Mourne Horse Watch

18/11/2023

For anyone who thinks the ponies on the Mournes should be left up there, without management or care - this is a prime example of why they need rescued from the Mountains, or why money needs to be made available from government/council so they can be managed like the herds on Dartmoor and in Wales.

Domesticated, in**ed ponies are not suited for longterm life on the Mournes without management.

Orphaned foal Mason was unlikely to survive winter without urgent help, but his battle was just beginning...

13/10/2023

We are trying to organise a Charity ride in aid of Equine halfway house pony rescue and refuge - Equine Welfare Network - who have rescued, rehabilitated and continue to care for over 30 of the abandoned Mournes ponies.

We are particularly keen to organise a Christmas ride in December, perhaps through a small but busy town such as Holywood, but any other rides in benefit of the sanctuary before that would be a fantastic bonus! Would any local riding clubs or organisations that hold planned horse rides be able to hold one for the sanctuary and the ponies? Please get in touch - it is such a worthy cause and a lovely way to help the sanctuary and enjoy yourself with friends at the same time.

Many thanks,

Mourne Horse Watch

Ulster Rural Riders Association Endurance Riding Ireland - ILDRA The British Horse Society Ireland National Trust NI Irish Draught Horse Society Limited. Northern Ireland North Down Pony Club - A Branch of the Pony Club East Down Branch Of the Pony Club Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt Shanes Castle Florida Manor Rademon Estate Distillery

09/10/2022

Yesterday the team here braved Slieve Donard for the sponsored walk in aid of the Mourne ponies currently in the care of Equine halfway house.

The weather was perfect, though not a pony in sight of course 😂

Our current combined fundraising total of everyone who took part comes to £965 - though we are hoping we can make it to £1000 for the sanctuary as it will make a big difference to them.

You can donate here at this link to help the charity.

https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/donation/fundraiser-for-equine-halfway-house

Thanks as always for your support!

MHW

10/09/2022

Sponsored Walk Date Change!

Unfortunately our founder has tested positive for COVID, so the *official* date of the sponsored walk has been postponed til October 8th. Of course you can still sign up and complete the climb any date that suits you before the end of the year. It's a great cause to get involved in so please do get in touch if you wish to help.

If you'd like to contribute to the ongoing care of the 30+ Mourne Ponies already rescued then please consider donating directly to Equine halfway house pony rescue and refuge - Equine Welfare Network via the link below.

Many thanks as always for your support!

https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/.../fundraiser-for...

09/09/2022

Sponsored Walk Date Change!

Unfortunately our founder has tested positive for COVID, so the *official* date of the sponsored walk has been postponed til October 8th. Of course you can still sign up and complete the climb any date that suits you before the end of the year. It's a great cause to get involved in so please do get in touch if you wish to help.

If you'd like to contribute to the ongoing care of the 30+ Mourne Ponies already rescued then please consider donating directly to Equine halfway house pony rescue and refuge - Equine Welfare Network via the link below.

Many thanks as always for your support!

https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/donation/fundraiser-for-equine-halfway-house

06/09/2022

We have another pony on the Mournes with an injury. Equine halfway house pony rescue and refuge - Equine Welfare Network have been up daily treating him but sometimes he's hard to find, and since we believe his injuries were caused from fighting with other stallions it's important to keep an eye on all the ponies at the moment. Please report any sightings here so we can pass them on.

Don't forget our Sponsored Donard Walk is this Saturday, you can take part on the day or feel free to complete on a date that suits you instead. Details on fundraising and how to take part can be found by messaging us here. A great cause to support the sanctuary and the 30+ ponies they have taken in from the Mournes.

MHW

01/09/2022

URGENT APPEAL FOR FUNDRAISING!! Only 3 sign-ups - we need your help!

Take part in our Sponsored Walk in the Mournes to help the Mourne ponies and the sanctuary who has taken in over 30 of them, Equine halfway house

Self guided on your own day or join us on Saturday the 10th of September to complete.

