Last reports were about the horrors of ‘Foot and Mouth’, unfortunately this time, it is the horrors of the RSPCA case found at Spindles Farm near Amersham just into the New Year where carcasses of horses were found stacked up and over 100 other equines were found in appalling condition and needing immediate veterinary care.

There were national appeals, ‘Operation Esther’ and others, but Thames Valley responded to the call for help in our own way. A party of 10 willing helpers went to The Horse Trust, at Speen, taking items desperately needed as they are caring for 14 horses, ponies and donkeys from this incident. Emma Delport and husband, JP, took a lorry load of hay and Caroline Bowers has offered similar once the supplies run low. Through Equestrian World (my sons’ business) at Peppard, we gave 100 much-needed salt licks – many of the animals desperately need vitamins.

It was decided in committee on your behalf, that we would make a donation to the appeal and so, armed with a cheque for £500 we made our assault, offering also for each person to give 2 hours of our time once there.

Well, what else can a group of 10 do other than poo pick the worst field! Unfortunately because of the inclement weather we’d had, the poo-picking machine, normally in operation, could no longer tackle this incredibly steep hilled 20-acre field! Thames Valley to the rescue. It was an operation where an ambulance should possibly have been standing by – we were all exhausted! It is not easy pushing an enormous barrow back up the steep incline once filled up. I certainly know why the staff had not done this one. Hey ho, we all left feeling quite self-righteous and a few pounds lighter in weight. We were given the opportunity to see the rescued ponies although this is not the case for the public in general.

Our helpers on that day were Caroline Bowers, Emily Pearce, Emma Delport, husband JP and their horsebox with hay driver, Pam Teasdale, Nicola Barton, Sally Edwards and friend and myself. Thank you all and other members who gave me feed and other things to take. It will take a long time for these poor animals to recover but we know Thames Valley have helped to make it happen.

Dilys Gordon (Chairman)
Email:djgordon@supanet.com