Can you provide a right royal happy ending to Prince’s sad tale?

Posted on November 25, 2011 by amy.punter@horseworld.org.uk

Staff at HorseWorld are looking for a happy ending to a sad tale as four-year old Prince completes his rehabilitation and becomes ready for a new loving loan home this week. 

Prince was born at HorseWorld, Bristol, in 2007 to a beautiful thoroughbred mare, Princess, who had been rescued in an emaciated state. She was in such a bad way and so thin that initially staff didn’t realise she was pregnant. Sadly Princess had to be put to sleep when Prince was just six months old when it became evident that she would never be free from the pain of a badly broken knee; an old injury that had obviously never been treated.

Prince’s plight was featured on national TV three years ago as part of Channel 5’s ‘Animal Rescue Squad’. “Without HorseWorld, he wouldn’t be here” said presenter Matt Baker.

 Now Prince has made such a fantastic recovery from the traumas of his early life that he is now ready to find a home with a loaner who will take care of him and continue his education and long-term rehabilitation. 

HorseWorld Training Manager, Jessie Rushbrooke, has been working with Prince.

She says: “He has come along really well, hacking out around the farm and going out in traffic, which he often doesn’t even appear to notice although, like most young horses, he still looks to his rider for reassurance and confidence.  Prince is one in a million, he has a cracking personality and is good to do in all ways. He will make a wonderful horse for his new loaner.”

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Over 2,000 visitors meet horse neglect victim Buddy

Posted on September 13, 2011 by amy.punter@horseworld.org.uk

A horse described as the ‘worst case of neglect’ seen for years by an animal charity when he was rescued in January is well on the road to recovery – and to underline his improving health he greeted over 2,000 visitors on just three days this month.

Buddy is a two year old cob-type pony who was rescued earlier this year weighing just a third of his ideal body weight. Staff at the Bristol based animal welfare charity HorseWorld worked around the clock to save his young life providing nursing while he gained strength, and later helping him to stand to feed for himself. Rehabilitation work like this happens at the charity’s welfare department. This is a quiet environment where animals can recover in their own time away from public view.

 

Buddy is now a healthy weight and is unrecognisable from the sorry state he arrived in. The HorseWorld grooms felt he was finally strong enough to make the walk from the welfare department to the popular Visitor Centre to thank the people who had donated to help save his life. Buddy visited on three successive Wednesdays (10, 17 and 24 August) and met over 2,000 people.

Groom and Trainer, Kayleigh Macleod has worked with Buddy since his arrival and helped to give him the care and medication he needed. “When he arrived, he was so weak that he just lay helplessly on the floor unable to lift his own head,” she said. “We really didn’t think he would survive. It took a drip and six blood transfusions to give Buddy the strength to support his own weight. The grooms had to lift him to his feet every two hours day and night as if he was left lying down for too long, he would rub sores where his bones protruded in his efforts to get up. The change in him since then is unbelievable.

 

“Now that he is finally up to his full weight and feeling full of life, we decided it would be nice to show our supporters just what their donations have meant to this little chap. In the first three weeks alone, Buddy’s veterinary, feed and bedding bill came to over £2,500. He has also needed ongoing veterinary care along with treatment from the equine dentist and farrier. In the autumn this year, he will need to be castrated which will obviously be a further cost. Without the generosity of our supporters, this would be a real struggle.”

Director of Equine Welfare, Jerry Watkins commented “Buddy was the worst case of neglect HorseWorld had seen for years. The fact that he kept fighting was enough inspiration for us to fight just as hard to save him. It is so rewarding to see him trotting around the field like a normal youngster and happily meeting people. To look at him now, you would have no idea of his bleak past”

To make a donation to Buddy’s Hope Appeal, visit this page or call Debbie on 01275 893020.

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Posey

Posted on July 28, 2011 by amy.punter@horseworld.org.uk

Posey

Here at HorseWorld we love to hear how our horses are getting on in their homes. Posey has been with her loaner, Gemma for seven years now.

“I have loaned Posey (Po) from Horse World since May 2004. She is a 16hh Warmblood X. We have competed at local shows and fun rides, but in recent years Po has been enjoying the quieter life hacking out in Dymock Woods near to where she resides, with her companion/boyfriend Paddy.

She loves her jumping, although can get carried away and put in a tail swish or a buck whenever possible. Po is incredibly cheeky and likes nothing more than a good scratch all over and is particularly partial to having her bottom itched. She will often corner me in the field or stable and reverse herself up for me to begin scratching and only when she is satisfied will she allow me to leave. I have been stuck for half an hour on many occasion rubbing her tail on a cold winters night!
It hasn’t all been plain sailing but I wouldn’t change a thing. Po is a massive part of my life, and even though we don’t compete any more we have learned Tellington TTouch together to keep us both entertained. She has me well and truly wrapped around her hoof.

