Care at centre of Alfie’s life
SHETLAND pony Alfie was in a living hell. He was severely emaciated with his skin pulled tight over his bones. His companions Tyrian and Tinkerbell were not much better. Then, last November, Bransby Horses stepped in and now all three are back in good health, enjoying a new life in the charity’s 600 acres of Lincolnshire countryside.
Alfie had been so weak he collapsed in the trailer from exhaustion and had to be carried to his stable where he was nursed around the clock. Tests revealed severe health issues that could only be treated once he regained his strength but the Bransby team quickly had him on a recovery and rehabilitation programme. Tyrian and Tinkerbell also underwent the same love and care.
Now all three are happy and can be visited at the Bransby Horses centre in Bransby, a few miles north west of Lincoln. Alfie’s personality is shining through and he loves all the attention he gets from staff and visitors.
The centre, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is now one of the UK’s largest equine welfare charities, caring for more than 400 horses, donkeys and mules with specialist facilities including an intensive care unit, a specialist handling yard and a rehoming barn. It is a place for a fabulous family outing, the park-like setting having the Feedroom Café, gift shop, play park, picnic area and plenty of walks. The Horse Sense Room is a fun, educational experience. There are regular guided tours – and plenty of activities during the October half-term. The visit is free and the centre is open 362 days a year but Bransby Horses relies on donations to carry out its vital rescue work. As well as the animals at the centre there are more than 400 in foster homes under the Friend for Life rehoming scheme. You can sign up to be a regular donor. Legacies play a big part too, thanks to cash left in wills. A donation of £10 can help provide warm winter mashes for a week, food essential for those many horses with worn teeth. With £20 you can give four ponies a cosy bed of straw, while a gift of £50 can provide a winter rug for a recovering pony. Hands-on help from volunteers is always welcome too. Alfie, Tyrian and Tinkerbell are now living a comfortable life, never to be mistreated or go hungry again, but for more horses to be cared for more donations are needed.
Bransby Horses is now one of the UK’s largest equine welfare charities