March 2007

The recent upgrade to the ramp & safety area in front of the chalet.

Work in progress.

This week started with a visit on Monday from the vet for an annual dental check for all the horses. Their ages range from 12 year old Marmite to 25 - 28 year old Charlie Brown.
They all needed their teeth to be rasped to smooth off any rough edges that have developed during the last year.

It is incredible how trusting and tolerant these horses are for a procedure that sets most people's teeth on edge! Very little restraint is needed, though they each did manage some remarkable contortions as they backed themselves into a corner of their box! With a gag to keep his mouth open I was invited to put my hand into Felix's mouth to check his teeth when the vet had finished.

Charlie Brown's teeth have lost most of the enamel and the front incisors are well worn, but the vet complimented Wally on the excellent condition of all the horses, especially Charlie Brown - a worthy testament to the way that Wally looks after these horses.

Once Marmite was finished having his teeth done Denise was able to take him into the yard to instruct two new volunteer helpers, Angela and Amanda, in preparing and harnessing him up to go out for exercise in the four wheeler cart.

We were dogged by more wet weather until Thursday when we managed to get Marmite and Maggie out in the carts. We are very limited in tracks to use due to the prevailing wet ground conditions.

On Friday the riding group managed to get some riding in the morning which was a blessing.
However, everyone was saddened to learn that Margaret Newell died peacefully in Poole Hospital that afternoon. Margaret will be sorely missed and our hearts and prayers go out to John and their family.