The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust needs your old gear!
By Hilary Scott
General news
05 August 2009 09:24
A charity working to relieve the suffering of working horses and donkeys in one the smallest and poorest countries in Africa needs the help of horse owners in this country.
The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust was set up with the aim of reducing rural poverty in The Gambia, by increasing the productivity of working horses and donkeys through animal welfare and education.
Horses were introduced to Gambia 30 years ago, and are essential to the peasant farmers. But lack of knowledge leads to terrible suffering for the animals with inadequate food and ill-fitting harness and tack.
Set up by the late Stella Marsden, who ran the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Trust in The Gambia, and her sister Heather Armstrong, the trust aims to educate farmers, and provide veterinary help and specialist training farriery and harness making.
Patrons include TTouch’s Sarah Fisher, and international eventer Pippa Funnell. But the charity only survives on support from ordinary riders and horse lovers in the UK, who raise money and donate tack.
So next time you decide your horse can’t live without a new bridle or bit, or other piece of ‘essential’ tack – why not remember the horses and donkeys in The Gambia and donate your old (clean and safe) tack to the charity?
Or why not organise a fund-raising event or sponsored ride for the charity? Every penny is used to improve the lives of these equines, without whom whole communities would starve.
One person who has seen first hand the effect the trust has is Vicki Miller, who goes out once a year to run a “community” show.
“This is a great way of getting the local communities involved and improving education on equine welfare. We get to treat the sick and overworked animals and offer their owners advice while praising the ones who are doing a great job in a harsh environment,” she says.
“It’s so hot out there that goodness only knows how man or animal can work in it but each time I go things are gradually improving – this small charity is making a massive difference to both animal welfare and also the people involved with the animals in making their lives more productive.”
At the show, which is attended by owners with their horses and donkeys from miles around, the charity’s staff, aided by keen Gambian veterinary students, talk to owners about caring for their animals, and swop harsh Sengalese bits and rope harness with kinder European headcollars and snaffles.
Our advice is welcomed by owners,” Vicki says. “Many have never looked inside their animal’s mouth to see the damage caused by these devices. We talk of the 500% increase in productivity of a healthy animal and discuss their needs and provide advice. They visit the trained farriers on site for much needed foot trimming, as well as getting help and advice from the vet and her helpers who work hard all day long, often with the most limited amount of supplies.
“At the end of the day, hundreds of animals left the site proudly wearing their rosettes, new head collars and bits, with comfortable feet and teeth, wormed, treated and ready to go back to work.”
The charity is in urgent need of small and cob sized headcollars, 3in to 5 inch snaffle bits,
wormers, bandages and veterinary supplies.
And of course,” Vicki says, we need money –every penny really does help, you can donate on line and sponsor animals at www.gambiahorseanddonkey.org.uk
For further info, or to donate useful items please contact Vicky on 07887 528 466 vickia52@hotmail.com who will arrange collection. If there are only a small amount of goods, they can be sent directly to The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust, Brewery arms Cottage, Stane Street, Ockley, Surrey, RH5 5TH.
For more information have a look at the website www.gambiahorseanddonkey.org.uk