Report by Dr Phillippa Burger

On a chilly Western Cape winter day, 17 July 2015, a successful outreach to indigent horses and donkeys in the Greyton area was coordinated by Sharon Orpen (Greyton Equine Outreach) and hosted by the Greyton Riding Club. The team included Dr Kate Meiring (Cape Vet Equine Practice), Werner Gouws (Animal Health Technician, State Veterinary Services: Swellendam), Dr Phillippa Burger (MSc student, Equine Research Centre, University of Pretoria), Graham Haddow (Greyton Riding Club) and a number of volunteers, Sharon, Jill and Nicky, from EARS (Everyone’s Animal Rescue Society).

Despite the cold, there was a good turnout. 104 horses/donkeys were seen. Most had been microchipped on previous clinic days but 24 new microchips were inserted.

Each horse was checked by Dr Kate Meiring:

 with notes made in a personalized booklet and advice given to owners
 the database was updated with any owner detail changes recorded
 wound care was dealt with
 all horses were vaccinated for AHS, dipped and dewormed and microchipped if not already done

Ascot Stud and Wicklow Stud each very kindly donated R10 000 worth of AHS vaccines. This donation was facilitated by the EHF (Equine Health Fund). Western Cape Department of Agriculture also contributed AHS vaccine and dewormer.

The Equine Research Centre donated the microchips, while BringMeHome donated a microchip scanner that was used on the day and will be used on future occasions.

Dip was purchased with the funds from public donations.

Many thanks must go to the team and to the volunteers who came out to help. On previous occasions, farriers and dentists have also provided services and it is hoped that they will join in again next time.