WE ARE HEARTBROKEN

Often, when things finally seem to be going well, life has a way of throwing something huge at you…

This time, it threw two things. At exactly the same time.

Back in October last year, we traded in our old tractor and invested in a JCB telehandler. Since then, it has been one problem after another, with several expensive visits from JCB just to keep it going.

Woodfield does not have brand new expensive vehicles. We run older vehicles because that is all we have ever been able to afford.

Last week, whilst JCB were onsite doing some electrical work, we noticed a large pool of hydraulic fluid underneath.

The mechanic investigated.

Then came the words nobody wants to hear.

“Are you sitting down?”

“The main arm has gone.”

“Expensive?”

“Very.”

Then came problem number two.

After moving ponies last week, we noticed multiple soft spots on the horse lorry ramp.

The lorry had already gone in for a new air brake tank before being taken straight to Wales and West Horseboxes for inspection.

The news wasn’t good.

The ramp is rotten.

One of the hinges has snapped.

The lorry cannot be used.

This horsebox is not a luxury.

It transports rescues to safety.

It moves horses and ponies to grazing.

It gets emergency cases home.

Without it, the sanctuary simply cannot function properly.

Then, something incredible happened.

Wales and West Horseboxes told us the labour alone would be a huge cost and the parts would come to around £2,500…

…but then offered to do all the labour completely free of charge.

Again, I cried.

The kindness and generosity shown by Wales and West Horseboxes is something we will never forget.

Then came the quote from JCB.

£6,000.

We were completely floored.

The reality is this:

We cannot simply replace these vehicles.

We cannot continue without them either.

Without the telehandler we cannot move haylage, transport water containers to fields, empty the muck trailer or carry out countless daily jobs that keep over 60 horses and ponies fed, watered and safe.

So here we are.

Completely overwhelmed.

Completely stressed.

And asking for help.

To get both vehicles back operational we need to raise £8,500 — and we need to do it fast.

Can you help?

The last few days have been a complete rollercoaster and this particular setback has genuinely kept me awake at night worrying.

But if there is one thing we have learnt over the years…

It is never underestimate the power of social media.

Let’s pray for another miracle.