• CONTACT
    • Reporting welfare concerns
  • HOME
  • Rehomed Equines
    • Guardians needed
    • Accord
    • Annie
    • Creme
    • Mimi
    • Nanette
    • Titos
    • 2009
      • Asal
      • Balto & Jenna
      • Brandy (Gucci)
      • Daisy & Dora
      • Gasparin (Gazza)
      • Goliath
      • Maddy, Elly & Poppy
      • Molly & Merlin
      • Ossie & Princesse
      • William
      • Wilbur & Piona
    • 2010
      • Belle
      • Corran Ard
      • Columbus
      • Lena & Belle
      • Leonide
      • Lily & Marcy
      • Perry
      • Vinnie
    • 2011
      • Manon & Rowan
      • Hugo
  • Ownership
    • Donkey Care
      • Donkey Feeding Guidelines
      • Donkey & Mule References
    • Mules
    • Regulations
      • Export Health Certificates
      • Passports
        • France
        • Spain
        • UK
    • Microchips
    • Hoofcare
    • Teeth
  • Campaigns
    • ‘French Rescues’
    • Horsemeat in France
    • Transport to Slaughter
    • Market Welfare
    • Suggested Changes to the Tripartite Agreement
  • OUR BLOG

Hugo


February 2008

After 3 months of rehab and retraining, in January Hugo was ready to be re-homed…

When we first met him in October 07 he was depressed, malnourished and dehydrated. He looked as though he had given up on life although he was only 12 years old. His owners had bought him for his grandchildren to ride but the grandchildren were no longer interested and so Hugo spent the summer chained to a tree and the winter in a small barn being fed on stale bread and mouldy hay. Last winter his donkey companion died and so Hugo was facing this winter on his own, deep in manure without any light or exercise.

We were told about Hugo by a concerned neighbour. The owner would not give Hugo up, so with the help of our generous supporters we raised the 400€ required to purchase him and brought him home. Over the next few months, Hugo regained condition and enjoyed freedom with other rescue donkeys and horses. We organised visits from the farrier, vet and dentist and started to gently work with him. At the end of December, we saddled him for the first time and within a couple of weeks he was being regularly ridden out.

We delivered Hugo to his wonderful new home in the Limousin on the 28 February and his wonderful family provide us with regular updates and photographs.

Pippa and Hugo have formed such a trusting bond, all the patience and kindness she has shown towards him are paying off.  This once agressive and neglected pony has turned into an obliging friendly little chap and he and Pippa are enjoying hacking out and jumping logs together.

A few words from Hugo’s Guardians…

Pippa is really enjoying having Hugo this summer – I still can’t believe she actually WANTS to get up in the mornings!
He is jumping little courses now!  He is cantering happily on both leads and is really enjoying himself. During a nice rainy bit we had last week I had the chance to ride Jasper in the school with pippa and hugo, we had such fun!  The horses enjoyed jumping together and we spent a happy hour playing.
Hugo is truly exceptional.  I find it truly amazing that Hugo trusts us after what he has been through.”

Hugo has been in his adoptive home for a year now – and what a difference a year makes!  His adopters are an excellent example of how to bond with a horse or pony that has suffered neglect and/or abuse.  It is always worth taking everything that little bit slower and never asking too much too soon when a horse has had a bad start. When you build up their trust though you have a such a friend for life. Here are a few words from Hugo’s ‘parents’…..

We have seen a real change in him. Hugo and pip are very close.  He has helped her through some terrible times at school.  It’s amazing what a comfort a horse can be, i think its their huge phsyical presence and the eyes that seem to look past your face and straight into your heart.  He has been her rock and her teddy bear, but most of all her best friend.


Recent blog posts

  • The Ones Left Behind.
  • Safe
  • Quarantine
  • Saving Mississippi
  • The Wrong Horse (TWH)
  • Saving Mississippi – The Road Out
  • Mississippi’s Story

Previous posts

  • May 2017 (7)
  • September 2016 (1)
  • May 2016 (1)
  • February 2016 (4)
  • January 2016 (2)
  • December 2015 (1)
  • September 2015 (3)
  • August 2015 (3)
  • July 2015 (3)
  • May 2015 (4)
  • April 2015 (7)
  • March 2015 (5)
  • February 2015 (5)
  • January 2015 (2)
  • December 2014 (1)
  • June 2014 (1)
  • May 2014 (2)
  • April 2014 (2)
  • January 2014 (1)
  • November 2013 (1)
  • September 2013 (1)
  • January 2013 (1)
  • October 2012 (2)
  • June 2012 (3)
  • April 2012 (1)
  • January 2012 (1)
  • December 2011 (1)
  • October 2011 (1)
  • September 2011 (4)
  • August 2011 (2)
  • July 2011 (4)
  • June 2011 (7)
  • May 2011 (2)
  • April 2011 (3)
  • March 2011 (4)
  • January 2011 (5)
  • December 2010 (2)
  • November 2010 (3)
  • October 2010 (3)
  • September 2010 (4)
  • August 2010 (1)
  • July 2010 (1)
  • June 2010 (6)
  • May 2010 (4)
  • April 2010 (6)
  • March 2010 (6)
  • February 2010 (7)
  • January 2010 (10)
  • December 2009 (7)
  • November 2009 (8)
  • October 2009 (9)
  • September 2009 (13)
  • August 2009 (11)
  • July 2009 (7)
  • June 2009 (9)
  • May 2009 (7)
  • April 2009 (9)
  • March 2009 (7)
  • February 2009 (7)
  • January 2009 (11)
  • December 2008 (6)
  • November 2008 (11)
  • October 2008 (9)
  • September 2008 (10)
  • August 2008 (7)
  • July 2008 (8)
  • June 2008 (14)
  • May 2008 (9)
  • April 2008 (8)
  • March 2008 (7)
  • February 2008 (9)
  • January 2008 (2)

CONTACT

erfwelfare@gmail.com

Recent Comments

  • Rainbow Ribbon Ride | Pilgrim on Horseback on Endurance damaging Equestrianism in the Olympics
  • Anonymous on Enduring Attrition
  • Anonymous on Molly and Merlin looking for a real forever home
  • Michelle on Molly and Merlin looking for a real forever home
  • Anonymous on Serious Welfare Breaches filmed in UK Abattoir

Created by SARL AMM | Association Loi 1901