|
Blaikiewell Newsletter
|
|
Blaikiewell Newsletter
|
We have had many new arrivals this year and sadly some of our old friends have died. As well as some new charming horses and ponies we have now two sheep, Breagh and Hoshi. They were orphaned lambs and under the care of Alex and Grace, they have grown into beautiful and mischievious characters. Our fields are not fenced for sheep and initially we contained them in a small field with electric sheep fencing but they became so good at escaping that we eventually gave up and they now wander freely around the yard and in and out of the fields, going back to their own little stable at night. They enjoy company and are often seen in the portacabin while the livery clients are having a cup of tea. We have been fortunate to receive more donations than usual. Some of the previous riders of horses who have come to us, are generously donating towards the upkeep of the sanctuary and we are very grateful for this. Horses who have brought with them some financial help for the Sanctuary are Amber, Bracken, Isla, Samboy and four Shetland Ponies ~ Danny, Atti, Hamish, and PC. They will have their own pages as soon as time allows. Last year we were befriended by the Chief Exectutive Officer of Dana Petroleum. His daughters,Claudia and Bethany, started to ride with us and then he came for some relaxing riding himself in contrast to his busy corporate life. He is a generous benefactor to the sanctuary and we are very grateful for his support. You can read what he has to say about us here Another generous donor who came to know about Blaikiewell through the riding school is Apache Drilling. Holly rides in Alex's Saturday class. She told her dad about Blaikiewell and he has twice made us a substantial donation from his company's charity fund. This would be a big help at any time but we are hoping to relocate the riding school to our own land on Blaikiewell so that we can avoid taking the horses on the road, which is always becoming busier. The donations will help towards the building of boxes and a car park. Our own Alex Clark and her friend Grace Cranna decided to undertake a sponsored walk up Ben Macdhui, the second highest mountain in Britan. They are not practiced hill climbers, but the intrepid pair raised £1200 and returned almost unscathed with exciting tales of their adventure.  Grace and Alex getting fit
|
The horses have attracted a few more sponsors this year. Sponsorship has been popular as gifts to children and grandchildren Hagar was generously sponsored for Jodie Walker by a family friend, a 21st birthday present for Hayley Seath from her mother was to sponsor Stroller and Harry was sponsored for Sarah Adams by her grandmother for Christmas. Kirsty-Ann Watt who sponsored Buttons last year has now chosen Sindy, having progressed to riding her in lessons at Redwing. Kirsty-Ann's mother, Fiona, has also made brand new white fluffy nose bands to replace the old ones that Redwing use on the ponies' head-collars in lead-rein classes and Derek, her dad, has helped by pruning some of the overghanging branches of our trees on the bridle paths.
 Aileen and Goblin Aileen pays us a visit whenever she can persuade her parents to make the 90 mile journey. Aileen spends a lot of time grooming and speaking to the horses and has also donated headcollars, buckets and grooming tools which she buys with her pocket money. We are also pleased to have a yearly visit from Chestnut's sponsor, Alice O'Neil of the Compassionate Action Intitute in New York. The first time she came, in 2003, she and her husband arrived on a cold, wet November day, but undaunted, marched through Scottish mud and mist to speak to the horses and feed them many pounds of carrots which Alice had carried for miles in her backpack.
Alice has come every year since, although her husband now opts to stay in town, while Alice and I spend the day with horses. Her website for The Compassionate Action Institute is well worth a visit. |
Reiki Master, Bob Johnstone, is still donating his services free to Blaikiewell's horses. He has been coming twice a week since October 2006 and he treats two or three horses on each visit. The horses clearly enjoy their sessions with Bob and are always pleased to see him arrive. He seems to give them a feeling of calm and well-being. View Bob's website at http://animalreiki.me.uk  Bob with Jack
Another frequent visitor is Ingrid Wylie from Huntly, who calls to see Jenny and Megan, bringing them carrots and a lot of hugs. Jenny and Megan came to us after their owner died. Ingrid looked after them before they came to the sanctuary, and she has never forgotten them. 
We have also had donations from Freya's rescuer, from local friends and well wishers and from some kind people who have made use of our free greetings cards and free photographs.
We would like to thank everyone who has helped to keep our animals fed and happy. We do not receive any government funding and every donation, however small is always appreciated. Every good wish to you all and please feel free to contact us with any ideas, requests or queries. For the Blaikiewell animals,
If
you give to charities
100%
of all donations goes to the animals
|
We have frequent visits from Aileen who sponsors Goblin and Clyde and now also sponsors