Coastal Horse Care Unit

22/01/2025

*** Transformation Tuesday: A True Rags-to-Riches Story ***

Meet the incredible horse who's stolen our hearts!

Last year, this beautiful boy CHESTNUT, was brought to our unit after being spotted straying in rural areas. He came in quite unhandled and a little skittish and wary of people.

After acquiring custody, we discovered he was a rig, requiring major surgery to geld him.
We knew he deserved a chance and would blossom into a fantastic little pony. With a lot of work from Collie on the ground and in hand he started showing us how bombproof he was and showed huge potential.

His rehabilitation has been remarkable and with patience, love, and training, this stunning horse transformed before our eyes!

Yesterday, we're overjoyed to share that he found his forever home!

His journey is a testament to resilience, trust, and the power of kindness. We're honoured to have played a part in his ‘happy ending’.

21/01/2025

"Rainy days are the best, especially after a scorching hot yesterday! Our beloved mascot Todd is loving every minute of this gentle shower.

He's been with us for a while now, and what's even more amazing is how he's taken on a new role - welcoming committee!

Whenever new horses arrive, he is always there to show them the ropes and make them feel at ease. He's more than just a mascot, he's a true friend to all the horses here.

17/01/2025

MILEAGE MATTERS: MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN EQUINE LIVES

As we reflect on the first part of the year, we are amazed at the distance our Inspectorate team has covered - inspecting homes, conducting pre- and post home checks and travelling countless kilometres to ensure the welfare of horses in our community.

The journey has been rewarding, with some wonderful improvements observed in the horses we have visited. However, we have also encountered cases where more support and education is needed.

Amidst the challenges, we are heartened by uplifting stories like that of our beloved Al Calpony, a 45 year old pony, still going strong!

Your support enables us to continue making a difference in the lives of these incredible animals. Thank you for being part of this journey.

16/01/2025

*** RURAL EDUCATION ***

Today our team responded to a rural call to treat a wounded horse. Upon arrival, we found one horse with a severe abscess which was treated and poulticed by our CCS Vet and AHT.

Unfortunately, the situation was more dire than we initially thought. A foal was discovered deceased, highlighting the importance of regular checks on horse's whereabouts especially in the rural areas. We are unsure as to the reason for the death of the foal.

The team made sure to educate the owner on:

The importance of early reporting of any health issues.
Proper hoof care to prevent abscesses.
Regular monitoring of their horse's locations.
Proper feeding, nutrition and deworming.

Regular checks and early reporting can make all the difference!

15/01/2025

Please tag us 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 and win!

It's never 'Januworry' when you have Wonder Sponge in your emergency kit!

We are starting this year with a competition as promised! 🥳🐴

We are giving away two 28x30x2cm sheets. One sheet to the lucky winner and the other sheet to the Animal Rescue organization of their choice.

What you have to do to win:
1. Like our page and share this post with all your horsey friends.

2. Tag a Rescue/Welfare organization of your choice in the comments.

3. Like and follow Wonder Sponge SA page.
Good luck! 🐴🐴

15/01/2025

*** For Sale - Hoof Boots Size 4 ***

These boots have been used once, still in original box. Complete, boots and pastern wraps.

Valued at over R3k.... CHCU selling for R1,000

Any enquiries please contact SHERI on 083 843 5358

14/01/2025

"FIRST GELDING OF THE YEAR!

Three rural horses were gelded today at the Unit. Our CCS Vet, Dr Femke De Jonge did an outstanding job under the expert guidance of Dr Andrea Sumaraj from Baker McVeigh! Blessing, our AHT also assisted the team and received some great insight.

It's always exciting to see our team members grow and gain experience. We are so proud of Femke and look forward to helping many more equines this year!

12/01/2025

"Happy Sunday from our little ray of sunshine!

This is Dennis, enjoying a relaxing Sunday morning in his cozy stable.

There is nothing quite like seeing a happy donkey to brighten up the day!

Wishing you all a wonderful Sunday filled with joy, love and maybe even a few adorable donkey
moments.

# Donkeylove

11/01/2025

RURAL RESCUE EFFORTS: A DIFFICULT DECISION

This week, our team responded to a rural call involving a young foal struggling with septic arthritis. Despite our best efforts, the foal's condition had progressed to a point where humane euthanasia was the most compassionate option.

We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the owner for recognising the foal's distress and seeking assistance. We are also grateful for the trust placed in us and for the opportunity to provide professional care and guidance, even in the most challenging situations.

RIP little one 💔 no more pain...

10/01/2025

Fail Friday Episode Mouse! Everyone is on a roll this week!

10/01/2025

*** urgent bandaging supplies needed ***

One of our beloved horses has suffered a severe cut that requires intensive care and bandaging. Despite our best efforts to prevent accidents, horses sometimes injure themselves, and this was the unfortunate case.
Fortunately, our horse is recovering well and we are grateful that the tendon was not damaged. However the wound is deep and requires careful attention to ensure proper healing.

We are reaching out to our amazing supporters for help.
There are collection points at:

Natal Saddlery
Unicorn Tack
Equi-Feeds Equestrian

There is also an opportunity to donate to our CHCU account at Assagay Feeds and become a donator towards our first aid medical supply boxes!

Bank details as follows:

COASTAL HORSE CARE UNIT
BANK DETAILS - FNB
Account no. -6222 071 7815
Branch code - 22 15 26

10/01/2025

***Gundwane Update - halter training***

Give us your shout outs for our little "Mouse"!

08/01/2025

*** Warm Welcome to Dr. Femke! ***

Dr. Femke De Jonge joins Team CHCU this year as our qualified CCS Vet doing her voluntary service. Having our own dedicated vet is a game-changer as we can respond to more emergency call outs and treat horses here at the unit. Being an NPO, vets’ bills are a stark reality of what we do, although we are so grateful to Baker McVeigh for always assisting where they can.

A little background on Femke…
Born in Holland, Femke started riding horses at the tender age of six. Her parents, both being ‘horsey’ themselves, nurtured her love for equines.
She moved to Cape Town at the age of 10, and at 18 years old she took on a rescue horse named ‘Azim’ who she fondly refers to as ‘her pony’ (pictured here). She worked patiently with Azim to win his trust and built a bond with him, which shows her sincere dedication to the welfare of our equine friends. She also competed in High School for SANESA and excelled at Dressage.
We asked Femke where her interest in veterinary work started. With a chuckle she told us how she avoided becoming a vet knowing the mammoth requirement that lay ahead for her to qualify. That didn’t stop her… she applied, and that was it, SHE WAS IN! She moved to Pretoria in 2019 to start her studies and qualified at the end of last year!
By her own admittance, she is a staunch cat and horse lover. Her and boyfriend, Tyron, have acquired a stunning German Shepard pup with plans to train him in Search & Rescue.
Having last ridden over a year ago, we aim to get her back in the saddle! Femke’s plans are to specialise in Equine Veterinary (YAY!) and has an interest in Equine Reproduction.
Femke, we are so grateful to have you on board Team CHCU and wish you everything of the best on your journey with us.
Post Note: She has let on that she is an accomplished baker! So we may all be ‘in show condition’ during 2025!

Femke de Jonge

08/01/2025

The boss needs a new mouse, this one's dead...

08/01/2025

Sheri Wilson takes a tumble! 🤣🤣🤣

We had to share the laugh we shared today 😂 Sheri was crying with laughter just trying to report the incident to us 🤣🤣