The month started with an AWOL donkey causing some ruckus in the neighbourhood. The owner contacted and collected him only to be contacted a few days later for what was now two of their donkeys who had done walkies.. Apparently the property was being cleared and a temporary gate was made at the back entrance. These guys are super observant and realised there was a weak point, because it was late and already dark we went out and assisted. Thank you to Darrin and the unknown jogger for assisting whilst herding them back.
A call from Moses , to come collect his donkey as he was ‘not well’ – when we admitted him to the unit we realised he was just tired and a couple of days later Moses decided we could keep him as he was not the strongest and no good at cart work. Now to find him a forever home. Lucky boy Swartmond! You are now safely out of that system.
We finally delivered our way overdue preggy donkey, Leia and her teenage daughter Lexi, escape artist, to the long awaiting home just outside PE with grazing for miles. Initially we were waiting for her to have her foal at the Unit but filling up with horses asked if we could deliver them beforehand. The adopters kindly obliged and yes we are still waiting. It looks like she is expecting twins ;) but still yet to see.. Donkeys usually have their foals with little or no complications but it is understandable why some people are panicked at the idea..
Complaint received of donkey tied to tree near airport, Moses once again, but went to retrieve.
Our sweet little Northy, who has been at school for a while learning how to be a good, little rideable pony was rehomed to hopefully her forever home down the road. Thank you to Lauren for teaching her some manners. Go well girl, let’s hope she behaves ;)
A complaint re a very thin chestnut in Sommerset East, was found out to be very old and on his way out , Vet monitoring..
Two stray donkeys in Hankey, taken in by some community members, were claimed two days later. Please bear in mind if you take a stray animal in the owner legally has seven days to claim his animal and pay any costs entailed.
Miracle’s baby boy had his kitten balls off ;) He is just under 6 months old but the sooner the better. Not being halter trained yet, was difficult to catch and restrain. Luckily owner has now employed someone to start the training and should be good to go in no time. When you have foals in your care the sooner you start handling them and desensitising them, the better . They learn so much quicker and not half as dangerous the younger they are.
Then a call for anitbiotics for a lame horse. Firstly we are not vets, so if a horse requires antbiotics it needs to be prescribed or authorised by your vet or ours. Secondly you don’t treat a lame horse with antibiotics unless there is an open wound or ruptured abscess. Explained to the owner, told them to soak in warm Epsom salts poultice for next couple of days and if still lame then to contact us. Luckily in this instance, it resolved the problem.
With all the rain and floods we’ve been having some stupid cart owners decided to try cross a flooding bridge with their donkey cart. Sadly both donkeys and the cart were washed away anddrowned. RIP children sorry we couldn’t prevent this tragedy but at least u are no longer expected to do the unexpected. I hope you come back as humans who can shackle up your ex owners..
One pony and two donkeys treated for mange and tick infestation.
Thank you to Chane’ for kindly donating your time to remove Strokie’s shoes and trim to perfection.
It’s sometimes strange how all things connect. We received a call from the Garden Route Welfare Ladies re two horses that needed medical attention in their local communities. After figuring out where they originally came from, we were horrified L A’ well to do’ establishment that decided the necessary procedure for that animal to exist in comfort and no pain was too expensive in their eyes but yet would also not make the call to euthanase the poor animal there and then to end the suffering. They meaning the ‘Boss’ of the establishment, decided to rather give the horses to an individual who then decided to pass them on to local community members who barely had enough money to look after themselves. The sick part was we did an inspection on these horses a year or two prior when they were creating an income for this ‘establishment’ and they were in good enough condition. A way down the line after our visit, we received a phone call from one of the staff members re this particular horse and asking if we could find it a home. We advised that for an animal like this whose, treatment would be costly, the likelihood of finding a home to take that on was minimal and recommended they rather euthanase or surrender to us. A week or so later the staff member came back to us saying they had found a home and they were so happy the horse did not need to be pts. Only for us to see the poor state of this animal, plus companion, a few months down the line. A huge Thank You to Dr Piet Van Vuuren, from Humansdorp, who made the effort to go through and advise, unfortunately the prognosis was poor and he advised both animals be PTS. There was initial resistance from the community members as so often occurs, but after contacting the original establishment and staff member and a lot of coordinating and conversing, the horses were thankfully handed over to welfare. Let this be a stark reminder, that heaven is also a home and that passing a problem on, is more often than not the WRONG decision.
Dylan from AHEAD TREE FELLING – Kindly assisted us with some necessary branch management around the yard.
Then a complaint re someone who was possibly hoarding animals and in trouble. After a slightly hair raising experience up the mountain in our new capable vehicle (Thank God) it was dicovered that it didn’t matter how much this individual was suffering, they would always make a plan for their animals /horses before themselves. This left me very sad but impressed at the same time. Life and its complications have clearly thrown a boulder at this individual, yet , limping and exhausted they carry on, committed even at their own demise. There is a fine line though, one can very easily cross when it all becomes too much. For now the situation is ok for the animals but how long before the inevitable. Thankfully all ten horses and donkeys looked good, I reassured the them that if it all gets too much we are here to assist. The rest of the animals are left in the capable hands of the relevant organisations.
One very old Jenny, after having five years of the best retirement ever, just couldn’t stand up anymore. She must have been at least 30 years old, so we made the call and sent her to God . Rest in Peace sweet girl.
Advice given to an individual on putting his old rig down. (cryptochid – when one or both testicles do not descend) The decision was made after his body started to shut down. Rest in Peace boy :(
A complaint of a thin Tb mare, that had once again been handed over to and ignorant undividual who does not know how much intensive care thoroughbreds need. Have made contact with owner and will be visiting early June. Apparently no proper equine dewormer has been used , and only ‘mielies’ being fed for sustenance. Advised to get a proper feed, ie 10% cubes for horses specifically and to feed twice a day every day, same times. Consistency is king when it comes to tbs especially. Will monitor until the condition improves.
Thankfully a lovely chapter in Strokie’s story. After eventually being handed over to us after a member of the public paid the Cocky youngster who owned him. Stroky arrived broken and hopeless, you could see at the previous outreaches he had given up all hope of an end to his suffering (See previous Face Book post). He had a brushing problem and would come to the out reaches with bleeding knees due to the incorrectly fitting shoes clipping his opposite knees in the faster gaits when ridden. Anyway after settling in at the Unit, having his hooves sorted, teeth and proper food, we received a wonderful message from one of our favourite adopters that they were ready for a new rescue. Having such success with their previous, Star they open their hearts to Strokey. Delivered and adjusting to his new, dare I say privileged, life. SEE PHOTO:
Lastly a report of stray donkeys in Uitenhage , unfortunately no pin location was given and no one able to keep eyes on them till will got there, no injuries just roaming. It would be great if we could collect all the stray roaming equines in the area but unfortunately we just don’t have the capacity.
Stay safe in this weather.
Till Next Time
Carla
GENEROUS DONATIONS RECEIVED DURING May FOR WHICH WE ARE MOST THANKFUL!
DONATION – Farm gates – Maud
DONATION – 15 bales Lucerne MMM family
DONATION – Maralise – 2 x lovely new blankets
DONATION – Endless carrots – Julie
DONATAION – AACL, old tack
DONATION – Shirly - Nice second hand tack and blankets
DONATION – Chane – Strokies shoes off
DONATION – Dylan - Ahead Tree Felling -
DONATION – Nicky F10 products – wound spray.
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 – Danell
VOLUNTEER – Darrin
VOLUNTEER - Sophie
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.