Blind Love Horse Cart June Update - Care and Kindness for Horses Far and Wide
June was filled with many activities for Blind Love, with lots of care for working horses and other exciting developments! Throughout the month, the team held outreaches on several dates: 1st, 2nd, 15th, 17th and the 29th.
During the outreaches, a total of 37 deserving horses received compassionate care to improve their lives. Each horse got a thorough check-up, with minor injuries and wounds cleaned and treated.
Blind Love ensured the horses were free of ticks and flies, and dewormed them if necessary. Additionally, their hooves were inspected, cleaned, and trimmed as needed, keeping them comfortable and surefooted.
No more bridle and blinker blues! Thank you to Blind Love for making the lives of working horses more comfortable and safe. The horse was happy munching on yummy carrots!
The team checked and, whenever possible, replaced harnesses and tack. Owners were given invaluable advice on maintaining their horses' equipment, including padding areas that could rub and cause sores, keeping harnesses clean for their comfort, and washing them daily.
Blind Love emphasised to owners the importance of avoiding harmful materials like wire and knotted rope, which can inflict painful wounds.
Blind Love's Director, Philippa, made the long 600 km journey to Thaba'Nchu to help horses in need.
Philippa attended the outreach held on the 17th and brought along 18 humane harnesses and a box of essential medications for owners and their horses. This included wound cleaners, sprays, ointments, fly spray, tick grease, and dewormers – everything needed to keep the horses healthy and safe.
RADIO STATION ‘LESEDI FM’ TALKS ABOUT BETTER CARE FOR HORSES
The outreach held on the 1st of June was joined by local radio station Lesedi FM. They attended the cart horse rank, interviewing owners about the Blind Love program. The overwhelming sentiment was one of deep gratitude for Animal Aid Abroad's support.
These cart horse owners are some of the most impoverished people in South Africa, and Blind Love's program provides them with important resources to improve their horses' lives.
SOS CALL TO HELP A HORSE IN TROUBLE
During the last week of the month, a desperate call came in from a horse owner in Thaba'Nchu. Their horse was suffering from impaction colic. A young CCS vet from the State veterinary clinic immediately visited to help. He treated the horse, and even made a follow-up visit the next day. We’re glad to report that the horse made a full recovery!
NEW WHEELS TO REACH EVEN MORE HORSES
The good news continues as we're thrilled to share an exciting development. The Agripreneur Team responsible for the monthly outreaches managed to save up and purchase a small second-hand vehicle.
This means they can now reach even more horses in need!
Previously, these outlying rural villages were only accessible when someone with a vehicle was available.
Outreach in the rural village of Gladstone!
The people in Gladstone, who often have absolutely no access to veterinary care, are now incredibly grateful to have been visited by the Blind Love team. Horses here now have treatment when they are sick, injured or need compassionate care - having a significant impact on their health and well-being.
With our supporters' help, the month of June was filled with compassion, dedication and positive change to the lives of working horses in South Africa.
Along with Blind Love, we are incredibly thankful for the continued support that allows programs like these to make a real difference.
Stay tuned for more updates on Blind Love and their mission of kindness for animals!
