4th April 2010

After many attempts leaving publicity notices around the area to try and return Leila home, it became clear that she had been abandoned. All volunteers working at ASHA HQ spent hours enjoying the company of this sweet pony. We knew she was old but it was still a slight surprise when we found she was around 36 years of age. Her favourite part of the day was when we approached with the head collar, knowing she was off for her daily exercise – and very sprightly she was for her age – but her jaunty pace was more the cheeky enthusiasm of knowing she would stop for some time to enjoy a nibble of lush short fresh grass.

As with any animal, along with a good age comes general wear and tear, in particular teeth, so she was never going to be a fat pony again. On Wednesday last week she was looking a bit colicky and so the vet was called. He administered an injection to make her more comfortable. Judy & Helen took turns keeping watch through Wednesday night, but unfortunately there was no improvement by Thursday morning and in conjunction with the vet made the decision it was the right time to put her to sleep.

What a long life she had! We will probably never know her full history, but from her lovely personality she must have given a great deal of joy to many a young jockey.

Rescuing Leila

An old, very thin chesnut mare we have named Leila was found wandering on the road near to St.Eutrope de Born. Blind in one eye and with poor vision in her 'good' eye she looked sad, confused and in poor condition.

We think that she may have wandered off and was unable to find her way home again.

February 2010

We are sure this little horse has an owner somewhere! Being an elderly mare she appears rather skinny but she is very trusting of humans and seeks out their company, which leads us to believe that someone cared for her very well. We would love to reunite here with her with owner.

It may be that her owner needs help in caring for Leila and ASHA is happy to help them in any way we can to enable horse and owner to be together again.