please note before the owner has moved in there will be some very temporary arrangements re the animals but all the necessaries- food, water, shelter space are in place.
Then our sassy little round Pumpkin finally found her forever home with a lovely young mare and very well fed cow, Caramel ;) SOOOO happy for you Pumpy! We are going to miss you X
Four of our donkeys were collected and dropped off at their new Foster home temporarily until permanent homes can be found.
Six donkey’s hooves trimmed.
A complaint received of two tbs looking a little ribby. Owner contacted, horses visited. Will monitor closely until both improved.
Then a call of concern about a horse they surrendered looking underweight and worse for wear in his new home. After inspection it was discovered that the boy had been very sick and had had two vet visits in the past few months. After an unclear diagnosis, a possible culprit, parasite came to light. Liver fluke: a parasite which can infect horses after eating contaminated water plants. The dewormer, Panacure, was recommended to treat this specific parasite. Owner complied and now we wait to see improvement.. Crossing fingers..
Two donkeys dewormed after recommendation to owner. Remember every four to six months your animals MUST be dewormed.
A distraught caller phoned after seeing a donkey head for sale in the township in utenhaige?? Whatt?? Referred to SPCA Uitenhage, health department need to be involved. No further sights or info to date so far..
One young donkey gelded. Well done to the owner for insisting. From seven months you can geld a colt providing both testicles have descended.
A recheck on seven ponies. One older mare looking ribby after giving birth recently. If only she was left to retire in peace. Do people actually realise how much strain and trauma a female body goes through after giving birth, especially after many births??
Our madam, Reinette (Nettie ), finally got adopted by the perfect dad. Experienced, knowledgeable and gentle, exactly what she needs.
Delivered safe and sound. Go well Nettie! The Unit just won’t be the same without you!
Seven horses and two donkey’s hooves tendered to...
A complaint received of an ill horse, with what looked to be cynancum poisoning. After contacting the owner, it was discovered that meds where administered and prescribed by a vet already. We advised to keep the in an area with no cynancum and fresh feed and water available. After inspecting the horse a few days later, it had thankfully made a full recovery with some obvious loss of condition as a result. Please ensure the areas where your horses reside are constantly checked and cleared of any toxic plants.
Finally our Tb that came in for treatment of a very nasty leg wound, went home for last, less intensive treatment with owner as he was finally out the woods. Good to have such a well behaved boy in for treatment. Sure you are very happy to be back home now boy. Godspeed!
An Inspection at a lodge, after receiving concern about the welfare of their trail horses. All 10 horses were inspected and advised the carer that the one very old mare should no longer be used for rides. Not even children. She should be allowed to retired completely of any ‘Duties’ or be sent to God. We also found two saddle sores which we advised on how to treat and to allow to heal before any further rides can be given. Otherwise the horses were happy and well kept. Before you pay money to ride any horse at any location it is your duty as an animal lover to be present while the horses are being saddled up. This ensures no wounds are hidden under the saddles and if so report to owner/guide and decline any riding or use of that particular horse. You as the Public have a right to approve or disapprove of any animal being used for monetary income. First Prize is NOT to pay for any animals suffering otherwise you are equally to blame.
After just returning one Tb for wound care, another arrived shortly after. This boy was brought in to us all the way from East London to treat as the grooms were unable to treat effectively. Vet visited and treatment begins.. Let’s hope it’s not two months..
Two horses out on kragga kama road early one morning ..retrieved by owners shortly after.
The pony that was gelded in our care developed a minor secondary infection. This is the reason we keep and monitor them for at least a month or two after the procedure. If you as the owner insist on getting the animal returned before the wounds have healed, you take the responsibility onto yourself for any aftercare.
A call for help for one of our foster donkeys who developed a hoof abscess and unable to walk. Stan visited and sorted.
One recheck on two horses and one donkey all acceptable.
We finally managed to seal a deal on the two donkeys who were attacked by dogs in the township. Not owner’s fault so reimbursed them for the two as they would not survive the township with mom having the wounds she did and being impregnated again and again. Yay ! So Starboy and Sophie will be looking for their forever home as soon as little Starboy is gelded.
Our Hot To Trot, had a very keen a capable rider come view her for a possible dressage career . Crossing Fingers Hottie ;)
Still monitoring the laminitic old mare who has bad bouts of bad laminitis every so often. Essentially, the Owner NEEDS to keep the animal away from any grass. This is imperative. It’s like putting a diabetic in a candy store with loads of cash. I know you think you are helping the animal but you are Not!
Seven donkeys and one pony’s hooves trimmed. Pony also treated for a very bad tick infestation.
Till next time
Carla
GENEROUS DONATIONS RECEIVED DURING January FOR WHICH WE ARE MOST THANKFUL!
DONATION – 4 bales -anon
DONATION – boots and Helmet Lynette
DONATION – Umrie 6 x bales of teff
DONATION – Xenia grassmix x 2
DONATION – LX Events Showroom – 12 bales grassmix. C collected. Thank you!!
DONATION – Bridgette – Beautiful hand made numnahs and ear muffs to match . Thank You Bridgette .
DONATION – 5 watermelons for staff – Mandy
DONOATION – 2 x painted horse paper wights – Bonnie
DONATION – Paige Auction stuff , house hold ornaments etc. Lovely stuff , Thank you!
DONATION – Robin Clark – R400 cash
DONATION – 1 x round of Teff from Sam Schewitz
DONATION – Old Bridles – Ellen
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 – Alex
VOLUNTEER – Philippa Watermelon for donks
VOLUNTEER - Mia
VOLUNTEER – Danell
VOLUNTEER – Jenna
VOLUNTEER - Connor
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.