Top Favorite Blog Posts

• BERRY'S BLOG..PLEASE HELP

  • From: onthewedgeseat
  • Description:

    i think most of you have heard of me,berry the rescue pony featured in the video on the home page in april..if not,pleease have a look..also ,my secretary ,onthewedgeseat has a photo or two of me on here..lluest horse and pony trust is like most today suffering from the worldwide financial situation..if every member of VFH's could just send ONE POUND..that's right,just one pound i can't imagine what the trust could supply for the thirty or so residents if you all did, think about it please..please go to the lluest website it's on the home page adverts , and have a look at how you can all help.i am one of the lucky sixty or so out in loving loan homes. i lived through six years of hell, if it wasn't for lluest who now own me and placed me with onthewedgeseat and hardoneby,i would probably have not survived that much longer.ever been bitten  by midges ? well imagine being so bitten and being allergic to them..suffering total neglect and sweetitch in a field full of cattle..for six years..next time a gnat bites you..just think of me and what i went through and see if you can help..i'm sure you can..thank you _ LLUEST BLACKBERRY

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• Rona the Foal

  • From: voicesforhorses
  • Description:

    The photo for this group is of Rona, the first to be born at Dartmoor Pony Training Centre based in Devon.

    To read her story please go to:
    http://www.voicesforhorses.co.uk/news/read_563_A-new-foal---the-first-to-be-born-at-Dartmoor-Pony-Training-Centre.html

    To visit the DPTC web site please go to:
    http://www.dptc.org.uk./

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• DIARY OF A CARRIAGE DRIVER

  • From: onthewedgeseat
  • Description:

    SHOWS ,SHETLANDS AND PHYSCHEDELIC SOCKS

    There is another woman in my husbands life in the form of a red headed part arab yearling filly,so the show season had a slow start for me and rocky in our bid to hit the private driving scene as HER shows come first.We decided  to air the new hat at the annual barley saturday parade in cardigan.a fabulous day  ends with what can only be described as a 'charge' up the high street much to the little fat fellas delight and to that of the heaving crowds of spectators.As the leading turnout headed up the high street at a cracking pace,one shetland pony,not to be outdone did likewise.At a flat out gallop,shoes flying against the carriage,much to the delight of the crowds,i tried valiantly to control this heaving mass of ultra fit shetland.

    A championship with the 'other woman' allowed us to head for Swansea City show.New hat secured in place,we headed semi-confidently to the main ring.The realization that we were out of our class dawned on me far too late as we headed around the ring at a cracking pace  hot on the heels of a welsh cob turnout reputed to have just been purchased for the sum of £10000.Really,my job lot,including pony and hat ( bought on ebay for £2.00 + postage ) only amounted to about £495.00!!!Whatever was i thinking of ?

    To add to my now encroaching mental deterioration,I had somehow put bit to bridle on the wrong holes,not spotted until short legged black mass let go of it from between his teeth and dropped it as we entered the ring,poked his tongue over the top and waved this long pink monstrocity at the judge who looked back with a look of both horror and despair.Said judge walked past in the line up and asked me whether I knew my pony had his tongue over the bit !!!..how could i possibly have missed it,oh someone please wake me up...

    My impending mental breakdown coming ever closer,groom flew off to the bridle to correct things but by now,breakdown was well under way.We managed a show which would have qualified us for the scurry driving at HOY's   as we headed around  the ring avoiding the show jumps and just managing to keep contents of lunch down where they were supposed to be.

    I don't think I am cut out for this I told my proud hubby as we left the ring and headed back to the trailer.The hat looked good he replied !!!Then as we got the the box,a little boy who had been in the lead rein class with his pony was waiting to have the ride in the cart promised earlier.A leisurely drive around Singleton Park watching the joy on this little boys face reminded me of what it is all really about.

    On to the next show then ,we'll have another go,hats ok anyway..

    PS-Photos of show have just arrived,there showing vividly between my driving apron and my boots a pair of bright pink socks emblazoned with ?..ON THE PULL. 

