Willow and Esmeralda:
Willow arrived as an emaciated 15.hh grey mare of around 10 years old, supposedly in foal, and confiscated by Gardai on veterinary advice on the 4th December 2007. She had been kept out during a bad winter on pure bog land with a skeletal mahogany bay filly and two other mares; a chestnut and a dark bay. There was no sign of feeding.
The filly was removed before the Gardai were able to attend the scene.
Willow’s hooves were overgrown and badly split to the coronary band on all four. She also had lice and worms and was extremely hungry. Prosecution pending.
ESMERALDA
A 26 year old donkey mare relinquished by her 91 year old owner who was no longer able to look after her. A quiet, sweet natured, little girl but with grossly over shortened front hooves so she walks on ballet points.
Her heels were dropped by the farrier but they will take time to grow out to proper proportions: we can only hope no damage has been done.
She had never been kept with other donkeys but was devoted to her collie bitch friend, Beauty, who was also rehomed. She made friends with Penny Biscuit as they both need to be on deep straw and has since become a gregarious little soul who is always in the heart of whatever is happening.
