Behavioural work helps Florence overcome fears

Eighteen-year-old mare Florence was rescued in a historic operation conducted in Carmarthenshire, Wales in 2021.

The rescue, which was the largest and most complex The Donkey Sanctuary has ever been involved in, saw more than 70 donkeys, all living with varying degrees of welfare concerns, rescued from squalid conditions.

It’s been more than three years since the rescue and while many of the donkeys are leading happier and fulfilled lives, for some the history of neglect they endured still echoes today.

One such donkey is Florence, who required the expertise and planning of our Behaviour team to overcome deep-rooted trauma of having her mouth touched.

When she was rescued, Florence had a host of welfare concerns that required treatment when she arrived at our New Arrivals farm in Devon.

Her hooves were overgrown, causing her constant discomfort, and her coat was severely matted and infested with lice. Her nose was also scarred from a previous bout of sunburn.

The most noticeable health concern was Florence’s teeth, which required extensive attention from our equine dentists.

X-rays revealed that some of her teeth were loose and diseased, with all of her lower incisors requiring removal.

However, this task was easier to plan than execute. Florence ran away when approached with a head collar. Other times, she dropped her head to the floor and walked backwards to avoid it being fitted.

Building Florence’s confidence

Equine Behaviourist Kerry Layton-Hill says: “Florence was in a vicious circle – she had severe dental issues which were causing her behaviour, yet it was that very behaviour which was preventing the Veterinary team from being able to treat her teeth.

“Donkeys’ natural reactions are fight, flight or freeze as they are a prey species. They will usually run away when given the option, or kick out and bite if they feel they are pinned and need to fight their way out of the situation.

“The other option is to freeze – which is what we saw with Florence. Once she was fitted with a head collar, she would stand completely still, too scared to move, until the collar was removed.

“Florence was mouth-shy because she was in pain, and as such we were unable to access the teeth that needed veterinary attention.”

With Florence’s bad teeth a pressing issue, and an upcoming dental appointment looming, it was all hands to the pump to build up her confidence.

With a plan made, Kerry began helping Florence acclimatise to different parts of her body being touched, primarily focusing on her neck as an operation was required to treat, and remove, some of her teeth.

Kerry explains: “The sedative was going to be administered via Florence’s neck. I spent a month with Florence stroking and scratching her neck every day while she wore a head collar.

“We had to break the process down into really little steps so Florence wasn’t overwhelmed. Once she was comfortable with her neck being touched, we had to introduce a second person to touch her neck.

“We then practised touching her neck while wearing blue rubber gloves, and eventually while holding a syringe.

“All of the steps were significant in Florence’s development. Had we not prepared like this, Florence would have encountered lots of new faces and foreign instruments in the operating theatre and would most likely have been very stressed and fearful.

“Thankfully, on the day of her operation, she was still nervous but handled everything very well and came through the procedure splendidly.”

A remarkable transformation

Following Florence’s operation, she was given plenty of attention from Kerry and her grooms and allowed time to relax in her stable.

Today, Florence is a changed donkey. She now enjoys the company of her grooms and has integrated well into a group of friends.

Josie Blaber, Farm Supervisor, says: “Florence was such a nervous, scruffy donkey when she arrived in our care, but we have all seen her blossom over the last few years.

“While she is still always very quiet and considered, she will stand patiently for a scratch and a biscuit at any given opportunity.

“After a biscuit, Florence will often stick her tongue out and approach for another.

“She has touched all our hearts, and now she can look forward to a bright future at The Donkey Sanctuary, surrounded by her long-eared friends and the grooms who love her so much.

“She is one of a kind.”