I cannot thank Horse World enough for letting me loan her and bringing her into my life.”

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Follow us on Facebook

Posted on July 28, 2011 by amy.punter@horseworld.org.uk

By ‘liking’ the HorseWorld Trust page, you can follow the progress of horses like Buddy who came to HorseWorld in January 2011 as an emaciated welfare case. He weighed just 108kg and had to have six blood transfusions and a drip before he could even be lifted to his feet. Buddy has had to fight for survival. His difficult journey has been followed by hundreds of fans on Facebook. The instant news feed allows us to bring you updates as and when they happen. From the time the welfare team are called out on a rescue, right though the rehabilitation process of the horses to the time when they eventually find a home of their own. We have many loaners that post pictures of their HorseWorld horses and show us the wonderful homes they have given them. It also allows you to ask us questions and keep up to date with events we are holding.
By sharing HorseWorld posts with your own friends, you will be helping to raise awareness of the charities work and therefore helping to raise the vital funds needed for us to continue our rescue  work. The easiest way to find the HorseWorld Trust Facebook page is to click on the Facebook icon on the home page of the HorseWorld website.

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Furiozos

Posted on July 28, 2011 by amy.punter@horseworld.org.uk

Furiozos

Furiozos came to Horseworld in 2003 all the way from Greece. He had been shut in a stable with five other ponies and left there to die. By the time they were rescued, the dung had reached a level which meant the door frames had to be removed to get the ponies out.
Once at HorseWorld, the ponies were nursed back to health and began their training. Fury was originally trained to be a child’s lead rein pony but proved to be a little headstrong for this. He then went on to learn to be a driving pony. He was eventually rehomed to Daniele who tells us his story.
“I’d been considering looking into taking on a second pony for a while before expressing an interest in taking Furiozos on. I knew I didn’t want another riding pony but I didn’t want just a field companion either. When I visited Horseworld it clicked in my head that perhaps a driving shetland would be the ideal answer. They had their own ‘job’ and driving was something I’d always wanted to get into. I looked into buying but (I know it sounds cheesy!) Fury’s story had got to me and from what I had heard about him, he seemed the ideal.
The main difficulty with Fury was his canny knack for wriggling through/under fencing! Thankfully- touch wood- it’s all sorted now. I did go down the yard a couple of times to see him peeking out from behind another horse in the wrong field!
It has been a little difficult with restricting his grazing as he seems to have no fear of getting through electric and into the bit that he’s not supposed to be in. I’ve had to put him in a field that’s already mostly grazed down which seems to be working. Every now and again he goes into a nice field though- with the price of a day in his stable!

Furiozos

He’s made plenty of friends since he’s been here. At first the other horses seemed a bit confused with him- I don’t think many of them had seen a Shetland before! He just strutted past them all to his field though. Now though, he’s made friends with the two horses in the field next to him  It took me a little while to put both him and my pony Cinnamon in together though, although there was no need to have worried- Fury can hold his own better than any horse I’ve met! Within the space of a couple of weeks they were like an old married couple. I’m sure that’s why Fury went through a little phase of getting through fencing- he just wanted some time away from Cinnamon!
Fury has made the world of difference to Cinnamon- he’s 21 but since we’ve had Fury he both looks and acts younger. At the same time though, when taking them both out on a hack, Fury’s attitude of ”So what? I’m not scared.” to pretty much everything (Except Cats, he really doesn’t like cats) has really calmed Cinnamon down.
I couldn’t even begin to list all his little quirks! Whilst he’s one of the best mannered Shetlands I’ve met, he definitley is quirky. The other day I didn’t have a lot of time so I just put him on the lunge for ten minutes. He decided that he really didn’t fancy doing this and began dancing about, throwing himself in the air. When I put a pole on the ground he was leaping over it high enough to put show jumpers to shame! When he gets one on him, he doesn’t walk anywhere, he prances! I think he’s convinced he’s a stallion still.
I’m hoping to take him to a few local shows this year just in hand to see what he’s like. I think he will just prance his way around the arena though- hopefully a judge will be impressed by that.
Whilst at the moment the two horses are more than enough- I would definitely consider a HorseWorld horse again. The whole process of rehoming Fury was very smooth and everyone was very friendly and helpful.”

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Kizzy

Posted on July 28, 2011 by amy.punter@horseworld.org.uk
Kizzy and her foal Tuppence

Kizzy and her foal Tuppence

One of the great things about rehabilitating horses at HorseWorld is that we are not ruled by the time constraints which govern commercial businesses. This means that every individual horse can receive the best and most thorough training before embarking on their new life in a loan home.
Kizzy is one pony that has taken full advantage of the training time available to her at HorseWorld. Kizzy arrived at HorseWorld in 2004 having been abandoned on land belonging to Wessex Water. There were nine horses in the group. One of these was a stallion who we named Popeye, four of the group were mares who were heavily pregnant  and also had the previous years foals still with them. Kizzy was one of these mares. Soon after arriving at HorseWorld, Kizzy gave birth to a beautiful foal named Tuppence.

