In February 2008 we rescued two young Dartmoor pony colts, Sammy and Frodo, who have been running wild since May 2007, victims of neglect and ignorance. After visiting umpteen different fields and crossing many busy roads they have finally came to ‘rest’ with a large ‘matriarch’ cob that the two boys seem to regard as a mother figure. There were three colts, but one has, sadly, gone missing, we hope that someone has taken it in. It has also become apparent they are particularly frightened of men. A prosecution may be pending…..
They originated from the moors, were ‘drifted’ (rounded up) as foals, and then been sold for a few pounds at the market place. Now they are unwanted, frightened, hungry and disorientated.
This once again highlights the terrible ordeal these foals go through – separated from their mothers when they are far too young rounded up into lorries and taken to market, a few are sold, usually to end up as meat anyway and the rest are taken to the continent.
Sammy and Frodo pictured above just after being brought to safety – two very tired little chaps!
Three miniature Shetlands, Jimmy Hazelnut & Shona were originally rescued off the moors. Unfortunately the gentleman who cared for them became unwell and the ponies became very neglected. Hazelnut was in foal when ‘South West Equine Protection’ was alerted to their predicament.
SWEP removed the ponies to their care – sadly Hazelnut lost her foal and needed veterinary care, not only physically, but mentally as well – grieving for her lost foal. Jimmy had to be gelded, a risk in itself, as all the ponies are in their mid to late twenties. SWEP were unable to find a home for the ponies, as they were anxious the little trio stayed together as they have been companions all their lives. So we at the ‘Flicka Foundation’ have given them a permanent home.
They are delightful, measuring from 28” up to an ‘enormous’ 32”. Jimmy is a little character, Shona we believe may be an original foal of Hazelnut, a bit shy, but very gentle. Hazelnut is very sweet and quite affectionate.
Tom was born around 1978 a chunky little cob of 15hh. Tom was destined for the meat market.
Tom has ‘Cushing’s’ a disorder of the pituitary gland. It was once believed that ‘Cushing’s’ was a tumour of the pituitary gland, but of course this can only ever be confirmed with a post mortem, any malfunction would give the same symptoms. It causes an over production of the bodies own steroids, this shows up as clinical signs of long hairy coats that don’t shed in the summer, or laminitis that becomes chronic and difficult to control, the body has difficulty regulating temperature and the horse will drink and urinate more as diabetes can be a complication.
Tom’s condition is controlled by a drug used for humans called ‘Pergolide’ (given for ‘Parkinsons’) – he will be on these for the rest of his life.
Tom has lived with this condition since 2000, he, and we manage it very well. He is a great favourite with many of our adopters.
Bella, a little rescue pony of about 11 hh – she is famous for stopping the trains from London to Kettering as she ‘climbed’ through a fence and got herself stranded on the railway track!!!
Bella was born around about 1996, but she has suffered all her life with chronic laminitis, which at times for lengthy periods has been acute. On more than several occasions vets have thought it best to have her put to sleep. However, we heard of some pioneering treatment being done by a professor at ‘Edinburgh University’, for horses with ‘metabolic laminitis’ (Bella was tested for this condition first). After much fund raising Bella was put onto the ‘programme’ – at first we were doubtful about it’s success and at £300 per month was very costly (it is a ‘one off’ treatment for a maximum of six months). After 4 ½ months finally she has turned a corner and is improving daily…thank goodness. This picture was taken seconds after she was galloping and bucking all around the school, something she hadn’t done for almost three years. Poor Bella, destined for the continent and then suffering discomfort for so much of her short life, thankfully she is doing well and is happy now.
Rescued, ailing or elderly horses, indeed all animals, deserve to be cared for in comfort and safety whatever their needs or age. The Flicka Foundation ensures the animals in their care are looked after with affection and expertise for the rest of their lives. In a world so often cruel to animals, this Foundation is an example of kindness and concern.
Felicity Kendal CBE
Patron. The Flicka Foundation