Hannes needs YOUR help

We are asking all of our Friesian-loving friends to dig in your pockets to help us fund a vital medical procedure for our beautiful gelding Hannes.

Since being abandoned with us when he was five years old, Hannes has proven himself to be a popular, safe and reliable Friesian horse, who has made special memories for hundreds of Friesian enthusiasts over the last 4 years.

With a long flowing mane and classic characteristic Friesian features Hannes is everyone’s idea of Black Beauty and like most friesians he is such a friendly, inquisitive, horse who loves to be groomed and pampered. He loves to be active and becomes easily bored, and a little cheeky, if he doesn't have anything to do! Whatever we've asked him to do, he has done with enthusiasm which has made him a fantastic versatile all-rounder. Whether its hacking on the Cartmel fells, galloping along the beach at Bardsea, taking visitors around Cartmel’s leafy country lanes in the carriage or simply showing off in the arena he's in his element. He has also helped many people suffering from illness and disabilities, who have gained so much from spending time grooming and pampering him or even lying with him in the stable.

However, since his arrival there have been a number of health issues that needed addressing.

Hannes’ beauty is marred by a painful sarcoid on his left eye that is prone to flare up without warning. The situation has become more desperate with Hannes also having pre-existing problems with his feet that have prevented him from working for the last four months. Hannes is currently resting in the fields with his buddy Koreo but he is showing signs of depression.

Despite trying many treatments over the years, including BCG injections with his previous owner who did not complete the course, none have got to the root of the problem. With the help of my vet Sam Galloway at Frame, Swift and Partners, we have sought the advice of the world expert in sarcoids Professor Derek Knottenbelt, who has recommended Carboplatin chemotherapy injections. The revolutionary ground-breaking treatment involves 5 chemotherapy injections administered in periods of 2 week intervals in succession. Because of the sensitive area being around his eye, Hannes will need to be lightly anaesthetised to save him any unnecessary stress and trauma as 12 injections with large needles are required to be administered around the sarcoid. Depending on his toleration to the drug, it could be a local or, more likely, he will need a mild general anaesthetic.

The total cost of this particular treatment along with travelling costs taking Hannes back and forth to the vets during the 10 week period, will be in the region of £3,000.

In addition, Hannes needs treatments to aid the ailments in his feet which have disabled him from being active over the last four months. He's had steroid treatment in both front feet this year for mild arthritis. Our farrier, Chris Milby, has been closely monitoring the situation with his feet since his arrival and has done a great deal of remedial farriery to keep him sound but further investigation is needed to pinpoint the problem and Sam has suggested a new treatment that may suit him that will cost around £600.

Hannes really needs to start the treatment on his eye as soon as possible as we can’t even put a fly mask on him at the moment as it rubs the sore bits on his eye. So, we have launched this crowdfunding site where we hope that horse lovers will make donations to help fund his medical needs. Please give a donation so he can return to doing the things he loves with a renewed quality of life so he can bring enjoyment to all who visit the stables.

It is hoped that people who have met and ridden or driven Hannes will give donations to the cause, as well as horse lovers and those who want to come and meet him in the future. This very special nine-year-old should be in the prime of his life and deserves the best possible chance to get better. All donations, no matter how small, will be greatly received.

We will give updates on his progress on our special 'The Friesian Experience - Behind the Scenes' facebook page. Anyone making a donation will be welcome to join the page till the end of this year. Every penny donated will go directly to Hannes care. - https://www.facebook.com/groups/209794322786959/

THE FRIESIAN EXPERIENCE

Early in 2019 we founded and registered The Friesian Experience as a not for profit organisation with the aim to raise funds to be able to continue to care for the existing equines at the stables and to take on other abandoned Friesians like Hannes.

Two more horses were abandoned with us in 2016. Maaika and Noortje arrived in poor condition and with a number of health issues. However they are now beginning to show potential to become fine horses that may take part in our experience days.

In addition we have taken on a number of friesian horses over the last few years where owners circumstances have changed. They have been unable to care for their horses but don't want to sell them and lose them forever. We have taken these horses on without charge and where suitable have involved them in our experience days to help cover their keep costs. The horses have subsequently returned to their original owners as much more experienced horses who the owners know have been well cared for whilst out of their care.

The Black Horses Ltd business has been using money to pay for their needs, but that is not sustainable. Donations and adoption of different horses, including Hannes, have already been greatly received. But more funds are needed to go towards paying for feed, medication and medicines, for x-rays and other exploratory examinations.