Kizzy

Once Tuppence was weaned, Kizzy could begin her rehabilition.  Megan Turner was her Groom at this time. She explains; “When I began training Kizzy, it quickly became clear that she was terrified of people and was completely unhandled. She had a lovely nature and I nick-named her Kizzy Wizzy despite the fact that she resembled a quiet ‘gypsy plod’. Unfortunately this name seemed to go to her head and she constantly wanted to go faster and faster. After backing, Kizzy was making good, if a little too fast, progress but unfortunately when ridden by different riders she bolted, resulting in her riders falling badly.
Bolting can be dangerous behaviour and it was essential that we stopped this quickly but first I had to find out why Kizzy was bolting. After looking at Kizzy’s behaviour in different circumstances I realised that she was worried by movement along her sides when being ridden. The trouble was that she was so wizzy it was difficult for her riders to remain perfectly balanced – it was clear that Kizzy needed complete retraining.
So we went back to basics, Kizzy learnt to be led and then long-reined with all sorts of flappy objects on her side starting at giant sponge feet and ending in feed sacks filled with sand. Kizzy responded well to this despite looking like a pack pony and in time was ready to be re-introduced to her rider.“
Kizzy does not panic anymore but has certainly lived up to her nick name. She has now found an experienced loan home with a  family of her very own and is  thoroughly enjoying the attention  she is receiving.

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A Very Special Supporter for HorseWorld

Posted on July 28, 2011 by amy.punter@horseworld.org.uk

Alfie begins his 12 mile ride from Wadworth Brewery

On Sunday 12th June 2011, Alfie Waker completed a twelve mile sponsored bike ride in aid of HorseWorld.
This would be quite an achievement for anyone but as Alfie is only six years old, this makes his achievements even more admirable.  Alfie and his father, Martin Waker cycled along the towpath from Devizes to Bradford on Avon in the pouring rain to raise over £500 for HorseWorld.

The Waker family first came to HorseWorld to see Tom, a huge 18.2hh Shire horse that has retired to HorseWorld from Wadworth Brewery in Devizes. 
“Alfie fell in love, at a very young age, with the dray horses in Devizes” said his father, Martin Waker “One of them, Tom, retired to HorseWorld with arthritis in his shoulder. Since then, we’ve become regular visitors and we’ve even adopted Tom on HorseWorld’s adoption scheme.”

 The father and son from Westbury, who regularly go out cycling together with their dogs, began their ride from the Wadworth stables in Devizes where Alfie had the chance to meet the dray horses before setting off.

Hayley Waker, Alfie’s mother was waiting for the duo at the end “The weather was grim but it didn’t dampen his spirits. He finished the ride in an amazing two and half hours still with a huge grin on his face. Alfie chose to raise money for HorseWorld and Tom without any prompting although his original idea involved asking the police to close the roads through Westbury for him!”

Alfie at Wadworth Brewery

HorseWorld’s Managing Director, Mark Owen commented “Alfie is a remarkable young man and a true inspiration. We are extremely grateful for his efforts in raising money for HorseWorld and look forward to seeing him when he visits Tom to present the cheque.”

If you are interested in fundraising for HorseWorld, please contact us for a fundraising pack by calling Debbie on 01275 893020 or by  emailing fundraising@horseworld.org.uk

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The Whole Horse Weekend in aid of HorseWorld

Posted on June 13, 2011 by amy.punter@horseworld.org.uk

25th – 26th June 2011

Rowanoak Learning Centre and Livery, Brecon LD3 9LN

                                                                                                                     On Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th June, Rowanoak Learning Centre and Livery are holding The Whole Horse Weekend in aid of HorseWorld. This is a weekend of demonstrations, stalls, a dog show and lots, lots more.

This year’s Welsh National Horse Agility Championships are also being held over the weekend and horse owners will also have a chance to have a go with their own horses. Organiser Nick Sanders explains “This is going to be a great fun weekend. Demonstrations will include clicker training, saddlechariots, equine physio and massage, dog behaviour, shiatsu and much more. Camping is available and there will also be a party around the fire on the Saturday night with live music. Come along for a great time and support a leading equine welfare charity” Camping to be booked in advance by calling Nick on 07870 765018.

HorseWorld will also be there to talk about our rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming work and will bring several of our ponies along for you to meet.  

