Legacy Horses and Donkeys of Willow Farm

Legacy Horses and Donkeys of Willow Farm For those who wish to keep up with the faithful horses who served the community at Leg-Up Trust.

Vale StripesAnother sad day at Willow Farm as one of the faithful former Leg-Up horses was laid to rest. She has been di...
29/01/2025

Vale Stripes
Another sad day at Willow Farm as one of the faithful former Leg-Up horses was laid to rest. She has been disfigured for a long time in one nostril with a cancerous growth for which nothing could be done, but it has grown slowly. Until recently when new growths popped up in other spots on her body, and the decision was made. Very old but still in lovely condition, she looked so well apart from the growths, so it was hard to part with an otherwise healthy looking horse.
She spent her final night under starry skies and enjoyed a sunny day today. Shortly after she was laid to rest, gentle rain fell. It was a fitting farewell to a faithful horse who arrived here years ago in shocking condition but rallied to become a wonderful therapy horse, the darling of many hurting children and young people. Well done, Stripes, good and faithful servant.
Special thanks to Vet Services team Henry and Morag, digger man Justin from Needadigga, Colin Lindsay who made sure Stripes was laid carefully in the grave, and good friend Margaret Devon whose sixth sense saw her turn up with a meal without having been told about the sad day lying ahead. All good and kind people. Thank you.

Kaimanawa Heritage Horses has done so much over the years for our beloved Kaimanawa horses, but the most important aspec...
30/08/2024

Kaimanawa Heritage Horses has done so much over the years for our beloved Kaimanawa horses, but the most important aspect of their work in the minds of horse lovers and the horses themselves (should they be able to speak) is their tireless efforts in the area of welfare. Elder and Marilyn Jenks, aided by Michele Haultain and others never hesitate when they learn of a Kaimanawa horse in need of help. When the musters bring in horses that are sometimes too old to be ridden, it is not unknown for them to be chucked in a back paddock to be neglected or worse. One such unfortunate was Rhema (formerly known as Rimu). Unable to be started under saddle because of her age, she was sent in good faith to a family by her new owner, but was discovered in the nick of time near starvation and with a halter cutting into her head. She was rescued by KHH, placed in Michele’s care and after Michele had worked a miracle on her she eventually came to live with ancient fellow Kai Molly (now in her mid thirties) and other very old retirees at Willow Farm who had served the community for many years via the Leg-Up Trust.
This lovely mare came so close to death, as have many others over the years, but for the welfare wing of KHH. Huge thanks to Marilyn, Elder, Michele and the rest of the team who step in when the going gets tough for old, sick or abused Kaimanawa horses.

Vale TinkaI seldom use Facebook these days but am conscious of the interest some people take in the fortunes of the old ...
18/07/2024

Vale Tinka
I seldom use Facebook these days but am conscious of the interest some people take in the fortunes of the old Leg-Up therapy horses living out their days at Willow Farm.
Today one of those faithful horses breathed her last in familiar surroundings, and is now free of pain. At 16 years old and the youngest by well over ten years than the next youngest retiree, Tinka was always going to be the last horse standing, but it was not to be.
Tinka arrived here in early 2019 after being sent to us by her breeder after our beloved Peaches, Tinka's mother, died protecting new arrival, Kaimanawa wildie Molly, from a barrage of fireworks.
She knew great contentment at Willow Farm and the blue-eyed blonde was a great favourite with little girls.
She will be sadly missed and never forgotten. Special thanks to Vet Henry, technician Morag and Justin from Needadigga for their kindness today in laying Tinka to rest.

VALE BIKKI AND LUCYToday two old friends who had never been apart died as they had lived - together forever. Bikki and L...
25/10/2023

VALE BIKKI AND LUCY
Today two old friends who had never been apart died as they had lived - together forever. Bikki and Lucy came to us years ago from the Bay of Plenty when they were in need of a new home, quickly demonstrating their big 'horsenalities' packaged in tiny bodies. Nervous kids who shrank from the big horses gravitated to the minis and asked if they could work with them instead, but invariably, after ten minutes of dealing with 'small mare syndrome', they demanded a return to the more amenable larger variety of horseflesh.
Over the years they mellowed into sweet souls loved by all. In more recent times Bikki had recurring bouts of laminitis which she'd suffered before coming to us, and Lucy developed Cushings, but with care they were kept comfortable. Until yesterday, when it became clear that both were ready to go...
They were the last of our minis and some of the colour of Willow Farm has faded, but their memory lives on as they go to join our precious Chocolate Pudding who died a few months ago.
Gallop free, littlies! You will be missed.

This is what Kaimanawa Heritage Horses is all about, and nobody does it better. Most people have no idea of the true ded...
21/08/2023

This is what Kaimanawa Heritage Horses is all about, and nobody does it better. Most people have no idea of the true dedication that goes on behind the scenes at KHH...
Willow Farm has recently welcomed a similar case sent to us after receiving lifesaving care from Michele and KHH, and the old mare has proved a delight. You'll hear more about her one day soon.

Address

89 Ngatarawa Road, Bridge Pa, RD 5
Hastings
4175

Telephone

+6421807294

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Legacy Horses and Donkeys of Willow Farm posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share