So before we get into it, our Raced Day kindly organised by the Shams, will be going ahead on Friday the 20th March at 12 o clock. We have a special menu on offer at R130 per head: A chicken Schnitzel and Cheese Sauce with Baby Rosemary Roast Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables. Chocolate Brownie with Fudge sauce and Ice Cream for dessert. There will also be an Al A carte menu for those who wish to order something different. Please contact ANNELIE 082 396 2053 to make your table/seat bookings. Join us for a festive, fun day at the races and for a good cause. SEE POSTER:
A huge Thank you to Michael from Jeffrey’s Bay for doing the artwork for the day and uploading our Wall of Welfare at a relentless pace. There’s no lagging when the Shams tell you to jump you jump ;)
A sad start to the month though with our little Starboy suffering a fatal blow to his head, unfortunately he didn’t make it through the night. Starboy we’re gutted but at least we know you had all the love and care you could in your short life. Rest In Peace darling. You know how loved you were.
One of our Mangy boys’ growth fell off before the vet could make it out for removal, treating and hopefully will stay gone . Thank you Dr Kat for treating the wound with a chemo injection free of charge.
We finally got our second horsebox’ s jockey wheel sorted, makes life a lot easier.. ;)
Another child of ours was lost after having health issues over the past while. Rest In Peace darling Leo X
Unfortunately a horse that was surrendered to us from the Traditional Racing also had to be euthanased after chronic mental and medical issues. Rest In Peace boy X
A complaint received re two older donkeys, one being lame. They were visited and hooves sorted by Stan as well as both getting dewormed . These donkeys are old so we will have to monitor going forward. Have advised to feed Xtra fodder as drought has left very little grazing for them at the time.
Finally our sweet hearts Izzy and Shirley have been adopted out to a very kind couple who realised they needed some donkeys in their life after assisting as a safe camp during the terrible fires in the kragga kama area. Happy girls now living their best life.
A complaint from Middleburg – sorted after horses were brought in to a residential area for medical treatment.
An adopter reached out to us after pony showing signs of laminitis, guided the adopter on what to feed going forward as they were feeding too much hard food after the drought left no grazing . Doing much better now, thank God for the rain!
Another lame donkey sorted after farrier visit.
Our gorgeous little Meadow and her mom Oreo were also homed to an ecstatic new mom living free and happy with four other donkey companions. Go well cuties, we know you will be loved to bits!
A complaint re two elderly donkeys with very watery eyes. We visited and spoke with elderly owners who get their groom to clean their eyes as often as they can. Definitely no infections so otherwise healthy happy donks . Some donkeys are unfortunately more prone to eye issues than others but generally not a serious issue unless infection sets in. And we all know how difficult it is to keep a fly mask on..
A slightly alarming issue of a horse that was adopted out by one of the units ending up in, thankfully, a very good home, who took it upon herself to do the right thing and alert us. Original adopter left the country and failed to tell the authorities. Not On!
A lovely retired gentlemen from inland decided to reach out to us re equestrian estate in the rural areas. Good to meet you Wiseman, we wish you luck on your endeavours and will assist where we can.
Out darling Rose was Adopted out to a loving home with a young girl who just wanted to put back the pieces of her heart.. how special X. All the best Rose and your little person. You are in good hands and know you will grow to be best friends.
A call to remove a dead carcass out of town, unfortunately we could not make it, so it was left to the roads and health department.
A disgruntled complaint from someone who has received free geldings. Making un called for accusations. Isn’t it lovely when people are assisted free of charge and show know appreciation..
We dewormed all the children at the unit in line with our quarterly program.
We adopted out the stunning Pendragon, to the most amazing home to be bff with one of or previously adopted out sweethearts. Go well Penny, we will miss you but are so happy for you!
Another surprise foster, we love it when our children find their people without any intervention from ouselves. Tally and J met a couple of times until the decision was made to take her home on like the fourth visit. Go well darling Tally, you have one of the best moms possible.. Thank you J for being there for her. We wish you both a happy life together..
