Horses and donkeys are given a second probability of life at a rescue sanctuary in Huddersfield that only a few individuals learn about.
Golcar Horse Rescue relies on fields simply off Leymoor Road subsequent to St John’s Junior and Infant School and has been quietly saving horses and donkeys for greater than 1 / 4 of a century.
It was arrange by Debra Hall and over the years has supplied a place of sanctuary and peace for horses and donkeys, together with some which have suffered probably the most appalling neglect and cruelty.
It now has 4 donkeys and 13 horses and with out Debra’s kindness and compassion none of them would in all probability nonetheless be alive.
She couldn’t do it with out two devoted volunteers, Frankie Dagnall from Lindley and Zoe Hudson from Marsden.
Some of the tales of how the horses and donkeys ended up in Golcar are horrific.
Two horses, Thunder and Storm, have been simply 4 months old after they have been rescued from extreme neglect throughout a police and RSPCA investigation. Both have been severely emaciated and riddled with worms.
Debra and her staff managed to tug Storm by however, sadly, it appears the worms had obtained to Thunder’s mind and he needed to be put to sleep.
“It was absolutely awful,” mentioned Debra. “The neglect they suffered was appalling.”
Debra Hall and, under, Storm
Two different horses, Shadow and Polly, have been rescued after they have been between six and 9 months old and Polly was so badly contaminated with lice she wanted to be shaved proper right down to the pores and skin. Both have been horrendously underweight however Debra now describes Shadow as “like a tank.”
Another horse known as Foxy had been attacked and abused so was very scared and nervous when she first arrived on the sanctuary however is now far calmer.
One of the horses, Prince, got here to the sanctuary when was simply 11 months old and he’s now 24 so he’s had a really lengthy and comfortable life there.
One of the donkeys, Briony, was rescued from horrible circumstances – a lot in order that you could possibly see her ribs – whereas one other donkey, Hazel, had merely been deserted in a discipline in Huddersfield together with different donkeys.
“Hazel was so depressed when she came to us and wouldn’t go to anyone,” mentioned Debra. “Now she’s completely the opposite, loves people and is the first to greet anyone who arrives at the sanctuary.”
Another donkey, Poppy, arrived with a damaged ear and Debra mentioned: “It takes a lot to break a donkey’s ear. She came to us last December and it was July before she’d let anyone near her but she’s coming round now.”
Miniature donkey Joseph struggles with arthritis in all 4 legs regardless that he’s solely 16 years old but loves being kissed and cuddled.
Debra, of Longwood, additionally has arthritis in her backbone, legs and ankles so has bother lifting the heavy stuff however the three-strong staff means somebody is on the website on daily basis, 12 months a yr from at the least 12 midday to 4pm.
The website is rented from Kirklees Council and covers 17 acres throughout 10 fields so the horses and donkeys have loads of room to roam however can at all times discover shelter in sheds dotted across the sanctuary. It’s protected by CCTV and pleasant neighbours who hold a lookout to verify the animals are protected.
Debra mentioned: “I love horses, it’s in the blood and I’m well-known in the horsey world so I suppose it all started when someone asked me to look after a tiny white pony called Freddie that they’d rescued. He was a really old pony in his 30s by then and was in a mess but after I said ‘yes’ to him then others started to follow. Many of them are old and lame.”
The largest expense is hay in winter however a tree surgeon supplies all of the bark chippings they want at no cost.
Funding is at all times an issue and folks can help the sanctuary by giving by PayPal and households can pet, groom and cuddle the donkeys for £9 per half-hour. This must be booked upfront by the sanctuary’s Facebook web page.
Hazel the donkey senses when persons are unhappy or careworn
Golcar Horse Rescue can be visited by individuals from properties for the elderly, disabled teams, individuals with psychological well being points and folks on probation can do work there.
Debra mentioned: “One young man came to us with the probation service after he was convicted of car crimes. He’s absolutely loved being with the horses and donkeys and says it’s changed his outlook on life and promised he won’t offend again.”
She added: “Sometimes visitors arrive and look sad or stressed but within 10 minutes they have a smile on their faces. Our friendliest donkey, Hazel, seems to sense this and is always the first to go up to them and nuzzle her head in close.”
Some of the horses could be loaned out to individuals who have a discipline and would love a horse to take care of, however they at all times belong to the sanctuary.
The Golcar Horse Rescue Facebook website is
Written by ANDY HIRST who runs his personal Yorkshire freelance journalism company AH! PR (https://ah-pr.com/) specialising in press releases, running a blog, web site content material and copywriting.
