All invited to celebrate Spindles Farm survivor’s 21st birthday
Spindles Farm veteran Cookie is celebrating his 21st birthday at Redwings Horse Sanctuary next weekend – and all are invited.
The appaloosa will be marking the milestone with a party at Redwings Aylsham, north of Norwich, on Saturday, 24 June from 11.30am.
The gelding joined the charity’s adoption scheme this year to mark the 10th anniversary of his rescue from horrific conditions at Spindles Farm, near Amersham, Bucks, in January 2008.
Cookie and some 100 other horses, ponies and donkeys were found living without food or water, the bodies of more than 30 other equine around them.
“Cookie was one of 60 survivors who came to Redwings to begin a new life at Sanctuary, as well as six foals born to mares following the rescue,” said a charity spokesman.
“Thanks to the hard work of Redwings’ vet and equine care teams, today an incredible 58 horses and donkeys are still being cared for by the charity or in loving guardian homes as part of Redwings’ rehoming programme.”
Guests at the party will be able to meet Cookie, who will be treated to a birthday cake, and join in with quizzes and party games.
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Redwings’ head of fundraising Alison Lanchester said: “With his friendly nature and striking looks, everyone has taken Cookie to their hearts.
“His story of survival has really touched our visitors and we’re delighted that so many of them have supported this charming chap by sponsoring him since his launch as an adoption star.
“His triumph over such a traumatic start in life, however, is symbolic of the struggles all of our inspirational Amersham survivors have overcome. By adopting Cookie our supporters are also helping to ensure we can continue to give all these beautiful horses and donkeys a safe and loving home for the next 10 years.”
Continues below…
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.