Equine Charities Pull Together to Save Mules and Ponies Left on Wintry Hillside in Rural Wales
By Animals Correspondent
Just a few days before Christmas, The Donkey Sanctuary led several organisations in the rescue of six mules and two ponies, who were living on an exposed hillside in rural south Wales.
Responding to a request for operational support from the Lluest Horse and Pony Trust in Carmarthenshire, The Donkey Sanctuary was able to call on fellow National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) members, to provide urgent assistance to move the equines to safety following the death of their owner.
A team of nine from The Donkey Sanctuary, including Donkey Welfare Advisers, a vet, lorry driver and donkey care staff, alongside staff from Lluest, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary and a vet from Redwings, worked together on the day to ensure a positive outcome for the equines.
To help confine the equines and allow the teams to work safely, specialist handling pens were needed.
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary brought one set to the site, and though not able to attend themselves, World Horse Welfare provided a second set without which the rescue would have been much more challenging.
The six unhandled mules, a Shetland stallion and a pony mare were living on an exposed hillside with very little shelter from the elements.
One mule in particular had severely overgrown hooves and required urgent veterinary assessment and specialist farriery care.
As a result of a successful operation, all eight equines were safely transported to the Lluest Horse and Pony Trust, where they are now receiving the care, shelter and attention they so desperately needed.
Hannah Bryer, Head of Welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary and a Director of NEWC (National Equine Welfare Council), said:
“This was a complex operation in challenging conditions, but thanks to the collective teamwork, experience and compassion of several organisations, the mules and ponies will now benefit from immediate care, veterinary and behaviour support at Lluest. In the longer term, The Donkey Sanctuary will continue to offer advice and support during the rehabilitation of the mules”
“This is a brilliant example of working together, sharing resources and expertise to ensure a positive outcome. Being able to call on fellow NEWC members is instrumental in allowing us to reach equines in urgent need of help.”
Dionne Schuurman, Equine Manager at Lluest Horse and Pony Trust, said:
“These mules and ponies were living in extremely exposed conditions at one of the harshest times of year, with no one able to meet their ongoing welfare needs. Getting them to safety while causing minimal stress was critical.
“We’re incredibly grateful to The Donkey Sanctuary and our fellow welfare partners for their professionalism, compassion, and teamwork. Thanks to this joint effort, all eight equines are now safe, sheltered, and beginning the careful process of assessment and rehabilitation.”
