Hungry Horse Outside

Many thanks to the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine who have awarded us €140,250 in Animal Welfare funding to continue our work in 2024.

Many thanks to the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine who have awarded us €140,250 in Animal Welfare funding to continue our work in 2023.

There is no doubt about it Galway is a beautiful city but hidden beneath the beauty and the culture is this.
Poor ponies tied shivering and shaking to trees, with makeshift ‘bridles’ no access to food or water. Locals tell us this pony has been jockeyed around all week, used and abused then tied and hidden. We dont know when the last time the bit was out of his mouth, his mouth is sore and raw, when he last had a fresh drink or when he had something nutritious to eat. Hidden away Ireland’s darkest secrets. Are we really in 2019 with people still having no regard for equine life, unable or unwilling to provide them with any of their basic needs. This pony is only a youngster not even old enough to be trained to be ridden. Once again its groups like ourselves that will have to undo the damage of irresponsible humans.
Of course there is no identification. He is safe with us now

Some of our donkeys in foster care finally enjoying life We would like to thank all of you that support our work

To tell Zero’s story, we need to step back to November last year.
It was a bitterly cold night when we set of on a journey to Kilkenny that would save the lives of 3 more souls, hidden in a half acre garden with nothing but muck to eat. After being sent photographs of these three animals who were fighting for survival we knew we weren’t leaving without them. After hours of waiting all three were safely loaded and carefully we undertook the three hour journey back home, to be met with an array of people. Veterinary surgeons and staff waited for their arrival. Beds and food prepared for the horses they had yet to meet. It was certainly Irelands hidden shame, wet rugs covering bones, a ridiculous attempt to hide the shame of starving these poor animals, weak and feable horses, waiting for their fate. A sadness in their once vibrant souls, just shadows of their former selves.
After months of rehabilitation and a long troublesome road, finally we started to see a difference. Life was returning to all three. The little greeting in the morning could be heard, all three looking forward to their breakfast and their walk about and suddenly life was different, they began to feel secure in their routines, suddenly started piling on weight and just what seems like overnight we arrived to three completely different horses looking for their breakfast.
It was that day we knew it was time for them to go home. We had done everything we could for them with only one last thing we could offer them, to drive them home, to make that final journey with them.
Over the weekend we had the pleasure of loading Zero on to our lorry and driving all the way to Sweden where he will live his life, surrounded by love and good people. His only task to enjoy life. Good bye friend, we’ll never forget the day we meet but we definitely hope you do.

This poor boy was brought in with a massive growth in his mouth, inhibiting his ability to eat and drink. He was suffering terribly and was extremely distressed. Luckily our wonderful vets were able to operate and have given him an excellent chance at recovery. We’re looking forward to a bright future for him.

Please support our work if and when you can!

We are so proud to have been a part of her journey and at one point we were not even sure she would make it to this big day!

17 years old and her life is only really beginning!

Much love from your friends here in Ireland