GAWF 2021

The hardworking and  dedicated equine vets from GAWF (Greek Animal  Welfare Fund) arrived on  Hydra this weekend taking the first opportunity now that the Greek domestic travel restrictions have been lifted, to visit providing care for the island's hard-working horses, mules and donkeys.

Vet, Kostas, attended for his first visit  and was impressed with the condition of the animals he checked over on the  first morning.

Aris, the  blacksmith, returned for what must be his seventh visit to tend to the hooves and feet of our equines. He was his usual lovely laid-back self and well used to resolving the issues of Hydra's hoofed workers.

When I arrived to capture some coverage, the dentist was rasping the teeth of one of George's horses - who it has to be said, disliked the process as much as Harriet's horse, Rouli, disliked the  vet on sight. Watching the  equine dentist having a battle of wills with George's  horse  made me think of Garry Draper who is sadly missed. And I couldn't help feeling sorry for the dentist attending this year as his only thanks for the effort he made was to have his tools thrown at him and have his  hand bitten by the horse he was trying to help. It brought a whole new meaning to 'never work with animals'!

Kostas was optimistic that at least another ten horses would be added on Sunday to the 'seen list' in addition to the 18-20 dealt with on the first day. However, I suspect that the number of horses, mules and donkeys attending this session won't be as high as normal given that it's the first weekend that muleteers will be able to get some work in the port after 6 months of lockdown.

I left Kostas with Harriet of Harriet's Hydra Horses as they were about  to give a check-up to Harriet's horse Rouli who is the most gentle boy ever except he hates vets with a passion. I take my hat off to this dedicated team of animal lovers!