I have owned my lovely mare for over 4yrs. Whilst i completed my Nursing Studues she spent the last 12months on loan, 6 of those with a lovely lady who can no longer keep her, as she has ill health. We have found the perfect new owner for her who will give her the love she so deserves. However, the yard she is going to require a clear strangles test to take her, which is absolutely ok with me. Unfortunately, her first test came back at 0.3,which is not negative but not positive so she was retested 10days later only for her levels to have gone up to 0.6!

Breeze, has never had strangles as long as i’ve had her, neither has the yard i had her on, she has been in her current home for 6months, again no symptoms and with no movements on/off yard of existing or new horses. The Vets is querying carrier status, but again she has mixed with horses of all ages for last 4yrs, not one has come down with the condition.

None of us who know her history believe her to be a carrier including her current home but only a gutteral pouch test can confirm this and my mare currently is isolated and facing a potential death sentence as without this test no yard will touch her so i cant sell/loan her.

The testing may cost in excess of £650 which as a newly qualified nurse i just don‘t have, insurance doesnt cover for strangles testing and i’ve already had the costs of £200 for the initial blood tests!

I work long shifts, looking after acutely ill patients but even with my 40p an hour wage rise this week i cannot pay for the test. I‘m hoping that some caring individuals, will take into account my hard work and help me save my mare, she has so much to give, is in exceellent health and in no way deserves to end up as kennel food for the local hunt, which is what will have to happen if she can’t have the test!

I am beyond devestated so please help me save my girl!!!