Towards happier hooves (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Towards happier hooves

10:20am Sunday 21st December 2008 in Chard

THE Ferne Animal Sancutary has launched a £2,500 Christmas appeal in which it hopes to improve the life of some of its four-legged residents.

Many of the equine animals staying at Ferne on the outskirts of Chard suffer from laminitis, a painful lifelong condition which affects hooved animals.

A Ferne spokesman said: “With correct management and tender loving care provided by us the horses, ponies and donkeys at the sanctuary are able to live out their lives happily and as comfortably as possible.

“The sanctuary now has a rubber surfaced schooling area which benefits the horses and ponies that need schooling as well as those who need a soft area to stand on because their feet are sore.”

To further help the work the sanctuary has launched its Happy Hooves appeal – which is hoped will raise £2,500 to help buy a round pen and go towards improvements.

Ferne depends on legacies and donations for its survival and especially appreciates donations during the credit crunch crisis which has badly hit so many people and charities this year.

If you are able to make a donation, organise a fundraising event in aid of Ferne or are able to help in other ways please contact the sanctuary on 01460-65214 and ask for Jo or Tracey and please quote Happy Hooves in any correspondence you might make.