"Humour, strength, waterproof skin" are the qualifications the Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary staff say are needed to work in the stables section.
The equine side of Bleakholt has provided a stable home for vulnerable animals since 1957, when Olive Lomas saved Maudie the donkey from slaughter.
Now, thanks to the dedicated staff who dedicate their livelihood to caring for these animals, the site currently has a total of 44 animals including horses, mules, donkeys and even four sheep who live on the 55-acre site.
The Joint Stables Managers are Sheila Linley, who celebrated her 20th year at Bleakholt this year, and Natalie Hill, who has been at Bleakholt for eight years.
Sheila said: “I always wanted to work with horses, and these are our horses.
"We are with them more than we are at home, and we come out in all weathers to make sure they are well-cared for.
“We are with these all the time and many horses live until their mid-20s while donkeys can live until they are 50 so we all obviously get very attached. They can capture our hearts within weeks.”
There are six full-time stable staff working on a rota basis and a massive list of horses waiting to come into Bleakholt. Sharing how they manage the high demand, Natalie said:
“Our day starts in the morning where we go around checking them, feeding them and adjusting their rugs – basically checking what they have been up to during the night!
“The horses tend to be outside all the time and have stables in the fields while the ones which need special attention are in the stable block.
“Many who come here are in poor health initially or have some behavioural problems, so they all need different medication and feed which is done with military precision.
"We have colour co-ordinated buckets and it’s tactical getting everything done correctly – but we always do it!”
While all the six stable staff admit they love their job, they know there is a downside to working in the stables.
The staff in the cats, dogs, and small animals section are used to a quick turnover of animals due to rehoming.
However, Sheila pointed out that horses, donkeys and mules live their lives out there, so the staff get very attached to the animals.
“It means, when they die, it’s heart-breaking, it’s a real sense of loss and it’s tough to deal with," Sheila said.
“Most people who have horses, may lose one or two in their lifetime. The worst we have had is losing ten in one year and it does affect you.
“There is also the logistical problem in that when a horse or donkey dies, you have to move what is a big body, shield it from any public who are on-site and organise its removal.
“You have to stay strong and solid to deal with it all, while inside you are grieving and it is a tough job.
“Then the other horses don’t care – they want feeding or seeing to and you have to crack on which in one way helps but in another way, you do just want to hide and cry. It’s upsetting.
“I don’t think any of us would give it up though because we are dedicated to the animals we look after, we love them.
“And we have had some real characters here – all the animals are quirky in their own way. Some are daft, some needy, some playful.
“We always say to work in the stable section you need a sense of humour, strength and waterproof skin – that sums us up!”
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