Friendicoes Equine Program Oct Update - Bringing Relief in Kedarnath and Building a Kinder Future
The Friendicoes team is doing remarkable work to provide much-needed medical care and support to horses, ponies, and mules across various regions in India. The animals, particularly those involved in pilgrimages such as the Kedarnath trek, endure significant physical challenges due to the harsh conditions they face.
The compassion and skill of the Friendicoes team are there, working to support animals and offer them relief and healing.
The Kedarnath Pilgrimage is a gruelling trek for both people and animals alike. For horses, ponies, and mules, the steep and rocky terrain, long hours of walking and often inadequate rest take a heavy toll on their health.
The physical demands placed on the animals lead to a range of serious health issues. From colic and saddle sores to lameness and respiratory infections, the animals face relentless challenges that require urgent medical attention.
At Kedarnath, the Friendicoes team has been working to address these health issues. Colic, for example, remains a persistent problem despite improvements in water availability along the trek.
The team has treated countless cases of gas colic, providing pain relief and using stomach tubes to relieve discomfort, made possible by the generous support of our wonderful donors. In addition, they have conducted educational workshops with equine owners, teaching them how to prevent colic and manage it during the trek.
One of the most common problems seen during the pilgrimage is saddle sores. Over 300 animals have been treated for painful sores caused by poor padding, loose saddlery, and the challenging hill tracks. These sores, often accompanied by other injuries such as tail wounds and chest friction wounds, are cleaned, treated with antiseptics, and dressed by the team.
Painkillers and antibiotics are also provided to help the animals recover.
Lameness, often caused by hoof punctures from the sharp rocks along the trek, is another major issue. Friendicoes has treated countless cases, providing pain relief, tetanus vaccines, and supervising the shoeing of the animals where possible. Each animal undergoes a veterinary check that includes a special focus on hoof care to prevent further injuries.
In addition to treating these immediate issues, the Friendicoes team also works on preventative measures. Deworming has been conducted for nearly 2,500 mules and nutritional supplements are provided to weaker animals to help them regain their strength.
Owners are given hoof picks and taught how to clean their animals' hooves after work, helping to prevent future injuries.
Muzzle Distribution
To further protect the animals on the trek, the Friendicoes team has also distributed muzzles to prevent the horses and mules from eating garbage or plastic bags along the route, which is a major cause of colic and bowel impaction.
By educating the owners and providing these muzzles, they are helping to reduce the risk of serious digestive issues during the journey.
Friendicoes team educating owners on equine care
Rescue
Friendicoes' work extends beyond the Kedarnath Pilgrimage. They have rescued horses, mules, and ponies from various situations of neglect, providing them with the care they need to recover. These animals, once abandoned or overworked, now have a chance at a better life, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the team.
2 horses rescued from a riding school. Old aged, arthritic hence retired. Rescued and brought to gurgaon shelter.
Abandoned mule rescued from DLF, Gurgaon and brought to Gurgaon shelter.
Abandoned pony rescued from Nizamudin. Found in a shocking condition of debilitation, dehydration and neglect.
Pony given treatment and care, now doing well at the Gurgaon Shelter! ❤️
Paravets
The Friendicoes paravets provide critical medical care and support for horses, ponies and mules across various regions.
Field Paravet- Sakir Employed in Kedarnath camp / Field Paravet-Nabab - helped 85 animals.
Field Paravet- Salman: Employed in Kedarnath camp
Field Paravet- Jaheer: Helped 110 animals / Field Paravet- OM: Employed in Kedarnath camp
The Friendicoes team’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of the animals is truly inspiring. Through their hands-on care, educational outreach and collaboration with project partners, they are improving the lives of working animals in India.