Jousting for Donkeys

Hello,

I am Stuart Easby. I run 1 Call Advice Direct Vet (www.1vet.info) and doineedavet.co.uk (www.doineedavet.co.uk). In February this year I was fortunate to be able to travel to Israel to assess how we can help The Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land (www.safehaven4donkeys.org).

This is a charity registered in this country and Israel and manned by a small band of volunteers that aims to improve the welfare and status of donkeys in the Holy Land through education. They are faced with problems associated with a substantial hike in the rent of the premises where they are based at Gan Yoshiyya. The premises provide a sanctuary for 108 animals mainly donkeys and a base for the outreach project that takes the care out to animals of the poor Israelis and Arabs which otherwise would have no access to veterinary care.  In the week I was there I witnessed the dedication of the team from the Israeli vet who visited before his clinic opened every morning, the founder and organiser Lucy, and the Arabs and Israelis that helped in the sanctuary and on the outreach project. With limited funds and equipment they work daily to provide care which otherwise just would not be there and will not be unless substantial extra funds can be raised.

To raise the profile of this charity and the work they do I have taken up the gauntlet to compete in a joust. Real live horses and lances etc at speed. With assistance from the Nottingham Jousting Association who have been training me at Bunny Hill National School of Equitation just south of Nottingham I am scheduled to complete this challenge at Belvoir Castle on Sunday 6th May.  

I hope you feel that you can support this worthy charity.  Pledges of assistance in the form of head collars, safe bits, hoof picks, bandages, dressings, tooth rasps and blades or money can be made by replying to the question Jousting 4 Donkeys on the www.doineedavet.co.uk website or come and cheer in person and have a great day out at Belvoir Castle.

Best Wishes,

Stuart Easby