  • Blog post
  • 6 months ago
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• TWAS THE BARN BEFORE CHRISTMAS

  • From: horse_lover
  • Description:

    Twas The Night Before Christmas The Barn Was A-Buzzzzz With Whinnies And Nickers 'Cause That's What Horse Does! The Legend Was Echoed Through All Of The Walls Excitement Was Mounting In All Of The Stalls! The Weanlings, In Wonder Had Heard Of The Tale As They All Gathered Round To Munch On A Bale! The Fillies, The Geldings, The Stallions And Mares Then Told Of The Legend Amidst Wide Eyed Stares. When All Of A Sudden They Heard On The Roof The Flutter Of Wings The Landing Of Hoof! His Wings How They Glistened His Whinny So Proud As He Entered The Barn Astounding The Crowd ... Who Stood There Awaiting The Pegasus Dear The Truth Of The Legend Was Blatantly Clear! The Rider Descended From Pegasus' Back His Hat And His Boots Were Glistening Black His Spurs How They Jingled With A Wonderful Song That Would Echo In Memories For All The Year Long! He Gave Out The Gifts Of Carrots And Treats Then Sprang To His Saddle For A Hasty Retreat... For The Hour Was Late And He Just Had To Leave But Now, All The Weanlings Would Finally Believe! And As Pegasus Flew Then Away In The Night The Horses Enchanted By The Wondrous Sight Had Hearts Filled With Joy And The Barn Filled With Love And Mares Will Tell Foals Of Pegasus From Above!

     

     

    lol

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• the frights of freddy flintoff

  • From: onthewedgeseat
  • Description:

    photo on it's way..well ,here we are,hardoneby and me.on the dole...all the boys have new shoes etc,blackberry beautifully manicured too ..me ? well,my wellies sure do let in the wet ,and as for my yard boots,well,they have worn away so badly my big toe sticks out of the left one..never mind,it brings relief to my bunyan !!!

    well.i called at a local stud to ask if the driving club could use their large carpark to meet in for a local drive..bad move,have a look at this says my friend,passported,yearling colt,late foal,needs a home.NO i said quite clearly ..too late,into the sand school comes one,totally mad,unmanageable black welsh mountain colt with an action to die for..hey look at me he said,i'm looking for a home..no ,a sucker..

    well this sucker said she would have him for the summer to handle him and give him some tlc..oooh dear,bad move.named him after my favourite cricketer says the lady of the house,freddy flintoff..well what was i supposed to say i told my poor hubby..i come from one of englands most famous cricketing families..it was fate was it not ?

    well,HE duly arrived and turned life and the yard upsidedown..his whole life is one big fright even though it isn't if you see what i mean..it's all in his mind,in three weeks he happily walks down the road and stands for a car to pass..no probs..ah..but don't touch me.oh,we are to have such fun,freddy and me..new wellies ? well,they'll have to wait...

  • Blog post
  • 4 months ago
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  • Views: 114

• James Gray Trial Has Started.

  • From: voicesforhorses
  • Description:

    To read the latest court up dates please use this link
    
    http://www.voicesforhorses.co.uk/amershamhorses/articles.html

  • Blog post
  • 11 months ago
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• Horses found 'stabbed to death

  • From: voicesforhorses
  • Description:

    Two horses have been found dead in a field after apparently being stabbed, police have said.

    A 14-year-old fell pony and six-year-old cob horse were discovered in a field at a farm in Nelson, Caerphilly.

    A Gwent police spokeswoman confirmed they were looking into the incident which happened overnight.

    "We can confirm we have had a report that two horses have been killed in the Nelson area. This is being looked into," she said.

    The owner of the horses, Aron Beck described it as a "vicious" attack and said his wife and children were devastated by the deaths.

    Mr Beck, 26, said the horses belonged to his three children.

    He told the South Wales Echo: "They are completely beside themselves.

    "They can't bring themselves to come and see the horses."

    He added: "It's a vicious attack and I can't believe someone would do this to our horses."

    BBC News: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/7495985.stm

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• Police appeal for witnesses af

  • From: voicesforhorses
  • Description:

    Police appeal for witnesses after youths seen beating ponies with iron poles

    A horse-owner who caught a group of youths beating her ponies with iron poles has appealed for help to catch them.

    He woman was coming to feed the four ponies at 7pm on Thursday 19 June when she saw two boys and three girls in the field on Churchill Way in Basingstoke, attacking her ponies.

