LONG-TERM SUPPORT FOR LONG-TERM CARE

At the end of May, we crossed the 300 threshold with 310 equines living across our two Lincolnshire sites, and a further 600-plus living in the loving care of our Bransby Family Fosterers. Since our last magazine, we’ve provided support and advice to over 56 horse owners and received more than 73 welfare concerns. Sadly, we also received 60 requests to take over ownership of horses living in private homes, with concerns over finances or loss of land being the most common reasons given.

Our Field Officers visited 177 new equines and re-visited 477 within a five-month period. We also attended three BHS Healthcare & Education Clinics and across these events, saw a total of 156 equines.

Our Make a Difference events continued with great attendance, giving us the opportunity to share our knowledge with horse owners on a variety of equine welfare, health and wellbeing topics. Read more on page 15.

We would not have achieved any of this without you. It’s only thanks to your long-term support that we can continue our regular activities alongside our reactive work to provide many equines like Gerald – found by worried members of the public collapsed in a ditch covered with lice and maggots – and Steele – retired from serving with Greater Manchester Police

– with a forever home.

Rescued by a nearby RSPCA team, Gerald was signed over to Bransby Horses for the long-term specialist care he needed. At only two-years-old it was touch and go.

As well as advanced liver disease and severe dental problems he also needed a blood transfusion. Welfare Manager Rachel Jenkinson said: “Despite his issues Gerald showed a real determination to get better. His conditions were difficult to treat as he had multiple issues but despite being close to death, he pulled through on more than one occasion. He’s a lovely pony and the team who work with him are very fond of him.”

Gerald will stay in the care of Bransby Horses due to the lifelong medical conditions caused by his life before rescue.

Steele spent 11 years with Greater Manchester Police and went on to work in the aftermath of the Manchester Arena bombing and first major terrorist evacuation of Manchester United Football Club. Steele was forced to retire earlier than expected due to failing eyesight and found his forever home with us in 2021. This brave and intelligent boy is enjoying his retirement with specialist care and adaptations thanks to your kind generosity.

Gerald and Steele’s journeys highlight the long-term investment required to fully care for our horses and ponies and every kind donation and the gifts we receive in Wills helps fund their care.