Our mission is not only to rescue, but also rehabilitate and to eventually rehome our horses, to give them new lives. It can take a long time to find a suitable foster or adopter as some of our rescues need special and ongoing care. Many people approach us about adopting one of our animals, not all are suitable or successful, but last year we managed to rehome the amazing number of 44. Every one of those freed up a space for another deserving case and meant that we did not have to turn away any animal in need of emergency care or treatment.
Three horses and three donkeys have recently left us – Caramelo, Tormenta and Aromas; Pancho, Platero and Bravo.
Caramelo, pictured above with Jill who travelled with him to his new home, came to us a year ago, one of the horses from a huge group rescued from a dealer. Ongoing problems with an old hoof injury meant that he was not going to stay sound enough to be ridden. Only seven years old, playful and curious, we needed to find him somewhere he could be free to enjoy life. He has gone to an extensive ecological finca near Seville, where he will have freedom, forage and friends (including a rather lovely young mare), enjoying the grass along with cows, sheep, and several donkeys.
Tormenta (now known as “Little T”) one of the four horses saved from imminent starvation in Extramadura, has gone into foster locally with a professional equestrienne. She has room to roam and a gentlemanly gelding to keep her company. She will benefit from training and gain confidence. We will get regular updates on her progress.
Aromas was found locally by police, apparently abandoned, wandering round a lemon grove. A gentle riding mare, in her early 20s, she is going in foster to a riding centre where she will be used only twice a week, exclusively for children, who will give her lots of loving attention.
Pancho and Platero, abandoned and brought to us from a dog pound, recovered well. Both are very affectionate and love human company. We have found them a home together (we never rehome donkeys singly as they are very social animals) in one of the local villages where they have plenty of space and shelter in a finca. Here they are in their new surroundings, eating as usual!
Bravo was confiscated by SEPRONA in Granada. Chained to a tree because he was considered “dangerous”, he was, unsurprisingly, very unsure and nervous when he arrived at ARCH in November. He has now learned to trust humans and enjoys cuddles and attention. Still very young and playful he has missed his two companions Pancho and Platero and we are so happy that he has gone to join Caramelo up in the many hectares of campo where he will have several new donkey companions.
And we just had a new arrival: Rociero, an aged gelding (with very long teeth!) was confiscated by SEPRONA. Unchipped, neglected, and unwanted he is the most gentle and loving character and has already endeared himself to all the volunteers. We will now make sure he has proper care and lots of love in his golden years. (He may find himself a girlfriend in the equally old Fabiola.)