    When confronted, one of the youths threatened to come back and kill the ponies.

    To Read the full article please go to:
    http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/262397.html

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• Trustees sought for equine res

  • From: lastangels
  • Description:

    Last Angel Equine Defence is seeking people to become trustees. We are a non-profit organisation based in Sidbury, Sidmouth, East Devon, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and welfare of equines. We are currently seeking people who are interested in becoming trustees for our organisation so that we can secure charitable status. For further information, please contact: Cathy Lane admin@lastangel.org.uk

    Please note: You do not need to live in the area in which we are based in order to become a trustee.

    Last Angel Equine Defence

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• Blinded Pony Goes Home

  • From: voicesforhorses
  • Description:

    A Pony that was blinded after being stabbed in the eye by a pair of scissors has returned home to his stable.

    His owners, Stan and Heather Strelley, from Carway (pictured below, with Frank the pony) believe he was deliberately attacked and are offering a £1,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.

    They think his attacker was trying to cut the mane off the champion show pony when he was stabbed.

    Mrs Strelley said: "It's been a real shock for us, but as the pony gets better, we're getting better."

    The couple found Frank covered in blood and running loose around the smallholding during the evening on June 8. Earlier that day, another pony at their stables in Kidwelly had its mane and tail cut off.

    The police said they are investigating the incident and are appealing for information.

    Mrs Strelley added: "It must be someone who's jealous - I can't think of any other reason. We think whoever did it was attempting to cut off his mane too."

    She said Frank, a popular and successful show pony, had lost most of his eye during the attack.

    He was cared for by vets in Nantgeredig and is now safely back home in his stable.

    "He can be a bit jumpy. Sometimes he runs to the back of the stable and puts his head down," she said.

    "When he's walking, he keeps trying to turn all the time.

    She said everybody was rallying around and thanked them for their support.

    "It's unbelievable the amount of visitors he's had. We've had to stop them because Frank was becoming too tired," she added.

    Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845 330 2000.

    Article source:
    http://thisissouthwales.co.uk

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• THIRD HORSE ATTACK THWARTED BY

  • From: voicesforhorses
  • Description:

    THIRD HORSE ATTACK THWARTED BY OWNERS
    
    Police are investigating an allegation of horse cruelty - less than 24 hours after a pony was stabbed in the eye.Officers won't be drawn on whether there's a link between the two incidents.

    However, the animal's owner, Karen Archer is deeply worried.

    She said: "I was shocked to see two people manhandling my horse.

    "I'm really concerned about this, especially after a pony in Kidwelly was stabbed in the eye the night before."

    Mum-of-one Mrs Archer, of Rhydyfro, went to check on her horses at a stable near Alltwen Quarry on Tuesday night.

    "I went to make sure they had plenty of food and hay, as well as settle them down for the night," she said.

    However, when she pulled up to the site with her daughter, Georgia, she claims they witnessed two men assaulting her 28-year-old thoroughbred, Deri.

    "I screamed and shouted at them immediately.

    "They were being really rough and manhandling the horse," she added.

    "One of them was wearing a black T-shirt with some kind of monster on it. The other had wavy blonde hair.

    "I didn't get a proper look at them, though, the whole thing happened so fast." Mrs Archer immediately dialled 999, but the duo ran off.

    She added: "I'm sickened by the thought of anyone being cruel to my horses. I'm just grateful we got there when we did."

    The incident follows two attacks on horses this month.

    On Monday, a rescue pony at Penybont Farm, Kidwelly, was stabbed in the eye.

    And, less a mile away, an 11-year-old champion show horse lost an eye after being attacked with a pair of scissors.

    A police spokesman said of the latest incident: "We are investigating an alleged incident of animal cruelty in the Swansea Valley following a call from a horse owner on Tuesday."
    
    http://www.swep.co.uk

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• Please Sign The Petition

  • From: voicesforhorses
  • Description:

    The Equine Industry Welfare Guideline Compendium published in 2002 states:

    "No aspect of horse ownership is more important than ensuring the horses' health and welfare. Owners and keepers of horses have a moral and legal responsibility to care for them to ensure their physical and mental well being ."

