Well the 1 June 2026 marked our 20 YEAR mark, Happy Birthday to us! Can’t believe it has been that long but actually yes, brain is fried from only 13 years ;) We also welcomed Jack to the Unit on the 1 June. Welcome Jack! We hope this is a start of a long term partnership fighting for the rights of those who cannot speak.
One recheck on two little donks who’s balls are dropping. Both to be booked for gelding early July, sorry boys ;)
Seven horses vaccinated against African Horse Sickness. Remember the season to vaccinate has started, so please vaccinate your horses from between June and November this year.
The complaint re a thin TB mare was visited and dewormed with proper equine dewormer (Equimax). Strict feeding instructions were given: To feed twice a day same time every day and leave in camp with proper grazing. In winter some grazing is nonexistent so please use your head and remember TBs need way more care and consistency then a crossbreed. They are not as tough. If follow up does not show good enough improvement then an appointment to have teeth floated will be next on the list.. still monitoring.
Our friend Mr Ben, who has two horses far up North, regularly visits us for tack /advice or info. This visit he bought two dewormers from us to deworm his two horses as he was telling us that his horses are very hungry and he is feeding them the same as always. We advised that they could have worms as it is an obvious symptom to be almost aggressive for food if worm infestations are present. They still feel hungry even though they are being fed because the parasites are at work. He then came back a week or two later to show us all the worms that came out in his ‘Ma Fifis’ stool. It was so refreshing to see someone so excited about worms in poop as we are. He continued to show us Mafifis ‘house’ he built and how much he and his wife loved the horse. SEE PHOTOS
Well done Mr Ben, we so respect your love and dedication to your horses. He also asked us to show (train) him how to vaccinate his horses against AHS. Now this is when true education takes place, when the recipient is thirsty for it .. Unfortunately a lot of individuals would prefer to stay ignorant than learn from a female. (Yes we advised barbed wire was not the best fencing to use, but really can’t fault him for trying as hard as he does)
Dewormed six donkeys and seven horses.
A call to collect two donkeys that were tied up near the township. We went out in the pouring rain , shame both donks were cold to the core , nothing a nice warm breakfast couldn’t fix along with a towel dry down under the shelter. Much happier boys. We know who the owner is, strict warning was given.
Once again livery of horses not being paid, the livery owners then come to us over and over again. Firstly we mention this all the time HAVE A BLACK AND WHITE CONTRACT DRAWN UP for your livery clients ensure there is a clause stating exact details of what will transpire if no payment is received, cover in as much detail as possible in order to have no confusion. Strictly speaking you must then send the client a lawyers letter stating if you do not receive payment within a certain time frame, you will notify us to collect the horse as ‘abandoned’.
A recheck on ongoing case, unfortunately owner did not allow us access so a warrant had to be issued. My question is if you have nothing to hide why deny us access??
One of our adopted out pony’s had a mild case of colic, thankfully all was resolved after the vet came out to assist.
Old man, Swartmond, was delivered to his new foster home to be companion to another gelding. Go well boy enjoy the spoils X
Tilly was again rehomed to hopefully her forever home for real this time. After adopters emigrating animals must move on. Go well sweet girl X We promise this is your last stop..
Hurly and Curly were gelded eventually. Took a little longer to heal due to the sheer size of their testicles as well as their older age. The earlier you geld the better (preferably from 6 months)
A call of concern re a donkey having Stringhalt ( neuromuscular condition causing jerking movements of hind legs.) Caused by noxious plants namely False Dandelion. All on the mend now after getting vet meds and advice.
One donkey’s hoof poulticed for possible abscess with Epsom salts. Came right thankfully.
Property check for our sweet Ringo and Lady Minx. Awesome home. Finally after Ringo’s growth was removed and healed and 90% of his Mange had gone. We delivered Ringo once Minx had arrived. What a wonderful family. Ringo and Minx may you lavish in all your spoils, I don’t see either of you leaving this home in this lifetime;)
Good News for Alex Collins as well, He went to a foster home, hoping to get him into showjumping. Go well boy, enjoy your stable, friends and the grass!
Finally the court case that has been hanging for two years is going to court this month. The wheels of justice turn very slowly in the real world unfortunately but at least they are turning..
A father’s day complaint of a donkey ‘attacking cows’ in Rocklands area. We drove out to find one very lonely Jack (Donkey Stallion) trying to mount the Tata ‘s cows. This poor donkey was kept on his own for so long the only company he could find were the local cows down the road. Initially we thought possible rabies if attacking / but thankfully just normal Jack behavior when trying to mount. Roco was brought in to the unit, dewormed and put with the boys. He was super excited to see them ;) Poor boys. Now just to be gelded then ready for adoption.
A recheck on 5 donkeys who were found to be underweight. Owner deworming, if no improvement in couple of weeks bringing them in ..
Then a complaint from Kirkwood. Two donkeys had been knocked over and killed amongst all the traffic going ons ahead of the Kirkwood Wilde Fees. They left behind a young filly panicked but ok.
After a bit of a mission to find and collect, we admitted her to the unit after deworming. Shame man, about 6 months of age, very confused and stressed but already organised an awesome home for her with another orphaned foal the following week.
Old Jeffery from Tsolo always orders blankets for his horses this time of year, we once again sent him two. Happy your horses will be warm again until next year Jeffrey ;)
Tail of The Comet was adopted out to his besotted new owner. Go well boy enjoy the crazy spoils ;)
A Sunday callout for a donkey with possible infection after recent gelding. Vet administered meds and now good to go.
Winter is here, full on! So keep you and yours warm..
Till Next Time
Carla
GENEROUS DONATIONS RECEIVED DURING June FOR WHICH WE ARE MOST THANKFUL!
DONATION – Anon , Nice tack , helmets and horsy pillow cases.
DONATION- Siobahn Huson – Horse harness bridle
DONATION – Namaqua Dog and Donkey Foundation Reinette
DONATION – Old tack anon
DONATION – Eragrostis rounds x 2 – Antoinette
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 - Judenay
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.