Today we collected Asha and her foal (we're weaning the foal and halter training him for the owner as we were worried he may hurt himself in the paddock they were in if we just removed the mare) and things went exceptionally well.
We had a bit of song and dance from the foal to begin with, he pulled and pulled, and tried to get away and when that didn't work he lay down on the ground and looked at us as if to say "NOW what are you going to do?" But once he realised laying down wasn't going to make us go away he became quite ameniable. Funny little fellow, he's full of spunk but he's smart enough and learns fast.
He had a brief halter lesson on the way down to the float and followed his mother quite well. When it came to putting them onto the float we removed the partition so they'd have plenty of room and asked the foal to come up first. With the aid of a bum rope and lots of praise when he tried for us, he came on very quickly. Then we asked his mother to come on and she wasn't so sure, poor girl was nervous. But we gave her some time to think about it, kept her calm and then after 5 minutes with a light tap on the bottom she walked right in and stayed in! Such a good girl.
Both travelled like a dream and unloaded calmly at the other end. I was so pleased as we were expecting a right rodeo but both horses were very sensible about the whole thing.
We swung by the Vets and got Donna from Serpentine Vet Hospital to have a very good look at her shoulder and it was deemed that she is not in pain from it, and is using it quite well. Overall Donna was fairly happy about her general health and says with hoof, teeth care and good feeding she'll come along well.
She lifted her hooves up for a good look and had a look in her mouth and although unsure, Asha behaved very well and was much more relaxed about us handling her than she was at our initial attempt to make her comfy on Saturday.
Then we reloaded Asha (who went on even quicker this time) and made the haul to the foster home.
Asha is as I speak tucking heartily into a hay roll and has not lifted her head from it since she arrived!
Now we just have to collect Harmony, get her preg tested and on to her foster home tomorrow. I do hope she is as cooperative as the sweet Asha!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Trust us
Today I became aware of many people believing SC advertised somebody's sale of horses that had nothing wrong with them and seem disconcerted with the fact we appeared to be helping somebody make money.
I would like to say, without saying too much, that we advertised the sale for a genuine reason and in good faith on part of the sellers. The fact that they raised prices last minute is not something we can be responsible for.
Also animals sold were certainly in excellent condition. The individual animals we became involved with were not present and we cannot disclose details of the problem.
We appologise for misconceptions however please trust us... there is much we'd like to say but cannot but please bear in mind neglect comes in many forms - not just obvious ones.
Trust us, we had horses wellbeing in mind and for those who are wondering, SC did not recieve any of that money at all.
I would like to say, without saying too much, that we advertised the sale for a genuine reason and in good faith on part of the sellers. The fact that they raised prices last minute is not something we can be responsible for.
Also animals sold were certainly in excellent condition. The individual animals we became involved with were not present and we cannot disclose details of the problem.
We appologise for misconceptions however please trust us... there is much we'd like to say but cannot but please bear in mind neglect comes in many forms - not just obvious ones.
Trust us, we had horses wellbeing in mind and for those who are wondering, SC did not recieve any of that money at all.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
The most amazing people
In this job I meet the most amazing people. Each and every one is amazing in their own right. Some are so very dedicated and passionate about horse welfare that they amaze me. Some out so much hard work into something for us, they amaze me with their selflessness. Some people have such big hearts, or have the most incredible skills... the list goes on and on.
And then, there are people who amaze me for the wrong reasons. Yesterday I met probably the most amazing person I have ever come across and sadly, all for the worst.
This particular person has proven themselves to be utterly selfish, self centred, self promoting, ignorant, compulsive liar and a long-time habitual neglector. It was horrible to watch them at work and morbidly fascinating at the same time.
The conversation with this person left me completely gobsmacked and I really began to wish that I had gone to Uni to get a psychiatrist degree. Surely, the human mind is the most incredible instrument and when it 'goes bad' it is even more amazing, if not downright frightening.
You know you are in trouble when you come across somebody operating under a name that means 'bringer of death'.
I can't quite get over the fact this person advertises the fact!
