HACK - HOW WE GOT HERE

Foreword by Pam Bluck

I have been around horses for most of my life, my Grandfather bred the shire horse so I guess you can say it's in my blood.  The horse is majestic, graceful animal and one that I have a great love for.  I cannot understand how anyone would want to neglect or abuse such a noble beast.  But it is a sad fact of life that even in the modern society of today, the welfare of the horse is low on the list of most peoples charitable priorities.

When HACK was formed in 1992 it was decided that we catered for horses, ponies and donkeys only, it was going to be an expensive project, and also a time consuming one.  Although over the years we have been asked to take in other animals - goats, pigs, cats etc we have had to decline, not because we didn't want to help these animals but because we felt it was better to specialise in equines only.  We have a great deal of knowledge about horses and between the trustees and all volunteers we have extensive experience in handling, training, feeding, general care and also veterinary treatments giving all rescued cases the benefits of such a sanctuary.

It is not an easy task looking after and caring for all the rescued horses, ponies and donkeys at H.A.C.K. but we are lucky that we have reliable volunteers who turn out in all weathers and do the tasks that are asked of them.  Some of these volunteers have been with us many years and have helped the committee to progress, not only do they care for the animals but help fundraise and organise events.

The object of the H.A.C.K. charity is to provide a haven for life for distressed, neglected and cruelly treated horses, ponies and donkeys and all those necessitating rescue from slaughter.  We aim to provide food, shelter, grazing and veterinary care, to bring back into a normal working life where possible, to educate owners in the proper care of their animals, to educate the public generally on equine welfare, raise public awareness of problems, and to alleviate the suffering of as many animals as possible.  We aim to place animals carefully into vetted caring homes.  All equines who are unsuitable for placement for whatever reason will remain in the sanctuary.  However, H.A.C.K. has had many successful re-homed horses and ponies that are now leading happy lives.

Bringing a horse or pony back into work is not always an easy task and requires a great deal of experience on the riders part, sometimes we encounter problems that need specialist training, for example a rearing horse is very dangerous.  This can be very expensive but it is something that is required.  We would not send a horse that has problems that would endanger life or even frighten new owners to a new home.  It would be pointless. Sometimes we find really experienced homes that can sort these problems themselves but we are always in close contact with them.

Training facilities are another problem for us at the moment, in the summer months we fence off an enclosed area in the bottom field and do necessary training there, however when autumn comes the land starts to get wet and muddy and it would be dangerous to continue some of the training.  We are hoping that some time in the future we shall be able to build an all weather menage, this would mean that we can continue training throughout the year and would be beneficial to many of the young horses we rescue and their continuous handling and training.  H.A.C.K. has educated many people on horse care, some have gone on to own their own horses, some have been school projects.  We also have some handicapped children who come for hands on experience but sadly we have to limit this as we haven't got hte facilities these children need and our fund-raising does not extend to this.  However if there is anyone out there who would like to concrete the yard for wheelchair users and put in a toilet for the handicapped, please contact us.  

All our horses, ponies and donkeys are handled every day, fed, groomed, rugs changed, feet picked out.  Horses love routine and habit so it is important that these are done at regular times each and every day and even on Christmas day when you will find the H.A.C.K. volunteers hard at work.

I love all animals, I have a rescued cat, who was found in a skip at just five weeks old.  My two german shepherds have now passed away, but both were well into old age when I lost them.  But it is to the horse that I give my greatest time and energies.

And this is just one reason why...........

........there have been so many other cases, like this one that have come into H.A.C.K - they do not all survive.