Bob looks like your average horse from the front …
A Westcountry animal charity is appealing for donations to buy a rather unusual item to help one of its residents.
Bob the horse was taken in by Ferne Animal Sanctuary, based near Chard in Somerset, after his owner had sadly died.
The bay gelding was found with a wet tail bandage on which had over time caused the tail hair underneath to die away.
Staff at the charity are unsure of when the tail bandage was put on, but judging from the condition of Bob’s tail it had been left on for a considerable length of time. Nikki Haddock, animal manager, said: “All he’s left with now is a sprinkling of short hair at the top, certainly not long enough to ward off those flies.
“Sunshine, light nights and warm evening walks, the joys of summer are here at last, well, for most of us. Unfortunately, tailless Bob doesn’t share our enthusiasm as it’s not much fun for a horse with no tail surrounded by flies and midges he can’t swish away.”
In order to help Bob during the summer months, the charity is asking for donations from the public to help buy hair extensions, which would be able to be weaved into the gelding’s remaining tail hair.
“The poor old boy has lost his lifelong owner and moved to Somerset, the least we can do is restore his tail – and dignity – to keep him comfortable in his retirement,” added Nikki.
“However, in summer it’s not his good looks we worry about as it’s a real problem for him to keep the flies off with no tail.
“The extensions make the world of difference to his wellbeing, so we’re hoping people will help and respond to our appeal for donations to pay for this more unusual item.”
If you would like to make a donation visit the website www.ferneanimalsanctury.org