    In the light of the death of some 30 equines and the inadequate welfare standards of the surviving equines kept by a Horse trader based in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, England (reported in the news on the 9th of January 2008) current legislation for the protection of equines is inadequate. This case is NOT unique!

    Voices for Horses have set up a petition to licence equine traders and dealers.

    To sign the petition please follow this link:
    http://www.voicesforhorses.co.uk/surveys /survey_15_Petition-For-Equine-Traders-and-Dealers -to-be-Licenced.html

    Please let us know your thoughts and add your comments.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• Jamie Gray pleads not guilty t

  • From: voicesforhorses
  • Description:

    Jamie Gray pleads not guilty to Trading Standards charges

    Reported by Horse and Hound news desk
    
    Buckinghamshire horse trader Jamie (James) Gray has pleaded not guilty to five further charges connected with the RSPCA raid on Spindle Farm, Amersham, in January.

    Gray appeared at Wycombe Magistrates' Court on 21 May and denied five charges brought by Buckinghamshire County Council Trading Standards that included failing to remove 16 horse carcasses from his land and providing false information on an animal transportation licence.

    The case was adjourned to Bicester Magistrates' Court on 18 July.

    Gray was also found guilty of assaulting a police officer by Aylesbury Magistrates on 6 May and is due to be sentenced on 10 June.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• What are you paying for hay?

  • From: voicesforhorses
  • Description:

    Prices seem to be so varied - what are you paying? Prices in Wales seem to be ranging between £2.50 to £4.50 for small bale hay.

    Also be aware - I was asked to pay VAT on some hay I purchased and hay is exempt from VAT!  

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• American Horse Radio Show - L

  • From: voicesforhorses
  • Description:

    American Horse Radio Show  - Listen Live!

    Don’t know what people will think about this but I am definitely becoming a bit if a fan of BJ from The World or Horses radio show. I don’t know of anything like this in the UK  - do you?
    Use the  link below  to read about him and listen to his weekly programme. It goes out live every Sunday evening (California time) but is repeated continuously through the week. Let me know what you think.  For those of us who enjoy the ‘out of the ordinary’ perhaps we could start a BJ fan club? 
    
    http://www.voicesforhorses.co.uk/adviceandinfo/read_61_The-World-of-Horses-Radio-Programme.html

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• Stop Long Distance Transport o

  • From: voicesforhorses
  • Description:

    Stop Long Distance Transport of Animals for Slaughter
    
    A global campaign backed by the world's leading animal charities is calling for an end to the long distance transport of live animals for slaughter.
    
    The Handle with Care Coalition has today released shocking new undercover film footage of the global traffic in live animals and is calling on governments worldwide to bring an end to this trade.
    
    The coalition includes all the leading UK-based animal welfare charities: the World Society for the Protection of Animals, Compassion in World Farming, the RSPCA and the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH).
    
    The film shows how farm animals are being routinely shipped around the world in overcrowded and filthy conditions, on journeys that can take several weeks. Every day thousands of cattle, sheep and pigs die en route from disease, hunger and stress.
    
    To read full article please go to:
    m http://www.voicesforhorses.co.uk/news/r ... ghter.html m
    
    To Sign the Handle with care petition please go to:
    m http://www.handlewithcare.tv m

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• Amersham Horses News to Date

  • From: voicesforhorses
  • Description:

    We have been following the Amersham Horses story from the start. For all news up to now please go to:
    http://www.voicesforhorses.co.uk/amershamhorses/articles.html

    VFH Emma

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• Dartmoor-Road traffic accident

  • From: lastangels
  • Description:

    '...Farmers, vets and local welfare groups such as SWNewspaper clip about Moorcare campaign.EP and the Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society, have welcomed the campaign to raise the awareness of motorists on the moors.
    They also called on motorists involved in collisions with animals not to ignore the incident, but to report the accident to the police, local vet or one of the animal welfare groups such as SWEP.
    The 4 month old foal whose picture has touched the hearts of so many people was sadly left for dead until discovered by a motorist who contacted SWEP. The foal was still alive but its spine had been damaged and it was unable to get up. There was also concern for the mare who was obviously distressed and criss-crossing the road in panic. Sadly, nothing could be done and a local vet euthanased the foal.
    
