Any Spare Bits for the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust

https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.p...0569536444314.436108.689544313&type=3&theater

I hope this link to the photos works! I know it's not how we ride, and some of the fly masks have slipped round... but these boys and their donkeys live together, work together and play together. The charity organises a 'pony club' with rallies and tours and arranges an annual show with classes like, best condition, best turned out, most improved... it helps to educate the boys and in turn their families!

I don't think I can emphasise enough the amazing work this charity does. They rarely ask for money- normally they ask for equipment to help them continue their work.

They have a facebook page and a website. the fb page is updated regularly with photos of what they are up to. There are some very graphic pictures of horses and donkeys in pain, being operated on. There is one very inspirational story of the rehabilitation and treatment of a pony that fell in a fire.

Please understand that these people rely on their animals for their livlihood- they do not believe in putting an animal down. We may see this as wrong- The charity see this as just a different point of view- that is how they are so successful.
 
I saw the pics of the boys playing horseball and it looked awesome :D

Its great they can enjoy their animals, as well as using them for work, and alot of the riding in the photos, and amount of gobbing the donkeys receive is no worse than that of a pro rider over here really, mid xc or sj round - plus I'm pretty sure those kids can't weigh that much can they :)

I have ridden the horses at the pyramids in egypt (2004 ish I think) and was assured that my horse would be well fed. It wasn't what my western view would consider well fed, but they were fine really, and obviously well looked after - plus - they could shift! :eek: Who am I to judge people who struggle to feed their own families? :)
 
Tinsel Trouble said:
Would it be possible to have a collection box which can then be sent to the charity? I know it would be expensive to post, but i am sure it would work out cheaper to send one large box, rather than lots of packages- especially if everyone chipped in some pennies in for postage... just a cheeky idea!!
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Thats a good idea, I'm sure everyone has loads of bits they dont use anymore. Our yard has about 50 horses, I will see what I can do tomorrow.

Do they need anything else or just bits?
 
Gives me good reason to finish purging the tack room!

What about other things, I know I have loads of odds and sods of bridles and loads of plain leather reins that are just gathering dust?
 
I'll have in a look in my tack room - I've also shared the poster on my FB and put it up on my riding club FB. I know we have a tack sale coming up so will suggest a collection box for old bits.
 
Oooh, I've got a couple of bits (single jointed) that I will never use again, and an old fly mask.

I'll send them there, they won't sell on Ebay!
 
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