Sabotage strike

By Helena Adeloju
HEALESVILLE Equine Rehabilitation horse carers say that their hard work is being sabotaged by thieves who are putting themselves at risk.
In recent weeks horses and ponies at the rehabilitation facility have been harassed, had their winter rugs stolen and two have had their tails cut.
Healesville Equine Rehabilitation president Kylie Biggs said those who are stealing the rugs are putting the horses’ health and their own safety at risk.
“I don’t know who is doing this, but I’m worried that someone is going to get hurt,” Ms Biggs said.
“I don’t want to come up here and find someone unconscious or seriously injured from being kicked by one of the horses.”
Ms Biggs said it was not the first time that horses’ tails have been cut and suspects that the cuttings are being used to extend others horses’ tails.
“The first time was last year just before show season and it’s happened again this year just before show season.”
Ms Biggs said she was disgusted to find pregnant mares Sky and Hippo foaming and sweating after being chased around the paddocks on numerous occasions.
“Hippo is due in August and Sky is due in November but we’re worried that Sky may not last until then if the perpetrators continue to harass the horses.”
Ms Biggs said the recent thefts had destroyed much hard work.
“It takes months for us to get the horses to trust us and thieves have put our progress back nine months at least.”
Last week one horse was found down at a nearby lake after being chased out of the property’s paddocks.
Healesville police Sergeant Tony Van Gorp said: “Indications show that the horses are being spooked but the cause is as yet inconclusive.”
Sgt Van Gorp said that it was unusual that this particular property was being targeted and there had been no similar incidents at neighbouring properties.
“We are certainly keen to get to the bottom of this and we have increased our patrol in the area,” Sgt Van Gorp said.
Currently Healesville Equine Rehabilitation is caring for 10 horses that have been abused, neglected, are unwanted or drought effected, and expects more to be handed over by the Sale Yard on Thursday.
As a charity organisation, carers rely on community donations to run the rehabilitation facility.
“We urgently need more land to help us to save more horses,” Ms Biggs said.
Anyone with information about the incidents are urged to contact Healesville police on 5962 4422.
Those interested in donating land, feed or equipment can contact Healesville Equine Rehabilitation president Kylie Biggs on 0420 446 919.