As winter approaches thoughts turn to rugs and what arrangements should be made for haying and hard feeding the ponies as they move to their winter quarters.

The very old need special care as they may be lacking teeth and requiring constant attention to ensure that they are able to take in enough suitable food. This autumn has been exceptionally dry resulting in an absence of water in our stream where the horses normally drink. The drought is as bad if not worse than 1976 and here at the Centre we have had to move the animals round to facilitate use of the many springs and the remnants of any water left in parts of the stream.

Of course the knock-on effect of lack of water is lack of grass. Normally September is a flush month when the rains, coupled with the summer warmth cause a late swathe of lush green grass. Not so this year and we have been feeding hay since the end of September.

Fortunately the summer haymaking season was excellent and apart from the acres we made ourselves we also have to thank the many kind supporters who donated so much to us. Sadly some kind offers of hay were too far away for us to be able to collect but thank you for the generous consideration. Even when the rains arrive the chill will not induce a late growth of grass so the hay feeding will continue where normally it wouldn’t have started until after Christmas. Many horse owners who are also feeding hay early will be hoping for an early spring in case their stores don’t last.

Our Field Officers are busy visiting horses known to be at risk much earlier this year as we suspect they will be left to starve long before the depths of winter. Excuses will ring weak amidst a glut of cheap hay. How we wish that owners who cannot be bothered to care for their animals would re-home them early thus saving us so much worry and work.

One bit of good news is that a serial offender who falls into the category of “elderly breeder syndrome” has finally gone out of business. This person has been abusing equines for over 20 years. The years of agony and heartache affect, not only the equines, but also all those wonderful people who have intervened and gone out of their way to do something to stop it. Tragically the breeder/dealer was able to carry on using the same old trick of saying that the animals belonged to another member of the family. This loophole in the law must be sewn up to create a watertight ban that can be effectively monitored.

Gillian and John have been kept busy washing and repairing rugs due to the remarkable donations received. Washed and mended they have been flying off the shelves to canny horse owners who know where to find a good deal. With our little shop brimming with everything for horse and rider coupled with sound advice and a friendly welcome there are many folk who now come a great distance. We also offer a mobile service to fit both you and your horse with a complete set of equipment.

If you are able to donate some tack, rugs or other gear don’t be put off with distance as we can often arrange a collection, however we would prefer to meet you if you could visit the Centre.

We have started opening on Saturdays, 12-3pm; bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

We have many urgent requests for rehoming horses/ponies additionally to the ones recently arrived so if you are able to offer a permanent home give us a ring now. Tel: 01424 892381