Testimonials| Testimonials |
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| Sunday, 01 February 2009 18:31 |
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Hi Debs I was looking for a nice hairy cob to drive when I found your site. I don't even remember where I saw it, there was nothing to be rehomed that I could use for driving, and being unknown horses you know you are taking a chance that it might even have to be put to sleep tomorrow. These poor equines at some point in their lives trusted a human to love and care for them. They had their trust abused, this is why I couldn't turn my back on them. I knew I had to save something whether I could make use of it myself or loan it out. All I knew was that it would not be mishandled ever again. I looked through the site and being a big lady I looked at the Normandy cobs. But I found everytime I looked through I kept turning back to one particular picture. I had never before looked after a foal from such a young age and didn't know if I was experienced enough to do it. Two weeks later and I was the proud owner of a Selle Francais Mare and foal, I looked up about the breed to find out what kind of temperament I would be working with. Sleepless nights full of exitement and dred and then suddenly they were off the lorry and into the field.Well it was love at first sight. She was so stunning and the little chap so lively and cheeky I couldn't help but fall in love with them. I am astounded as to how these stunning equines ended up on a fat farm in France to do a terrifying 3 day journey to their death!!! I still find it hard to believe. Although Missy is still nervous of me and especially strangers, she has improved everyday and now whinnys and looks forward to me coming to the field. It's probably just the feed bucket, but even so it still makes me smile when she does it. I fall in love with her again and again everyday and when she lets me get just that little bit closer I feel so proud of her. I sometimes wonder who saved who!! I would definately do it again and I will when I'm in a position to. She's a stunner and will definately be winning some rossettes. I have no regrets, i'm just looking forward to seeing her trust develop over time. And I couldn't have done it with your help Debs, you are a credit to ES and have helped saved so many. And without Robert she would not have arrived so calm and unworried. Lisa Hi Deb, This is my third rescue - the first one was fostered out. The second I helped another member to save and the third I took on myself. Bijou came with a lot of emotional baggage, but wouldn't you. Some of the equines have not had an easy life, and bring all their insecurities with them. Its nearly 2 months since my Bijou came to me and its definitely been a learning curb for both of us. Now he's settle in well in his field with a few pals - the change in him is remarkable. Gone is the frightened to be alone little lad, to relaxed content cheeky fellow. I thank Deb and ES for working soley to stop these poor equines going through appalling conditions to reach a horrendous death in Italy. It has been well worth the time and effort to see Bijou coming into his own, an intelligent handsome (when he stays clean) horse that could go far. Yes, we don't know what we are getting until they come off the wagon, its a chance we take and we accept this, but its an achievement to see them turn round into happy - glad to be alive equines. Yes, I would do another rescue again and again, and I hope more and more people do come forward and support our cause to STOP live transportation and to give these equine safe and secure homes here in the British Isles. xx hi deb, i am more than happy with my rescue, i am so proud to have such a beautiful horse even though she costs me a fortune to have her feet done because they have to put her to sleep to do them lol. My farrier and vet tell me i am mad and other horsey people i know ask why on earth i have her, but i cant wait to show them all the horse she will become one day. I would not change a thing about my rescue, she is beautiful, intelligent and loving when she is not having her chestnut mare moments! i think that you are doing a fantastic job and without you i would not of known Romana and she would never of had the chance to be her true self. So thankyou so much i am saving towards my next rescue, thats how pleased i am i am willing to do it all again xx Hello Debbie I would like to say a few words about the donkeys I have acquired through ES. With your help from start to finish, it was extremely easy to arrange the transport and payment for the animals. On arrival at our donkey sanctuary, in three different lots, they were found to be in very bad condition being infested with lice, ticks and worms. All needed attention from the farrier and many hours of attention and TLC were put in to bring these donkeys to their present state of health. The cost was large but every penny and every minute spent was well worth it and we are working towards doing it again. Can I thank you from the bottom of my heart and from everyone else involved at our sanctuary for making this happen. The public response to what we have done has been very supportive. We now have 5 happy, healthy donkeys who all appear to have settled well in their new home. They come to call, adore being pampered and petted and can look forward to many years of security in our charge. What you are doing is a credit to you. We are only scratching at the surface of the problem of these poor neglected animals in France but those of us who have brought animals to the UK can say that at least our new charges will not suffer the same fate as those left behind. It is all down to you and ES. Thank you again, Debbie. Helen Morrison Administrator Scottish Borders Donkey Sanctuary A charity registered in Scotland Scottish Charity No SC034634 Dear Debbie Just to thank you for your help in enabling us to bring Vodka donkey to the UK. She is a very tall, gangly, giraffe of a donkey, with a totally sweet gentle nature. She was in poor condition on arrival, feet long, very very skinny, lice ridden, but now with a few months' feeding, she is looking almost back to normal. At first, she was very aggressive about her food but given she was half starved who could blame her - she now understands that there is plenty to go around and that she doesn't need to worry about fighting for her dinner. She is going to fill out into a very big donkey, about 13hh. She is very much a baby, very youthful and innocent - she really does tug at the heart strings with her huge ears, sad eyes peeping out beneath her long fringe, she has a beautiful face and expression. At first, she was very submissive, very scared, but she is now showing much more cheekiness and personality. No rebellion as yet, just taking more interest in things. She is good to rug, groom, pick up her feet (found it hard standing on three legs at first) and is very pleasant to work with. Yesterday she nuzzled my neck as I was doing up the straps on her rug - she is showing her affection and appreciation more openly now and coming out of her shell bit by bit - she is even showing leadership, taking charge of the others in the field, wandering off on her own, exploring quite happily. I think she must have been kept very much as an agricultural beast with no attention paid to her as she was at first totally disinterested in people but now she whinnies and is pleased to see you. I have just watched her having a good roll in the field, happy and content - it is so rewarding having her here and knowing that she is safe from harm. She really hasn't put a hoof wrong since arrival - even the things she didn't understand or like (and she obviously hadn't been handled much or had any tlc), she did her best to tolerate and cooperate once she knew what you wanted. I have even managed to thread her face through a boett rug hood, which would be pretty challenging for any equine. For a rescue animal, she is extremely trusting. You would have to look far to find a nicer donkey - we both love her to bits. Louise and David Whyte Hi Deb Just to let you know that Topette (we are now calling her Hope) has arrived safe and well. She is a lovely natured horse, fit and strong with no real issues at all. We tried to keep her on her own for a little while until she settled in but she jumped a 5-bar gate to get to the rest of the horses. She is only 1 afterall and she is quite happy now she has some company. Due to her age and not being handled we were all pleasantly surprised that she will let you touch her all over, catch her, and she even picked a foot up for us. Please accept my sincere thanks for everything you have done to assist and pass on my thanks to Robert and the transporter that brought her to me. She came off the wagon without a mark on her. Regards Jan Lloyd-Neilson |
| Last Updated ( Thursday, 23 July 2009 16:28 ) |