DM for details, and please share to help promote the walk and help the ponies.

MHW 🐴

26/08/2022

A plea for support!!

We have only had a few official sign ups for our sponsored Donard walk in aid of the rescued Mourne ponies rescued by Equine halfway house pony rescue and refuge - Equine Welfare Network

The sanctuary has worked tirelessly over the last 2 years to rescue over 30 ponies in poor health from the mountains and regularly check and care for the others still on the mountains.

Winter is coming and the sanctuary needs all the help it can get - please consider joining us for the walk to help raise money!

10/08/2022

Looking for current sightings from yesterday (9th August) and today of ponies in the Donard, Millstone and Bloody Bridge area to assist in a welfare check.

Any sightings from yesterday or today please DM us here.

MHW

08/08/2022

Take part in our Sponsored Walk in the Mournes to help the Mourne ponies and the sanctuary who has taken in over 30 of them, Equine halfway house.

Self guided on your own day or join us on Saturday the 10th of September to complete.

DM for details, and please share to help promote the walk and help the ponies.

MHW 🐴

02/08/2022

Do you want to hike Slieve Donard and raise money for a great cause at the same time? Then keep reading!

Want to help raise money for the Mourne ponies and the sanctuary who has taken in over 30 of them? Join us on our sponsored walk of Slieve Donard on Saturday the 10th of September!

All you have to do is DM us and we will provide all the information for you to get started. We will give you steps on how to create a donation page so your friends and family can sponsor you to walk up Donard (you can choose to hike to the top or just walk to the Saddle) and we will be there on the day along with Equine halfway house pony rescue and refuge - Equine Welfare Network to walk with you and tell you all about the Mourne ponies and their rehabilitation.

Even if you don't think you can complete the fundraiser at this time, please share to give the sanctuary a much needed boost of support.

Since the beginning of 2021, Equine Halfway House has rescued over 30 abandoned ponies on the Mourne Mountains. Added to the 30 residents already in the sanctuary, that brings the number to around 60 horses, ponies and donkeys at any given time.

The ponies from the Mournes are domesticated small ponies who have been abandoned over the years there, and bred amongst each other to the vast totals we have now. This fundraiser is to help cover the cost of feeding and caring for the ponies, including veterinary treatment, dental and farrier care, as well as worming costs, which are huge given the dreadful state the ponies were rescued. The professional care is almost always rehabilitation or remedial work to undo years of neglect and time spent on the mountains without any care.

It takes a lot of hay, and a lot of wormers to care for 60 ponies, and with electric and heating costs increasing, the sanctuary and the ponies need your help more than ever.

Please DM us for more info now.

MHW

30/07/2022

Urgent! We have had reports of not one but two injured ponies between Thomas’ Quarry and Bloody Bridge today. We arranged for a vet to attend and located one, but due to poor visibility, were unable to locate the other.

We urgently need current sightings of from 6pm this evening (Saturday) and tomorrow (Sunday) if you see the ponies.

Please if you are able, take clear photos and drop a pin on the map and send to us. If unsure how to do this please open your maps app on your phone, find your current location (usually by clicking the arrow/circle) and take a screengrab. Clear photos particularly of any wounds which will help us assess the pony.

Also please use caution and don’t go too close - it is believed these wounds have been sustained from stallions fighting and we don’t want anyone to risk anything or scare the ponies off.

Many thanks as always for your support,

Mourne Horse Watch

13/05/2022

Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary, who have been working to help the Mourne ponies, are holding an Equine Day next Saturday from 12.30-2.30pm with lots of fun activities and equine demonstrations at their sanctuary in Antrim.

You can support Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary and their 50 equine residents by attending or sharing the post ♥️

We are excited to invite you all along to our Equine Day at the sanctuary on the 21st of May 2022. Gates open 12:30pm and close again at 2:30pm. Parking is limited at the sanctuary so car sharing is recommended where possible.

