The world’s oldest equine charity, The Horse Trust, welcomed a trio of donkeys to its sanctuary in the Chilterns over the festive period.
Milly, who’s 16, her mother Molly, who’s 20, and Gus, who’s 17, were rehomed after their previous owner was no longer able to provide the specialist care and support they required. At the request of The Donkey Sanctuary, The Horse Trust stepped in to offer them a lifelong home.
On arrival, each of the donkeys was carrying excess weight while Molly also required immediate veterinary and farriery attention due to significantly overgrown hooves. She will continue to receive specialist hoof care as part of her rehabilitation.
While The Horse Trust is more well-known for providing retirement and respite for horses who have served our country or protected our communities, it is in the process of actively expanding its donkey-specific care. The charity has invested in enhanced donkey paddocks, enrichment activities and facilities.
“We’re so pleased to welcome Milly, Molly and Gus to The Horse Trust as we grow our specialist donkey care,” said ceo Jeanette Allen.
“Donkeys have very particular needs, and it’s a real privilege to give them the expert, lifelong care they deserve. Seeing them settle in so quickly has been lovely and their arrival highlights just how important public support is in helping us continue this work.”
New friends
Milly, Molly and Gus are not the charity’s first donkey residents, Briar, Henry and Troy each lived to be over 40 years old and become some of the charity’s longest serving residents. Mother and daughter donkey duo, Lola and Nora, also reside at the Horse Trust’s base between High Wycombe and Aylesbury after being rescued from the Spindles Farm cruelty case.
Lola and Nora are now sharing their enclosure with the three new arrivals. Gus, whose exuberant personality is beginning to show, has particularly enjoyed meeting them and continues to embrace sanctuary life with real enthusiasm.
Visitors will be able to meet Milly, Molly and Gus once The Horse Trust reopens its gates to the public on Thursday 5th February. From then, the charity will open its gates to visitors every Thursday to Sunday from 1–4pm. It will also be open on bank holidays and Wednesdays during the school holidays.
Top two images © The Horse Trust, bottom image © Christine Dunnington photography.