And then, there are people who amaze me for the wrong reasons. Yesterday I met probably the most amazing person I have ever come across and sadly, all for the worst.
This particular person has proven themselves to be utterly selfish, self centred, self promoting, ignorant, compulsive liar and a long-time habitual neglector. It was horrible to watch them at work and morbidly fascinating at the same time.
The conversation with this person left me completely gobsmacked and I really began to wish that I had gone to Uni to get a psychiatrist degree. Surely, the human mind is the most incredible instrument and when it 'goes bad' it is even more amazing, if not downright frightening.
You know you are in trouble when you come across somebody operating under a name that means 'bringer of death'.
I can't quite get over the fact this person advertises the fact!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Rescues are go!
Wow wasn't today a busy one!
First up I changed Romeo's bandages. (For those who don't know, last Saturday I came down to the stables to find he'd gone through a solid post and rail fence and torn his leg open to the tendon) He's much more co-operative about it now, so I am able to do it alone without the need for somebody to hold him. Still a tricky job, anyone who knows will sympathise with the 'need-for-eight-hands' feeling when you're trying to juggle bandages, padding, gauze, dressing for the wound, the tape to go over it and the horse itself all at once!
Then I went off to see Shelley McCaw with the intention to do facial readings for all the horses on her place. Well, I got time to do one and then was suddenly drawn into negotiations via third party for the life of the skinny mare in yesterday's blog. Then I was able to speak to her owner in person and after a little while she finally agreed to surrender this mare and one of her others into SC's care. HOORAY!
So I spent good part of the rest of the day organising to go there tomorrow with the paperwork and feed (and thanks to a couple of helpers, somebody to try and trim those poor feet!!) and to do a full assessment.
And then lo and behold I decided to touch base with another horse owner whom we'd been involved with over a severe neglect case in July 07. Turned out she was planning to sell majority of her horses and so I sent out notifications to everyone I could possibly think of to help find buyers for these animals.
For anyone interested who may read this before lunch time tomorrow, the message went like so:
OK the horses are at Big Valley Ranch which is on Flynn Drv in Wanneroo. There’s a big sign so you cant miss it, pretty sure it’s the first driveway on the left as you get onto Flynn off Wanneroo Rd
BIG VALLEY HORSES - Wanneroo
All animals under $1000, prices negotiable. Mixed breeds, have Appaloosa, Clydesdale and Arab blood. Possibly others as well. NONE (except perhaps the 3 adult & broken in horses) are registered nor registerable and we very stongly advise that these horses are NOT taken for breeding purposes as they will make LOVELY pets but are not breeding quality and as stated, cannot be registered.
They are however strong, hardy and good doers.Ages range from foals to 15yo... handling varies from fully broken adults to unhandled horses.Cash only and horses will be available to view TOMORROW between 10am and lunch time. And this is the ONE AND ONLY time they will be offered for sale.
There are:1 Grey gelding, approx 14.2hh broken in and nice natured, about 12yo1 Grey gelding, approx 14.2hh NOT broken but halter trained, bout 12yo3 chestnut & white paint colts, weanlings and will mature around the 14 – 15hh mark all unhandled13 Bay horses, mares and geldings, all unhandled, mixed heights and from weanlings to 12yo1 black weanling colt, mature approx 14 – 15hh, unhandledThere are also a couple of buckskin foals not yet weaned, they must be sold with their mothers as a package dealMany mares MIGHT be in foal (as they run in a brumby-like herd) again and the other big thing is that she can only keep the horses in until Monday evening – then she has to let them go again so anything not paid for and collected by Monday won’t be able to go. The sale is this weekend only, horses are ONLY able to be viewed between 10am and 12pm tomorrow.
Just a small window of opportunity but this is much better than not being able to help any horses at all!
With any luck somebody tomorrow will get photos for me. I can't go... I'll be dealing with the other mares!!
