On March 28, mid-day reported about how Matheran, the automobile-free hill station, has no veterinarian for over 450 horses. Pictures showed an apology of a clinic, which is in shambles. No veterinary care, combined with poor infrastructure, has imperilled the equines, which are the lifeblood of the popular tourist getaway.
In our report, we focused on a horse called Dayavaan. The horse was ill, but with no immediate care available, it passed away after a trip to Pune to be looked at by a vet. Upon reading the report, a distinguished veterinarian, Dr Prashant Wandhare, made a trip to Matheran this weekend. The doctor said, “The mid-day report made me visit Matheran, and I examined several horses owned by ghodawallahs. They earn their living through joyrides for visitors. There are also some ponies that carry construction material to different places in the hill station.”
The vet brings his expertise to the hill station
Dr Wandhare who has more than 38 years of experience as a horse specialist, stated that he is going to make more trips to Matheran to look at the horses, and he will “also brainstorm with locals/authorities if we can help start a clinic with medicines for the horses, by approaching industrialists who may be able to help with their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. I have devoted my life to the welfare of these animals. Horses should not suffer.”
Doctor Speak
To make sure the horses are well cared for, ensure…
Water: Access to clean and fresh water at all times; horses drink water equivalent to 5-10 per cent of their body weight daily
Shelter/environment: Shelter from wind, rain, sun
Social/mental health: Horses are social animals and need interaction with other horses; this prevents stress
Movement/turnout: Routine checkups, dental checkups, vaccinations, parasite control, hoof trimming/shoeing, and immediate attention to treat injuries and signs of lameness
Rest: Need to be rested when injured and require compulsory stall rest to prevent more injuries
Decades ‘n’ more
>> Dr Prashant Wandhare is a former senior veterinary officer with the Royal Western India Turf Club, Mumbai/Pune
>> Horse vet experience of over 38 years
>> Practices as a visiting veterinarian for different racing centres in India and abroad, and also stud farms
