An equine charity left in desperate need following serious flooding has launched appeal for public support.

Woodfield Animal Sanctuary in Swansea, Wales, experienced persistent heavy downpours which resulted in one of their shelters being flooded.

The large shelter is used for the charity’s cows and larger cobs within a 10 acre field, and has been rendered unusable due to the damage that was caused by the water.

They are now raising funds to build a new shelter and replace the ruined forage and bedding.

“In the nine years since we moved to South Wales, we have never had any problems with flooding until now,” charity owner Robbie Bartington told Your Horse.

“We dig out all our field shelters in the late autumn, then fill them with fresh, deep straw, putting in new bales of haylage, every few days. With the flooded shelter, we usually put in around six big bales of haylage a week during the winter, as it provides shelter to so many big animals.

“As soon as we put in the straw and haylage, the rain started and for two months now it just has not stopped at all.”

Robbie explained that now the larger cobs are in the main yard and the cows are in a horse shelter.

“We are really struggling now, because with over 70 rescued ponies, we have always provided a roof over all their heads during the winter months,” she said. “We will have to try to buy a second hand shelter and get a handy man or carpenter to put it up on dry land.”

To find out more and to support the appeal, click here


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