First up I changed Romeo's bandages. (For those who don't know, last Saturday I came down to the stables to find he'd gone through a solid post and rail fence and torn his leg open to the tendon) He's much more co-operative about it now, so I am able to do it alone without the need for somebody to hold him. Still a tricky job, anyone who knows will sympathise with the 'need-for-eight-hands' feeling when you're trying to juggle bandages, padding, gauze, dressing for the wound, the tape to go over it and the horse itself all at once!
Then I went off to see Shelley McCaw with the intention to do facial readings for all the horses on her place. Well, I got time to do one and then was suddenly drawn into negotiations via third party for the life of the skinny mare in yesterday's blog. Then I was able to speak to her owner in person and after a little while she finally agreed to surrender this mare and one of her others into SC's care. HOORAY!
So I spent good part of the rest of the day organising to go there tomorrow with the paperwork and feed (and thanks to a couple of helpers, somebody to try and trim those poor feet!!) and to do a full assessment.
And then lo and behold I decided to touch base with another horse owner whom we'd been involved with over a severe neglect case in July 07. Turned out she was planning to sell majority of her horses and so I sent out notifications to everyone I could possibly think of to help find buyers for these animals.
For anyone interested who may read this before lunch time tomorrow, the message went like so:
OK the horses are at Big Valley Ranch which is on Flynn Drv in Wanneroo. There’s a big sign so you cant miss it, pretty sure it’s the first driveway on the left as you get onto Flynn off Wanneroo Rd
BIG VALLEY HORSES - Wanneroo
All animals under $1000, prices negotiable. Mixed breeds, have Appaloosa, Clydesdale and Arab blood. Possibly others as well. NONE (except perhaps the 3 adult & broken in horses) are registered nor registerable and we very stongly advise that these horses are NOT taken for breeding purposes as they will make LOVELY pets but are not breeding quality and as stated, cannot be registered.
They are however strong, hardy and good doers.Ages range from foals to 15yo... handling varies from fully broken adults to unhandled horses.Cash only and horses will be available to view TOMORROW between 10am and lunch time. And this is the ONE AND ONLY time they will be offered for sale.
There are:1 Grey gelding, approx 14.2hh broken in and nice natured, about 12yo1 Grey gelding, approx 14.2hh NOT broken but halter trained, bout 12yo3 chestnut & white paint colts, weanlings and will mature around the 14 – 15hh mark all unhandled13 Bay horses, mares and geldings, all unhandled, mixed heights and from weanlings to 12yo1 black weanling colt, mature approx 14 – 15hh, unhandledThere are also a couple of buckskin foals not yet weaned, they must be sold with their mothers as a package dealMany mares MIGHT be in foal (as they run in a brumby-like herd) again and the other big thing is that she can only keep the horses in until Monday evening – then she has to let them go again so anything not paid for and collected by Monday won’t be able to go. The sale is this weekend only, horses are ONLY able to be viewed between 10am and 12pm tomorrow.
Just a small window of opportunity but this is much better than not being able to help any horses at all!
With any luck somebody tomorrow will get photos for me. I can't go... I'll be dealing with the other mares!!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Argh gees effin' goodness!!
I simply cannot believe people sometimes!
I was called out to be asked advice on what to do about some horses whos owner had not paid their agistment for some months and the horses were looking a bit off. Found this girl with a 4 month old foal at foot. A bit off? You've got to be kidding me!!
This is neglect to a high extent! This horse is JUST 12 YEARS OLD!
Im no expert but even I could feel the razor edges and hooks on the poor things teeth.
We are working exceptionally hard to save at the mare and with any luck we will be able to.
... this is severe neglect. Unforgivable and unacceptable.
I was called out to be asked advice on what to do about some horses whos owner had not paid their agistment for some months and the horses were looking a bit off. Found this girl with a 4 month old foal at foot. A bit off? You've got to be kidding me!!
This is neglect to a high extent! This horse is JUST 12 YEARS OLD!
Im no expert but even I could feel the razor edges and hooks on the poor things teeth.
We are working exceptionally hard to save at the mare and with any luck we will be able to.
... this is severe neglect. Unforgivable and unacceptable.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Gee I love Standardbreds!
