Have you got what it takes to be a Horse Hoarder

[Catrin]

This program explores the events in one Wrexham man's past that have led this one-time award-winning horse breeder and family man to isolate himself and live rough in squalid conditions with only horses and pigeons for company, and asks questions of a society that can sometimes appear to put the needs of animals above those of humans.

www.channel4.com/programmes/the-horse-hoarder

[BJMM]

Thanks for the link x. I shall record the program as I am working.

[wabuska]

It's a fascinating area Catrinn isn't it? I believe having come from a family overwhelmed with animals from ponies to dogs, where we were put second as children, that dozens of animals outside of a real santuary are an expression of emotional problems- or LOTS of time and money. Lol. There's that saviour role (real or imagined) too and the real belief that keeping the animals is a very relevant job to which nothing else including any relationship or paid work can interfere. I don't feel it's an animals role to keep someone together, and they often get dumped as the needs shift. Someone brought up Munschauser's by proxy... another thing that has and does go on with loving animals into bad situations. Sounds really sad... and will give the show a miss.

[diggydoggy]

Thanks for the info. I've texted several friends about it.

[kizi]

Doubt I will remember its on to watch it. I could be a hoarder! I'm sure some people think i am... However I am not lol I am more than aware of every choice I make as well as all the consequences..!
Will be interesting to see it though, if they are suffering then obviously it's not ok.. But if he is doing no harm, they are not suffering, then who's to say how he should or shouldn't live.. Must go try set a reminder now! Thanks !

[wabuska]

Your animals are all lucky to be in your capable hands Kizi. I think this is darker stuff- where there's mental illness etc. There's plenty of people here with a boat load, but it's not at problematic levels.

[kirstiesally]

Thankyou for the info will set record incase i forget to watch, looks very interesting and abit dark maybe

[clara81]

Ooh my mum text me about that, I meant to set box. Watched a series called Animal Hoarders a while ago and some were really sad but others it was just that the hoarder's grown up children were jealous that the animals were getting more attention than them and their own children.

[highlanderpony2002]

what time is or was it on as my computer wont go to the link

[shan]

Pensioner Clwyd Davies harbours a compulsion to hoard horses. Squatting in a derelict farmhouse without heating, electricity or warm water, he dedicates his every waking moment to caring for the 52 untamed horses he has collected, and in some cases bred.

Forgoing the most rudimentary comforts of modern living, Clwyd, who's 68, maintains an extraordinary existence; not in the remote countryside, but on a housing estate on the edge of Wrexham, where his eccentricities appear to make him invisible to his neighbours.

His is a tale of just one outsider, the likes of which exist in almost every British town. No one knows who they are and why they lead such isolated lives, and usually no one bothers to find out.

For Clwyd, there is one exception: Michelle Crowther, who's 44, runs a livery stables and also rescues horses. She has struck up a friendship with Clwyd, recognising a kindred spirit in his devotion to his horses.

Despite Clwyd's evident affinity with the horses, Michelle has recognised that he is struggling to care for both the horses and himself, so she begins to help him.

But Clwyd discovers someone else has taken an interest: he has been anonymously reported to the RSPCA for neglect and cruelty to animals. He faces having his horses removed, prosecution and a potential prison sentence if he does not comply.

This documentary follows Clwyd's battle, with Michelle's support, to keep his horses.

It explores the events in his past that have led this one-time award-winning horse breeder and family man to isolate himself and live rough in squalid conditions with only horses and pigeons for company, and asks questions of a society that can sometimes appear to put the needs of animals above those of humans

I'll watch it, but I hope they're not in a bad state or I will cry and regret tuning in...

[marsay]

A very clever person said to me once that anyone who keeps more of 6 animals of the same breed shows signs of mental health issues, they usually have some sort of personality issue or problem with society. After this sweeping statement I have watched people who do this, you know, 12 cats 6 dogs, 12 horses etc and yes I have to say so far I have found he is correct. This does not mean however that the animals are not well cared for or that they are doing anything wrong but as an earlier thread said it only takes a small change in someones circumstances for care to deteriorate and sometimes change is insidious so before they know it they are out of their depth. The other problem we have is people who judge or put their level of expectations onto another persons way of living, just because you blanket or stable a horse every night, doesn't mean to say other people should do that.

A very interesting view, my opinion is if you can't afford to worm them or have their hooves trimmed or have the money to neuter the cats then you shouldn't have more than you can afford to keep. I have to say my pet hate is seeing horses with way overgrown feet and I have a few friends who struggle with this as they can't afford a farrier or have horses that can be handled enough to allow a trim.

So at what point do you say enough is enough, I have 2 horses, 2 dogs 1 cat, 1 rabbit we did have pet sheep and chickens but recognised we were struggling for time and not really enjoying having them so we sold the sheep, didn't replace the chickens as they died and let a 2nd cat go to another home. I also realise even the 2 horses is a huge commitment and don't want anymore, but people do push me to take unwanted ponies but I have always said no but it is hard when you know they need help.

[kafee]

Jan 5, 2013 8:29:39 GMT 1 marsay said:

A very clever person said to me once that anyone who keeps more of 6 animals of the same breed shows signs of mental health issues, they usually have some sort of personality issue or problem with society.

Gulp!!! Well, is that me then! I have 7 ponies, but I feel 6 adult 14.2's is my limit as I rent a 10 acre field. As 3 of the ponies are small, a shetland and 2 foals, the 7 that I have are eqiuvalent to 6 adults.

Does this include farmers and other animal breeders?

[marsay]

No these are animals who are pets, not live stock, farmers, crofters or breeders, just people who keep pets. The comment came from a very switched on vet, who had dealt with numerous cases of neglect and found he only had problems with people who had more than 6 of one thing and had studied this over the years. I have spent the last 5 years watching and observing since then and it is interesting, I can see what he means but don't take offence none was meant, just an interesting comment that was all. ;D

[misty]

I do worry when I see people who have lots of animals as to how they look after them, even at a basic level so quite agree with you marsay. There are two of us with 3 horses, a dog and a cat. We feel we could cope with another of each (did have four horses, 2 retired two ridden but at our age not really looking). We know our capabilities of looking after these so you do wonder when people don't have the money to keep them properly. Sorry but animals need food and medical help, they can actually do without love.

[coblet]

There is a FB group, Wrexham Rescue Horses, set up by the lady who is one of the friends that has helped Clwyd and rehomes lots of his coblets.