Do you believe in love at first sight? Well, that was how it was for Sally and George, a 1 000 kg Percheron gelding and a minute chestnut mare.
Little Sally found her way onto an equine therapy yard in Paarl last week, the yard where George rules the roost in his gentle-giant manner.
He has a close friend there, an Appaloosa called Rain. But George is now six years old and is feeling the need to make eyes at someone other than his spotted partner.
For Sally, however, it was not love at first sight as both her eyes were so infected when she arrived that she could not see a thing.
It was love at first touch though.
She pricked her ears and leaned into George’s gentle nibbling on her neck. He made soft sounds in her ear and Sally was won over.
George was kind enough to allow Rain in for a closer look, but Sally soon turned her back. She had made up her mind.
And Sally desperately needs a good friend, a protector. That, a warm stable that she has not known for years, and fodder with proper nourishment.
She also needs a soft halter and lead rope, a bridle and saddle that is kind to her back and mouth and a soft saddle cloth.
She used to be someone’s riding horse, many moons ago.
But now she is thin, parasite infested, and has been in terrible pain for months. That according to a veterinary surgeon who examined her after she arrived at Amado equine therapy centre.
Her one eye could be saved, but it was too late for the left eye, the infection had eaten its way too deep and it had to be removed sooner rather than later.
She is now on antibiotics, pain medication, has been dewormed and is regularly sprayed for ticks and flies. Her hooves will be manicured and her teeth cleaned. Weather permitting, Sally will soon have a foam bath fit for a princess.
All done under the watchful eye of her new friend George of course.
Sally might not know it yet, but at Amado children with special needs are given the chance to gain confidence and learn to enjoy life despite their disability.
It was never an option to euthanise Sally. She deserves happiness in her life. And here she will get just that, while she will no doubt bring much joy to the many who visit the yard.
Any donations for Sally’s medical bills can be made to Amado, a non-profit organisation:
Cheque acc: AMADO – FNB – Account no: 62160574771 – Branch: 200110.