Yesterday (Friday) I went out to see and take some bits and bobs out for two of our rescues, Oscar and Nemo. I can't get over how quickly they've come good for us - very resiliant horses.
When I went to catch Oscar to stand him up for a photo he decided he didn't want to be caught and nicked off. After a couple of minutes he decided to give in and stand up for me. Took the photos and let him go again. He had this expression on his face... "Oh, is that all you wanted?"
But man I get SUCH a good vibe about that horse. I can't explain it but I just know he's going to make somebody very happy and will be somebody's best mate. He's very well put together for a Stb - I'm not particularly fond of how his croup slopes but heck he's a nice type - good bone, good feet, good teeth and strong. I just can't wait to bring him in for work. For some reason I am so excited to have the prospect of riding him... I am more enthusiastic about him than most of the others. (Except Viento, have a special place in my heart for that one).
But he really reminded me how much I love Stbs!
Nemo is a darling, he's also going to make somebody happy as he's such an absolute sweetheart.
Here's some photos for you all:
Oscar -
Nemo -
So different to when they first came! See their pages on our website for 'before' pics. www.schrar.org
When I went to catch Oscar to stand him up for a photo he decided he didn't want to be caught and nicked off. After a couple of minutes he decided to give in and stand up for me. Took the photos and let him go again. He had this expression on his face... "Oh, is that all you wanted?"
But man I get SUCH a good vibe about that horse. I can't explain it but I just know he's going to make somebody very happy and will be somebody's best mate. He's very well put together for a Stb - I'm not particularly fond of how his croup slopes but heck he's a nice type - good bone, good feet, good teeth and strong. I just can't wait to bring him in for work. For some reason I am so excited to have the prospect of riding him... I am more enthusiastic about him than most of the others. (Except Viento, have a special place in my heart for that one).
But he really reminded me how much I love Stbs!
Nemo is a darling, he's also going to make somebody happy as he's such an absolute sweetheart.
Here's some photos for you all:
Oscar -
Nemo -
So different to when they first came! See their pages on our website for 'before' pics. www.schrar.org
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
All systems go!
Well hasn't the year begun busily! I have a feeling this is a sign of times to come. I have had four 'at risk' horses reported to me, one I've actually seen so far and another three. One is even a retired RDA horse - the story goes that the current person responsible for its care is being paid $100 for its needs... however the money is not being used for the horse which is going without feed other than its grazing, is kept in a fairly green but small paddock with poor fencing and was rugged in full winter doona LAST WEEK when it was stinking hot!
We're doing some research to find the legal owners to get this situation sorted as soon as possible and sadly we don't have a lot to go on but we are working on it and with any luck will have a result soon for the poor creature.
Today the current President of Horse Rescue Australia came to visit and touch base with us. It was great to meet somebody from the org which is based outside of Sydney. They have 200 odd acres they opperate from and he tells me they've arrived at the property to begin their chores to find horses tethered to their front gate with a note attached "Please look after this horse". Another thing SC can expect once we have an actual base of operations I expect. Sad old world, isn't it?
Another busy day tomorrow, shuffling horses backwards and forwards getting the dental appointments sorted for the newer ones. Will be great to get their age estimated by a pro and I am certain they'll pick up beautifully once this is done.
We're doing some research to find the legal owners to get this situation sorted as soon as possible and sadly we don't have a lot to go on but we are working on it and with any luck will have a result soon for the poor creature.
Today the current President of Horse Rescue Australia came to visit and touch base with us. It was great to meet somebody from the org which is based outside of Sydney. They have 200 odd acres they opperate from and he tells me they've arrived at the property to begin their chores to find horses tethered to their front gate with a note attached "Please look after this horse". Another thing SC can expect once we have an actual base of operations I expect. Sad old world, isn't it?
Another busy day tomorrow, shuffling horses backwards and forwards getting the dental appointments sorted for the newer ones. Will be great to get their age estimated by a pro and I am certain they'll pick up beautifully once this is done.
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