What a crazy few days, after 4 years of rehoming abroad we finally decided to take on the journey ourselves to get a real feel for it, whilst we have been sending our own vehicles for quite some time, it is the first time the heart of HHO took to the ports, the motorways and the autoban to get these horses home, it is a rare occasion more than one of us gets time away at the same time, prior to this we had been relying on the guidance of different drivers our own included but our volunteers decided that is was time to undertake the 6 day long journey ourselves, it allows us to see what improvements can be made for the ponies, what works, what doesnt and finally we can understand just how one small incident can delay the trip for hours something you dont think of until you are sitting in that traffic jam. It was opportunity to see the job through to the very end, and observe the cycle become complete. We've seen the horses at their very worst and now we can definitely say we have seen them at their very best.
There is no greater feeling than giving a rescue pony a chance at a real future. On a long and difficult roadway, at points where we thought we were coming to the end of the earth, we thought to ourselves we would drive anywhere, do anything to get these little pets to their families. Each little life on the transport precious, deserving and relying on us to get to their families.
Driving through Europe has been an education and a wonderful experience. The hospitality of the German people has been incredible. The scenic views rivalling our own beautiful country. The fantastic homes our wonderful ponies are getting is second to none with warm, kind hearted and sympathetic people. It is true what they say one man's rubbish is another man's treasure and seeing our ponies being made so welcome to really be welcomed as part of the family is incredible, it was heart warming.
So as we make our way back home to Ireland, we cant help but think how grateful we are to have our Rehoming Programme, we have now yet again confirmed that we are doing the right thing for them.
So to Ally, Tulip, Dillon, Mona, Magic Mike and Elf we wish you all the best. We'll be watching you all as always . Goodbye little friends. ... See MoreSee Less
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The end of an era here at Hungry Horse Outside, sadly Benson our Geep (cross between a goat and sheep), died this evening. He has been an integrite part of HHO and our story. He has been a constant face and friend to all the staff at HHO. A funny and interesting creature, almost our mascot. Happy to walk on a lead with our dogs, no stranger to jumping in to the back of a van or a car, a big fan of the public and biccies. Funnily enough he wasn't a fan of either sheep or goats preferring to share a stable with a horse.
Benny came to us many years ago when the yard he was living on was closing and he was to be put to sleep. He kept box walkers company in the stable, although free to do what he wanted with us he continued his job here without being asked. He had a particular love for chestnut horses and always favoured their stable, he stood watching weak chestnut horses on many of night, taking the longest shift all by choice. We've been privileged to have him as part of our crew since the beginning. We're not sure how old he was but the answer was always the same 'old'.
We will never forget his quirky ways, he will be sorely missed around our yard. It wont be the same tomorrow morning knowing he is not waiting for us, knowing he wont knock on the door for a biscuit ever again.
Good bye our little friend, we hope we did you justice, you'll be sorely missed. ... See MoreSee Less
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