Ashburnham Tractor Run

Graham & Dawn White with Genevieve & Friends

Every year in the autumn there is a vintage tractor rally near the pub in Ashburnham. Enthusiasts and families from all over the area congregate to meet at this very rural event. Highlight of the morning is the tractor run over several miles on and off the road. Many of the tractors tow a cart with bales for friends and family to sit and enjoy the journey through one of the most outstanding beauty spots in Sussex .

Genevieve, daughter of our Trustees, Martyn and Angela, is seated in front. Both Graham and Dawn, both very experienced with ponies, have often stepped in to help the Charity when help was needed.

Below we also see Roger, Pat from next door with their family and friends about to set off on the grand tour. We are both fortunate and grateful to have such super neighbours as Roger has kindly donated the use of his two fields to the Charity. This has made a tremendous difference to the Charities ability to provide more care to those equines that need it most. Thank you Roger and Pat!

Roger, Pat & family with friends and doggy

Our Voice in Parliament!

Congratulations to our Chairman of Trustees, Tony Smith, who has been selected to stand as the Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bexhill and Battle Constituency in the forthcoming General Election. Our Charity is politically neutral but our Trustees have rights as UK citizens to stand or vote as they wish. The constituency covers most of the Rother & some of the Weald area

 

Update on big autumn rescue

You may remember last autumn that we had an urgent and desperate plea to rescue seven horses that were left in a very poor state. The campaign that extended into the night involved two rescue lorries and several trips as five of the animals were stallions.

Within days of arriving at the Charity and following veterinary examination it became clear that one lovely little mare was too far gone and had to be put down. Three of the stallions were able to be castrated thus providing them with a fuller life in company with others whereas previously they had been confined to a prison stable and never let out. One of the stallions, “Duke”, a beautiful black thoroughbred shown below, bravely seemed to take on a new lease of life in his recovery from his emaciated condition. Unfortunately, several weeks later, his age was not on his side and this, together with the poor condition, he didn't make it. At least we can say that having been imprisoned for the latter part of his life his final days were ended in freedom, on grass with all the care he could ever have wished for. He was sadly missed by all of us here who recognised in him both gentle majesty and great bravery.

John, Deborah and Dinty provide loving care during Dukes final days

Buying a Horse or Tack?

Can we help? Well yes, between us we have over 200 years of experience with horses; what one may not know the others do. We keep getting calls from people who have bought horses that are useless. A simple call to ask our advice would save both money, anxiety, pain and the frustration of having to give away a useless horse that you can't resell. We've lost count of how many times people have bought a saddle before buying a horse or even buying a saddle without first fitting it on the horse. We offer saddle fitting and we will also accompany you to advise buying, or not buying a horse. Just ring Dinty on 01424 892381. The horse world is full of unscrupulous dealers. Beware!

The Pensioners

A very big thank you to all our carers who look after the older members of our equine family. The kind people who give their time and money to keep these graceful old ponies going are very much appreciated by the Charity

Rita the Collector

Thank you Rita who collects & empties our collection boxes and runs our tombola stall. She also cares for a small herd of Shetlands.