    The Dartmoor National Park Authority and the Highways Agency now plan to launch their own campaign, and are discussing means of reducing number of livestock killed on the roads. SWEP has attended such accidents on a weekly basis during the winter, and although the campaigns to slow traffic are welcome, we believe the only sure-fire way to eliminate these deaths is by physical barriers. We have been campaigning for a stockproof fence to be erected on two notorious roads across Dartmoor .
    Article from WE http://www.swep.org.uk/moorcare.htm
    
    South West Equine Protection Campaign for the fencing of Dartmoor roads.
    
    Please help support this campaign to stop the needless injuries and deaths of ponies on Dartmoor. Thank you.
    Please note: Some of the images on the links are graphic.
    
    http://www.swep.org.uk/ourwork.htm
    
    
    ...'Sadly there are not many weeks that go by without us being called to a road traffic accident (RTA). These needless deaths and injuries are not confined to the tourist season and the effect on the lives of all those involved, grazing stock and humans alike is profound. The mare pictured above was struck by a car on Dartmoor just a few weeks ago. SWEP attended but was unable to do anything to save her. Read more on link below....
    http://www.swep.org.uk/moorfence.htm

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  • 1 year ago
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• Midnight The Foal Dies After B

  • From: voicesforhorses
  • Description:

    Midnight The Foal Dies After Being Dumped In A Surrey Road And Hit By A Car
    
    The RSPCA is appealing for information after an emaciated foal was dumped in a Surrey Lane and subsequently hit by a car.

    The young black colt (male) foal (young horse/pony) was abandoned in an emaciated state in Roughets Lane, Bletchingley, Redhill. He was discovered by a member of the public just before midnight on Thursday (21 August), but it is not known how long he had been there or when he was dumped.

    The RSPCA was called and the young horse, thought to be a Thoroughbred type, was collected by an RSPCA animal collection officer at about 1am and rushed to a specialist veterinary rehabilitation yard for treatment.

    But despite round-the-clock monitoring and treatment including pain relief, antibiotics and a drip, the young creature, named Midnight by RSPCA staff, died on the morning of Friday 22 August.

    
    
    It is thought Midnight died as a result of shock as his injuries appeared largely superficial. He was also suffering from hypothermia

    
    RSPCA inspector Nicky Thorne, who is investigating the incident, said: "Whoever is responsible for abandoning this foal is a heartless coward and has no justification for doing so.

    "If he was orphaned or they could no longer look after him for whatever reason, then practical help and advice could have been sought from a number of organisations, including the RSPCA.

    "The ‘P' in RSPCA is for prevention and not prosecution so if people are struggling they should contact us for help and we will always try and work with them to resolve the situation.

    This incident is particularly worrying as it is the third foal which has been abandoned since March this year in inspector Thorne's patch of Surrey.. The first foal, dumped in Chessington in March, survived. But a second foal abandoned near Eastbourne Road, Blindley Heath at the end of June was in a poor condition and subsequently died.
    

    Inspector Thorne said:" I am extremely worried to see another young horse die after being dumped at the side of the road. Although we have no reason to suggest these incidents are linked in any way, it is a worrying trend. I would urge anyone who recognises this foal, or has information about who it belongs to, to contact the RSPCA so we can ensure no other equines suffer."
    Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call the RSPCA's cruelty and information line on 0300 1234 999. Calls are treated in strictest confidence.
    
    See the article with photos of Midninght on our main site HERE
    

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• HORSE ABUSER JAILED FOR SECOND

  • From: voicesforhorses
  • Description:

    HORSE ABUSER JAILED FOR SECOND TIME
    
    On Friday 19th September, banned horse owner Delia Stacey, who allowed a pregnant mare to starve to death in sight of 1,000 bales of hay, appeared at Guildford Crown Court where she was jailed for a second time for again breaching an order banning her from keeping horses.
    
    District Judge Lawson Rogers QC told Stacey it was ‘so serious that only a custodial sentence was justified.' He sentenced her to 112 days in prison, a further 5 year ban on keeping horses, £5,000 costs and granted ownership of the 5 horses she was found to be in possession of earlier this year to the RSPCA.
    To read full story:
    http://www.voicesforhorses.co.uk/news/read_696_HORSE-ABUSER-JAILED-FOR-SECOND-TIME.html

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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