Injuries to community horses have kept Penny and her team on their toes 24/7 this past month including hoof  injuries, penetrating leg wounds, serious saddle sores and a snake bite. In addition, the team has had to deal with colic and try to geld as many stallions as owners, time and funding would allow.

One of our favourite little mares, Splodge, suffered a really nasty foot wound with the infection spreading up  into her leg and possibly the bone. She is currently on long term antibiotic treatment and is being kept at the Sanctuary  hospital with her foal, Sammy.

We had one major success of the prosecution of a youth for animal abuse. The young man was ordered by the court to community service which he must work in at EARS. We hope he is learning to be more gentle and compassionate with animals.

Gelding are always top of mind at EARS as they are the only way to control burgeoning horse numbers in a valley that cannot support more grazing animals. Unfortunately, it is both a costly and time consuming procedure which requires sustained followup. We’re working hard on a solution to this.

Our grateful thanks as always to Caledon and Overberg vets and Dr John Charles for their support and assistance with our patients, and to our volunteers whose tireless efforts are making a difference to the health and welfare of horses and donkeys in our valley.