Blind Love Cart Horse Oct Update - Treating a Rare Girth Gall Among 75 Horses in Thaba'Nchu

Our project partner, Blind Love is dedicated to creating a kinder, better world for animals, one outreach at a time. 

Each horse we help serves as a reminder of our shared vision and collective mission to reduce suffering and improve the lives of working animals who often go unnoticed.

This important work is possible because of AAA supporters. Thanks to donations, the team can continue running outreach programs that provide care, medical treatment and education to horse owners.

Outreach

It was another busy month for Blind Love, with outreach events held on:

7th Sept, 12th Sept, 14th Sept, 24th Sept, 28th Sept, 30th Sept

All outreaches this month took place at the horse rank in the centre of town, with a total of 75 horses in attendance. The team thought they’d share some of their names: Nice, Hunter, Trouble, Jeanette, Government, Robert, Covid, Mutton, Beyoncé, Magnet, Joy, Girlfriend and Force, just to name a few!

At each outreach, the horses’ and owners’ details were recorded. The horses were treated for internal parasites such as ticks, flies and worms. Fortunately, during the winter months, ticks and flies are less prevalent. Minor injuries were cleaned and treated, and owners were given advice on proper care. A number of saddle sores were treated, mostly caused when horses are stolen or used over the weekends without the owners' permission and ridden long distances. These injuries were not related to the harnesses or pulling their carts.

Treating Rare Girth Gall

One horse presented with a particularly severe girth gall, likely caused by pulling a single cart, a condition rarely seen in their usual cases. A girth gall is a sore that develops where the girth rubs against the horse's skin, often resulting from friction from poorly fitting tack. The wound was carefully cleaned and treated with F10 wound ointment, known for its effectiveness in promoting healing and preventing infection.

The veterinary team took the time to educate the owner on the importance of keeping the area clean and dry to facilitate recovery. They also advised resting the horse as much as possible until the wound healed, emphasising the need for proper care to avoid complications and ensure a full recovery. 

Farrier

The team is excited to have made contact with a man in his 50s from Thaba’Nchu, who has been semi-retired. Many years ago, he trained and worked as a farrier in Bloemfontein. He is a well-known and respected figure in the community and the cart horse owners refer to him as Ntate 7!

At the outreaches on the 24th and 28th, all horses also had their hooves trimmed and shoes fitted, while the usual outreach activities continued. The team also checked harnesses and tack, made adjustments and offered advice on proper fitting and maintenance. Bright yellow humane harnesses were distributed to the horse owners as well.

The horses are looking a bit rough and skinny as they come out of winter and Blind Love has already started receiving photos of foals being born. The Agripreneur Team will be monitoring the foals' progress.

Blind Love extends their heartfelt thanks to the AAA team and supporters, allowing them to dedicate care to animals through their outreach programs. Their efforts have been instrumental in treating wounds, easing suffering and improving the lives and welfare of working horses.