Guided tours of the sanctuary's equines will be running, with opportunities to get up and close with some of our residents in our pony grooming corner. Helping us to raise funds we will have a small bake sale, all proceeds going to provide for the equines who call Crosskennan their permanent home.

We are very pleased to have a number of professionals and individuals attending to share word on what you can do with your equines to improve their wellbeing. Included in the line up is Crosskennan's very own Kenny and Pip who will be attending with their adopter to showcase some of the tricks they've learnt through natural horsemanship and explain how this has helped with their training and their bond.

Valerie from Westfield Equine Reiki will also be attending, demonstrating and ready to discuss and explain the benefits of reiki to you and your pets.

Linda Van Der Horst will also be attending and will be ready to answer questions and show you exactly what TTouch and Surefoot pads can do for your equine friends.

For those of you who are curious about feed management and diet plans we will have Shirley from TopSpec horse feeds in attendance ready to discuss and help you work out the best plan for your horses.

Jacki from Horse Bribes - the healthy horse treat company - will also be attending with the chance to buy some of the organic 100% natural treats, suitable for horses with chronic illnesses, such as laminitis, inflammation, and insulin resistance; made right here in Northern Ireland.

We hope to see many people there at our first Equine Day since 2019!

17/04/2022

Keep us updated with your sightings this Easter - we depend on you to help the ponies, and every sighting is important 🐴

31/03/2022

Are you planning to hike the Glen River up to Donard in the next few days and do you have a good camera on your phone? Please DM us. We don’t know that the ponies are there at the moment but they are frequently seen in the area, and we are looking for a little help this week to check on them as some are very heavy with foal.

DM us if you can help - it would be much appreciated.

Mourne Horse Watch.

06/03/2022

In conjunction with our friends at Crosskennan Lane we have created a handy guide to help you learn the right course of action to take if you spot a horse, pony or donkey you’re concerned about.

People often get in touch with us about ponies in the surrounding areas to the Mournes, and while right now we are focused on specific herds, we do hope to widen our reach in the future. We find that people know the welfare process for small animals, but not for equines, so we do get messages from people unsure what to do. Equines here are considered companion animals, and are covered under the same welfare laws and protections as cats and dogs, as outlined in the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.

If you have any questions about any of this, please get in touch and we will be more than happy to give you advice.

Mourne Horse Watch

05/03/2022

We are Mourne Horse Watch.

Do you walk, hike or cycle in the Mournes and surrounding areas?

We need your help.

There are dozens of abandoned horses, ponies and donkeys on the Mournes, and we need your help locating and tracking them. All it takes is a photo, and a dropped pin on a map.

The financial crisis of 2008 saw scores of equines abandoned all over the country. There are still bands of horses all over the Mourne Mountains that were abandoned there years ago. They of course have now bred within these groups, so the numbers increase and the problem continues. Many are starving and in need of veterinary help and care.

Though they may fare better in the summer with good grass, it’s a different story in the winter, and the rough terrain and long journeys to find grass in the winter takes it’s toll on the horses and ponies, and they suffer during this time.

The worst part is, that sometimes it’s hard for people who are not experienced to spot signs of neglect or malnourishment in horses and donkeys, so the horses don't get reported and problem continues. Their bellies often appear big and full, due to a high worm burden, or pregnancy. Horses feet usually need trimming by a farrier every 6-8 weeks, and there are equines in the Mournes that have never seen a vet or farrier. Their feet naturally wear down due to the long journeys over the hard ground they make to find food, so appear in good shape, but can often be causing them pain and discomfort.

Get as close as you can, and take some pictures. From all angles if possible, front, back and side. If they have any distinguishing features, like markings on their face or body, or different coloured legs/socks, take a photo. If possible take pictures of their feet. Then drop a pin on the map, and send to us by PRIVATE message. This is really important, as unfortunately some parties may use the information for profit without thought to welfare, law, permission, etc - so it’s just to keep it safe. 🙂

You'll be helping us to help the horses and ponies, so we can get them the care they desperately need.

