Horses on gentle gallop to recovery
2011-09-08
Lise Beyers
TWO horses who escaped the clutches of death five months ago, are now almost unrecognisable to those who saved them. Members of the Wellington SPCA were horrified in March this year when they came across a dead horse on a farm in Tulbagh, as well as another two severely maltreated and malnourished young thoroughbreds. They were in such a bad condition that it was doubtful whether they would survive. Their bodies where also covered with sores which had been created by tar burns (tar is often incorrectly used to treat horses against tick infestations). After having been rescued by the SPCA, they were taken to the farm of well-known Wellington horse veterinarian, Jim Antrobus, and his wife Merle. They too were shocked to see the condition of the horses. They battled to walk and were literally just skin and bone.Then a long, slow process started to nurse them back to health. Once strong enough to be transported again, they were taken to Nelson’s Wine Estate in Agter Paarl where they have been going from strength to strength. The ensuing problem for the Wellington SPCA was to find committed people who were willing to gradually handle the horses and then ride them. They posted a request on Facebook for persons who would be interested in this to contact them. A total of 42 people responded, but only two teenagers were willing to commit themselves. And so Melissa Smook (14) and Lara Kruger (14), both of Paarl Girls’ High School, first started grooming and walking the horses regularly. And recently, in great anticipation, they slowly and gently saddled up the horses and climbed on their backs. Because of the trauma which the two had been through, it was feared that they would not take kindly to being ridden, but this fear was found to be unsubstantiated, as the horses were as tame as lambs with Melissa and Lara on their backs. Although the thoroughbreds have still got a way to go before they are in perfect health, they are virtually new animals compared to five months ago. Anne-lida Schlemmer of the SPCA said that they would soon be eligible for adoption. “Unfortunately, due to the trauma which they suffered together, they have become inseparable and will have to be adopted together. “We will have a stringent selection process during the adoption process. They botha have very gentle temperaments and will be perfect for young people.” Interested parties can contact the Wellington SPCA on 021 864 3726.
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