Some of you may know Dido, the little horse who is responsible for the formation of ASHA…...

Helen’s friend & neighbouring farmer, had been disturbed from their sleep, sometime just before dawn they had heard a vehicle and strange noises. On rising a little later that morning, the farmer had seen 'Dido' obviously in need of specialist attention, on the roadside, close to Helens stables. First the Farmer and then a little later another of Helens friends, called Helen to ask her to help this little horse. As you can see from the photo on page 1 it was rather difficult to tell at this time that he was just a yearling.

This very sad looking youngster who had literally been "dumped" on her doorstep in this very neglected state, pulled at our heart strings so hard that we launched ourselves into "rescue mode" very fast.

We took him in and worked very hard with Helen to show him that humans can be caring, nurturing and loving beings. The difference this care made to him within just a few months can be seen in comparing the photo on page 1 to this photo of him looking happy and healthy.

A group of like-minded people felt that the costs involved with Dido's recuperation should not be borne by Helen alone.

Helen is well known as a horse educator in our area and this may have been the reason that Dido was left virtually outside her home. We, as friends of Helen, did not think that she should bear all the costs of work involved in this very sad case, and collections were started. This we did - and willingly: but what about the other horses that are out there and in need of help?

From this beginning the idea of ASHA was germinated.