Thank you,

Mourne Horse Watch

28/02/2022

Another example of why our work on the Mournes is so important.

Phoebe is safe now at Equine halfway house but the reality could have been very different. Her mum was rescued heavily in foal, and gave birth at the sanctuary. Unfortunately Katie wouldn't let Phoebe feed when she was born, so Katryna at EHH called the vet out to tube feed Phoebe the foal, and give pain relief and treatment to Katie, who eventually settled enough to let her baby feed.

Without this intervention, and if Phoebe had been born on the mountains then both mare and foal would most likely have died suffering together - an especially painful end for the foal who would have dehydrated/starved to death.

Please continue to help us assist the ponies on the mournes with veterinary care and help Katryna at EHH with the costs of looking after those already in her care by donating at this link:

https://www.facebook.com/donate/326551679487566/966291050659917

The little foal with the pink headcollar, Phoebe is 8 months old. The little one with no headcollar, Selene, a little older. Both are away from their mums, but for very different reasons. Selene came in at her mum's side and I weaned her incase mum is in foal again.
Phoebe's mum broke my heart again 💔 by leaving her foal in my care.
We had to call the vet out at the weekend and after a few visits mama was in too much pain, despite strong painkillers.
She had nerve damage and it had come to a head causing her bowel to stop working and her back legs too. She also had a major heart murmur. Our vet checked Phoebe, as it's a genetic problem, but baby is clear 💞
Phoebe is happy with the other foals and I am crying inside.😢
Our vet Hannah was so very supportive, with mum, baby and me. ❤️ We did all that could be done, but it wasn't enough.
Please keep us in your thoughts as we wait for the removal of a beautiful pony. Its heart wrenching.
My only reason for carrying on is, if they hadn't been rescued Phoebe wouldn't have survived more than a few days. Her mum wouldn't let her feed when she was born, we intervened and tubed baby and gave mum some pain relief and she then let her feed. If they hadn't been rescued mum would have died outside, alone, she would have had no pain relief and would have suffered for days, starving, dehydrated maybe her heart would have given up
She was warm, she was fed, she was loved and held as she went. I promised I'd mind her baby as she left. And I will 💞
Gallop free Katie. 🐎🌈
No pain now 💜

16/06/2021

Hello!

We were up with a team from Equine halfway house and Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary at the weekend checking and tracking the herds, (you might have seen us) and we noticed some of stallions are a bit spirited at the moment due to mares being in heat. Whilst our team members are experienced and know when to back off, we are worried about the potential for harm to members of the public who of course, naturally want to get close to the ponies.

While we of course don't own the land or the ponies, and are 100% not trying to impose any rules - we just feel a duty to tell everyone to be extra cautious, especially if you have food. Ponies and horses can be extremely defensive and aggressive around food, depending on the individual pony or horse and we would hate for someone to get hurt. Those little legs and hooves can do a LOT of damage. And also - in general we urge you not to feed them because some of the foals are too young to cope with hard food, and some ponies have severe dentals problems meaning they could choke.

We love our supporters and couldn't do this without you - so we just want you to stay safe ❤

MHW

14/06/2021

How you can help support the ponies and the rescue sanctuaries taking them in and caring for them ♥️

Katryna at Equine halfway house has already rescued and taken in 14 ponies off the mountain, with two mares in foal - and has a vet bill to match with almost 10 colts and stallions needing castrated as soon as possible. Help her to help them!

