Matilda, Dixie and Boo were soaked through to the skin and living with overgrown hooves when they were discovered in Wales. Now, they are thriving in sanctuary care.
Three donkeys living with overgrown hooves in a hazardous field have come on leaps and bounds following months of much-needed veterinary care.
Matilda, 10, her daughter Dixie and another donkey called Boo, both aged three, shared around five acres of land at a site in the southeast of Wales.
The land, comprising two interlinking fields, contained several hazards, including an unfenced pond, gates hanging off their hinges and fencing with protruding nails.
The donkeys also had no hardstanding or shelter to shield themselves from the elements.
When Donkey Welfare Advisers Sarah Kenward and Katana Ashby attended the site in March 2022, they saw that the trio shared the field with another donkey companion, a 10-year-old mare called Lady.
Sarah says: “When I first observed the four donkeys, I was immediately concerned about Lady. Although Matilda, Dixie and Boo had overgrown hooves that needed urgent farrier attention, they were moving much more freely than Lady, who took very tentative steps.
“When she finally caught up with the others who were already stood greeting us, I immediately noticed that her hooves were in very poor condition.
“Her front hooves were overgrown and very broken, with exposed internal laminae (the finger-like projections that attach the hoof wall to the underlying soft tissue and bone).
“Lady was leaning back on her heels, causing extension of the tendons, appearing to me as though she was in considerable pain. While standing, she would shift her weight between feet, indicating the pain she must have been in.
“Her hind feet, which were very overgrown, were tucked underneath her, allowing her to rock back and take the pain away from her front feet.”
Lady was thin; her spine was prominent through her coat, with her ribs and hips easily felt and she had very little muscle coverage.
“It was pouring down with rain on the day we saw the donkeys,” Sarah adds.
“Lady and her companions were soaked through to the skin. Donkeys’ coats are not waterproof and are not as insulated as horses’ or ponies’; they need to be able to access a windproof and waterproof shelter to protect themselves from the elements.
“While we were concerned for all four donkeys due to their environment and overgrown feet, we were particularly worried about Lady.”
After speaking to the donkeys’ owner, Sarah and Katana became aware of their personal circumstances, which meant they were unable to provide adequate care for the donkeys.
Sarah discussed the examinations and treatment that may be required and agreed with the owner for the donkeys to be relinquished into our care.
Katana contacted a local equine veterinary practice, who sent out two vets to examine the donkeys.
“The equine vets were in discussions with our vets every step of the way,” Sarah says.
“Sadly, after taking x-rays of Lady’s hooves, it was agreed that the kindest thing we could do was to put her to sleep due to the irreversible damage that had been caused by the lack of farrier attention.”
After Lady was put to sleep, Matilda, Dixie and Boo were transported to a local holding base, where they received veterinary, farriery and dental treatment and were given plenty of time to mourn.
But it wasn’t the easiest start for the trio, as once they arrived at the holding base, they didn’t want to leave the lorry.
A spokesperson from the holding base says: “We allowed them time to adjust, without any pressure, to let them venture out in their own time. After 20 minutes of patient observation, Matilda came down the ramp, followed by Dixie and Boo.
“To help them adjust to their new environment, the donkeys were left to settle, and received daily care and small social interactions to help build their confidence.”
In the months that followed, Matilda, Dixie and Boo came out of their shells, exploring their new environment with plenty of love and care from the owner of the holding base.
Today they are confident, social donkeys who love attention and being fussed over.
Sarah says: “I’m really pleased at how Matilda, Dixie and Boo have come on. From seeing where they were, to hearing what they are like now is really lovely, knowing we have made a difference to their lives.
“Their farrier said that you wouldn’t even know they once had issues with their feet, which goes to show how well they have recovered.
“It is our hope that these deserving donkeys can now bring more joy to others via our Rehoming Scheme. They have wonderful characters, and I am sure if they are eligible, they will bring nothing but happiness to any potential Donkey Guardians.
“But if they aren’t suitable for rehoming, Matilda, Dixie and Boo will have a home for life with us at one of our sanctuaries.”