HorseWorld’s Fundraising and Communications Assistant, Amy Punter has rehomed a rescued HorseWorld pony and will be bringing him along to The Whole Horse Weekend to show how rewarding it can be to work with a rescued animal. “We are grateful to Nick and his wife Pam for organising this event to benefit HorseWorld. Every penny raised for the charity will help to give neglected, abused and unwanted animals the chance for a safe and happy future”

To find out more about The Whole Horse Weekend, visit www.rowanoakhorses.co.uk or call Nick on 07870 765018.  

(Please note, this event is being held at Rowanoak Learning Centre and Livery LD3 9LN and is not based at HorseWorld’s Bristol site.)

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Hoof Boots Appeal

Posted on June 8, 2011 by amy.punter@horseworld.org.uk

HorseWorld are appealing to horse owners to donate their old hoof boots to rescued horses and ponies.

Visitor Centre Groom, Hattie Abretti explains “Some horses arrive at HorseWorld in a terrible state of neglect. It can take years of corrective hoof trimming to bring their hooves back to a well balanced and healthy state. This can cause a great deal of strain to tendons, ligaments and joints so changes to the feet have to be made very gradually.

We also have horses that, as part of their rehabilitation will need to have their shoes removed. Some will be retiring so will no longer need shoes. Many have been poorly shod or left too long between shoeing in the past. Some may never have worn shoes but may have had their hoof care neglected and left to overgrow or become unbalanced. These issues can cause pain and abnormalities in the feet and joints resulting in the horse needing to go barefoot to enable the hooves to be rebalanced.

During their period of rehabilitation, many horses can become uncomfortable until their feet harden up and become accustomed to being barefoot. Wearing hoof boots means that they are able to walk comfortably while their feet are adapting to this change and provide cushioning while the joints and tendons are adjusting. Horses that are in work may not need to have time off and become unfit as they can wear their boots to be ridden out on hard ground.

If you have any hoof boots you no longer need or know someone who does, please bear HorseWorld’s rescued horses and ponies in mind. A donation of a pair of hoof boots can help a horse or pony through their rehabilitation and then be passed on to the next rescued horse in need until they finally wear out.”

HorseWorld can also make use of any used tack, equipment or rugs that are donated to the charity. With almost 150 horses, ponies and donkeys on site in various stages of rehabilitation, most donations can be used for the rescued animals. Anything that cannot be used will go into the on-site charity tack shop to raise the vital funds HorseWorld needs to continue its rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming work.

If you can help or would like more information, please call Amy on 01275 893034 or email amy.punter@horseworld.org.uk

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Friendship is the best medicine!

Posted on June 8, 2011 by amy.punter@horseworld.org.uk


Staff at HorseWorld worked around the clock to save the life of a young cob that was rescued earlier this year weighing just a third of his ideal body weight. The team of grooms provided nursing while he gained strength, and later helped him to stand to feed for himself.
Groom and Trainer, Kayleigh Macleod helped to give Buddy the care and medication he needed. “He looked ready to die and was so weak that his head had to be supported by grooms. It took a drip and six blood transfusions to give Buddy the strength to support his own weight. He had to be lifted to his feet every two hours day and night as he was unable to push himself up. He couldn’t be left lying down for too long as he rubbed sores where his bones protruded in his efforts to get up.”
A horse of Buddy’s age and breed should weigh around 280-300kg. On arrival at HorseWorld Buddy weighed just 108kg! He was suffering from severe diarrhoea that was full of redworm. His thick winter coat hid his frail skeletal frame.

Just when HorseWorld hoped they would never see anything this bad again, a call came in to attend a young pony that had been abandoned. On arrival at the rescue, the welfare team found that the little black pony had simply been left to starve to death on waste ground. Although it was clear that the cases were unrelated, the condition of this poor animal was alarmingly similar to Buddy.

Welfare Manager, Jerry Watkins commented “Buddy was one of the worst cases of neglect HorseWorld has seen in a long time, the fact that he kept fighting was enough inspiration for us to fight just as hard to save his young life. We didn’t expect another poor creature to be in just as bad condition so soon after Buddy’s rescue.”
The young horse was named ‘Severn-up’ by the grooms as he had been abandoned on the banks of the River Severn. The care he needed was so similar to Buddy’s that when he had regained enough strength to move around on his own, it was decided that the two ponies could go out in a small paddock together.

Within a few days the grooms noticed that both ponies recovery had accelerated since they had been together. Husbandry Groom, Sarah Hollister who had been caring for the two ponies commented “It was like they knew what each other had gone through and were helping each other through their ordeal. They love to play and we feel they have each given the other something to live for.”
Buddy and Severn-up will remain at HorseWorld’s Welfare Department until they have regained full health. Eventually it is hoped that they will be able to find a loving loan home on the charities rehoming scheme.

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