MHW

HOW YOU CAN HELP

🐎Share, every time somebody shares you are reaching people we can't, and if they share too, the reach is endless.
🐎Comment and like. Apart from Facebook liking to share the more popular posts with more people. I, personally thrive knowing what I do is supported by you 💖
🐎Donate, there are lots of ways to donate.
Here they are......
🦄 Gofundme
https://gofund.me/10a0d491
🦄 People's fundraising (organised by Val from One Voice for Animals UK )
https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/mourne-mountain-pony-rescue
🦄 PayPal
[email protected]
https://www.paypal.me/Equinehalfway
🦄 Revolut
revolut.me/equinehalfway
🦄 Bank transfer
Katryna Gamble
Sort code : 04-00-75
Account no : 31912923
BIC :REVOGB21
IBAN : GB27 REVO 0099 7057 8377 80
🦄 Direct to vet
https://www.kingsfieldequine.co.uk/pay-online
Reference: Equine halfway house

🐎Also please support upcoming auction, lots of different horsey and non horsey items
🐎 Report any sightings with photos and a pin drop to Mourne Horse Watch These guys feed us the information. They do not collect any funding, they are completely voluntary and are invaluable in finding the ponies in most need.
🐎 Support crosskennan fundraiser for land.
Their contacts and advice, loan of their equipment and volunteers have been amazing, they are full and can't take ponies at the moment, they simply don't have the space 💕
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/Helpusbuyland?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=campaign&utm_content=Helpusbuyland&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=cb9a6d4a79614fbdb37c145109a3d0bb

Photo of Morgan & Finch, having a post breakfast lie down yesterday.
Happy relaxed ponies 💞🐎💞

12/06/2021

Last week, two people sent us sightings of a herd that were proving elusive. We immediately liased with Equine halfway house and Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary and set up a small team of volunteers within days. Using the information you sent to our page led us directly to the rescue of 9 equines this week.

We are so, so grateful.

9 little lives (and one, possibly two on the way) are now brighter because of your help and support. We will share more on the equines in the next few days, and you get can get to know them as the sanctuary does.

Without the sighting, the rescue staff and volunteers would have spent countless hours searching, losing already over stretched resources to do so. Because of your sightings, the rescues and a team of our volunteers were able to go right to them, and now finally, they are safe. They all need veterinary treatment and care, and now they will get it. One little stallion had a wound so severe was walking with a limp, and needed antibiotics, and a little filly was being covered so incessantly by the stallions and colts that her back legs had started to give way. They all have heavy worm burdens, and lice, and ticks, and some with painfully overgrown feet. And now they can get everything they need.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,

Mourne Horse Watch

Remember you can contribute to the care of the equines currently in Katryna’s care at Equine Halfway House by contributing here (https://gofund.me/cafaa20f) - We are organising a joint fundraiser for both sanctuaries to help with the Mourne ponies, launching in the next week or so, so if you’d like to support us please check back soon.

12/06/2021

Big thank you to Dogsbody NI for kindly gifting us these amazing calming spritzes and a custom made Bach flower essence to help calm the ponies Equine halfway house & a combined team of Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary and our volunteers rescued this week for travel. What a lovely gesture of support for the entire project and for rescue ponies.

♥️🐴

09/06/2021

Less than a month ago, Equine halfway house rescued 5 ponies from the Mournes. A stallion, two mares and two young foals - one less than a day old. All overrun with worms, their bellies swollen with the burden. One of the mares would have died from the parasites had she remained untreated much longer.

Here they are at Equine halfway house, safe and cared for, with access to essential dental, veterinary and farrier treatment and food. They are happy in these large fields - free to gallop and jump around, and just to be horses, without having to worry about finding food or water again.

When this herd were rescued and assessed, a host of problems were uncovered. One of the foals, now named Dappy, was born with lax tendons in both forelegs. Though this is quite common in foals and usually resolves itself in a few weeks, Dappy has shown no improvement yet. How long would he would survive in the rocky terrain where he was born? Where horses moves miles upon miles daily to find good grass?

Whisper, just 3 years old and already a mother, had severe difficulty eating due to dental problems. This meant her condition was poor and she was in constant pain, trying to eat enough to sustain her and her newborn foal. The dentist was able to file down her sharp edges and remove her baby teeth so she can now eat without pain. Pixel, the 8 year old mare, needed extensive treatment from the dentist. They found scar tissue in her mouth in line with head collar too small being left on too long.

This is just a small example of the problems the abandoned ponies are suffering from in the Mournes, daily. This is just one herd of many. And this is why we exist. To help the rescues do their jobs.