Moses’ donkey back at our gate early one morning..
Another hoof problem resolved.
A recheck on a repeat offender, pleasantly surprised. Thank you for listening!
Our sweet but feisty little Shadow, who was fostered to a retirement home 3 years ago, time came.. She was due to be PTS three years ago but was fighting fit and not ready, although already in her late 20s . We took her in and she had a wonderful three years teaching two Tbs how to relax ;) Thank you Shads for your wisdom. The last month or two, her body started to deteriorate. It was time. Once again Thank you Michael for your gentle touch, you speak so kindly to them as they deserve. Rest In Peace Darling Shads will see you on the other side X
Another sudden loss of our dear Pepsi. Not old and not entirely sure of what the cause was, vet attended but sometimes it’s just out of our control. Thank you Joanne for giving her the best life in your sanctuary. Rest in Peace beautiful Peps, thank you for your love X
Then a rather unusual complaint of a pony in a back yard in a residential area. After visiting and making contact with the owner, it was determined that the pony was only there for a few days with all the essentials in place. No this is Not legal but no welfare issue either. We advised there could be legal consequences for the decision and to move the pony as soon as possible to the preferred location, which it was thankfully.
Seven horses and nine donkey’s hooves attended to
No we don’t provide donkey harnessing unless you have existing harnessing that is inadequate. We are not in the business of promoting or enabling the culture of working animals we do however assist if you are already in it.
Had an interesting visit from Holllywoodbets camera team. Interviewing and filming our day at work. What a lovely crew, Thank you for the opportunity guys.
Then off to collect a donkey with a large sarcoid/growth on her hind leg. We brought her in for the removal of the growth. Thank you Dr Hilda for doing a great job and being willing to walk the camera crew through it. You’re a star! Now we bandage and wait.. Every case is different so here’s to hoping it doesn’t return.
Alex, our Tb, was feeling a bit off, well done Carli for catching it early and asking the Dr H to check on him while she was there. Seemed to be a bit of biliary but treated and now on the mend.
A request to do a gelding in Uitenhage. A bit of donkey wrangling required but none the less the job was done! Thank you Dr Kat, quick and efficient as always. Please folks the sooner you get your boys gelded the better. They get very big and strong the longer you leave it.. but still better late than never. Beautiful boy Rooies, We know you weren’t keen, sorry boy but it’s for your own good.
A recheck on another repeat offender left a bad taste, 3 of the 9 ponies not looking good, why can’t breeding be illegal!! Eish , here we go again..
Our Little Luke was fostered out to be companion to sweet heart Ben.. Go well little shyte ;)
Pony Mom and foal brought into the Unit for rehoming. Dewormed and hooves sorted. Gorgeous girls actually. If you are interested contact us on 072 357 2505.
Another re check on 8 horses and 3 donkeys, thankfully acceptable.
A complaint from Graaf Reinette of children trying to sell pregnant mares in bad condition.. How do kids get away with this? An Outreach in that area trying to be put into place.
Lastly a complaint from the Western Cape, of a ‘rescuer’ who has an extremely old horse who looks terrible. I understand your other animals look good but for what reason exactly are you holding on when his body is clearly wasting away. One thing as ‘Rescuers’ you need to know when to make the call and 42 yrs old is a good time. Requested a vets report as yes, he’s eating and doing the right thing but really do you know the aches and pains he has at that age? No, you are not a vet and neither are we , let him go in dignity , but yes if the vet says he is flourishing and no clear reason to put him down then we will back off , but if not then here we go..
Till next time
Carla
GENEROUS DONATIONS RECEIVED DURING February FOR WHICH WE ARE MOST THANKFUL!
DONATION – Tracy Kennedy old tack and numnahs
DONATION – MMM Family 150 x bales grassmix- delivered.
DONATION - Lucy- riding clothes and tack
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
VOLUNTEERS – Danell and Rebecca
VOLUNTEER – Sara
VOLUNTEER – Kate
VOLUNTEER – Connor
VOLUNTEER - Cayden
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.