The Morris Appeal... Looking to the future

The Suffolk based Horse Rescue Charity No 275428 is dedicated the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of all neglected, needy or ill treated equines, horses, ponies and donkeys.

Since its formation during the mid 1950's, prior to gaining registered status in 1978, the Charity has undertaken many investigations into reported cases of abuse and cruelty and still continues that work today without any form of Government funding, but relying entirely on the generosity of the public, fundraising events, legacies and donations from various local and national companies. It has also campaigned against the live export of animals to the continent for slaughter, and, as a founder member of the National Equine Welfare Council, taken a proactive role in raising equine welfare standards nationwide helping to establish a Code of Practice for animal welfare organisations involved in keeping equines.

The Charities yard is based at Toft Monks, Beccles in Suffolk where there are on average 12 equines in care at any one time, a few being permanent residents, whilst others are in individual rehabilitation programmes, with another 90 out on permanent loan in approved knowledgeable homes.

On arrival each animal is assessed by the vet, the farrier, the physiotherapist and a care and rehabilitation plan drawn up. An individual member of staff is normally assigned to each new arrival so the animal can form a bond with them and then their progress monitored carefully. Some of the equines that are found to be unsuitable for ridden work will be fostered out as companions or, in rare cases, a few individuals stay at the yard as permanent residents. Others will however slowly be brought back into work prior to being rehomed as riding horses enabling them to lead a more interesting and useful life as opposed to being retired too early which is sometimes found to be detrimental to their physical and mental well being.

The loan scheme run by the Charity allows the animal to be fostered out into suitable loving approved homes, where they are visited and checked on every six month to ensure their ongoing well-being.  The animals always remain under the ownership of the Charity thus protecting them always.

For the few animals that remain in permanent care a Sponsorship scheme operates whereby individuals can donate money towards their daily upkeep, details of which can be found on the web site.

During the autumn of 2008 the case of  a blind pony, Morris, was reported to us.,He was born in Aberystwyth, Wales in 1969 a Welsh Section C gelding, his full name being Felinmor Morris Dancer and prior to his sight failing was used as a driving pony until he eventually ended up in a yard near Norwich, Norfolk. On further investigation he was found to be stabled for 24 hours a day and neglected by his owner who failed to visit him on a daily basis and he was only being cared for by the generosity of other people on the livery yard. As the owner was facing prosecution for abuse to her domestic animals she was quite willing to sign him over to the Charity to avoid any further Court proceedings. Following a veterinary inspection Morris was found to have operable cataracts in both eyes and he was then referred to The Animal Health Trust at Newmarket for specialist treatment. Examinations showed that the retinas of both eyes functioned correctly, and following the removal of the cataract and the insertion of a synthetic lens into the eye he could have a significant improvement in his vision, and thus the overall quality of his life. The operation went ahead on the first eye and was successful. He is currently awaiting his second operation when we have raised another £2900 to cover the cost after which and a suitable period of recuperation a special home will be sought for him. Anyone wishing to contribute may send cheques direct to the yard or alternatively use the facility  on our web site.

This is just one success story out of many, but as you can appreciate it involves a great deal of expense. The charity, like every other, relies on generous and regular donations, from its members and the public and during the current economic climate finds its costs rising and its income falling.

Further details of the work of the Horse Rescue Fund can be found on www.horserescuefund.org.uk and the equines currently in care.Donations are always welcome as we are self supporting and details of our membership and sponsorship schemes can be found on our website.Contact details are also to be found on the web site.