If you would like to support Equine halfway house with this herd - please consider donating here at https://gofund.me/cafaa20f

And remember to keep the eyes up when on the Mournes - your sighting could save a herd like this one.

Thank you,

Mourne Horse Watch.

05/06/2021

Absolutely delighted to be recognised by the National Trust NI in our mission to aid sanctuaries Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary and Equine halfway house in rescuing the abandoned Mourne ponies.

Every little helps in the fight for better horse welfare in Northern Ireland.

Horses can drink 30 to 50 litres of water a day and even more in hot weather. Sadly horses and ponies are often abandoned in the Mourne Mountains. While water sources are available, they may have to walk long distances in tough terrain to find them. Thanks to Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary and Equine halfway house many have been rescued. Mourne Horse Watch has been set-up to help track the animals so that these trained organisations can locate them and provide the care that they need. As it's we celebrate the invaluable support we receive from other organisations like this and the contribution which you can make too.

04/06/2021

Please keep an eye out for our little Mourne ponies this weekend when you're out walking. Some of them aren't doing so well, especially the ones on the areas with less footfall - so your sightings are more important than ever.

All you have to do is take a pic 📷, drop a pin📍and press send 📧

01/06/2021

“Horses will drink 30 to 50 litres of water a day but that can be even more in hot weather. “

Keep an extra eye out for our little Mourne herds at the moment, although there are natural water sources they often have to walk long distances to find them and it’s very hard work in the heat, especially for tiny foals just weeks old.

31/05/2021

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for ponies today on the Mournes

All you have to do is take a pic, drop a pin, and press send. 📷 📍 📧

28/05/2021

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

If you are out and about on the Mournes and surrounding areas this bank holiday weekend, please keep an eye out for any ponies.

There are dozens of abandoned horses, ponies and donkeys on the Mournes, and we need your help locating and tracking them to help the two equine rescues working to help the ponies. All it takes is a photo, and a dropped pin on a map.

What we do is take the information you send us, with the time, date and exact locations of the ponies, and send it to the rescues so they can track the herds. We are constantly communicating with and passing on up to date information to Equine halfway house and Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary, who are both working with the National Trust, to help make their job a bit easier.

Can we also just stress how important it is not to share the photos and locations of the ponies publicly in our comments, and only to private message us the details as unfortunately some parties may use the information for profit without thought to welfare, law, permission, etc

If you do not feel comfortable providing us directly with the information, that is absolutely fine, but please do send it to one of the above charities though. You can contact Equine halfway house on Facebook and email Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary at [email protected]

Thank you again for your response and support.

Mourne Horse Watch

25/05/2021

If anyone is wondering why we exist - it's to help the rescues like Crosskennan do this.

Robyn, the little bay filly, almost didn't make it because Crosskennan didn't have the resources to track and find her. It was only with the help of a local farmer and a few reports from walkers that they were able to get her in time, hours away from death. The vet estimated she wouldn't have lasted another 24 hours out there.

Please share and help rescues like Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary and Equine halfway house help these ponies.

And remember, if you see a pony - take a photo, drop a pin on google maps, and send to us.

Thank you ❤

23/05/2021

We are blown away by the response we have had to the page.

We had no idea it would be received this well - and we want to thank you for helping us to help the rescues and charities continue their good work.

What we do is take the information you send us, with the time, date and exact locations of the ponies, and send it to the rescues so they can track the herds. We are constantly communicating with and passing on up to date information to Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary and Equine halfway house to help make their job a bit easier. Can we also just stress how important it is not to share the photos and locations of the ponies publicly in our comments, and only to private message us the details as unfortunately some parties may use the information for profit without thought to welfare, law, permission, etc

If you do not feel comfortable providing us directly with the information, that is absolutely fine, but please do send it to one of the above charities though.
You can contact Equine halfway house on Facebook and email Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary at [email protected]

Thank you again for your response and support.

Mourne Horse Watch