HOOVES AND TAILS

Home: Welcome

Hooves and Tails is a farm animal sanctuary based in Hertfordshire. We are a registered charity, (No:1205698) and are entirely run by dedicated volunteers. Currently, we provide care for over 50 rescued sheep and goats that were sick, neglected and mistreated.

Our mission is to provide a safe haven for rescued animals, where they can live out their lives peacefully, surrounded by love and receiving the best possible care.

We educate the public on kind and respectful treatment of animals, raising awareness of their needs and promoting compassion for these sentient beings.

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Meet River 🐑 — a 7-year-old girl born at the sanctuary. She’s always been one of the most elusive sheep here, blending in so well that she often went unnoticed.

I tried to socialise her with treats, but she never responded like the others. Then I noticed she’d often tilt her head or look upwards to see. With help from our vet, we discovered she’s blind in one eye. It all made sense — her distance, her wariness.

Over winter, I gently worked on gaining her trust. She’s now discovered Rich Tea biscuits and comes running every evening for her share.

River has seven years of treats to catch up on, and I’m so happy I can now care for her with the understanding of her eyesight issue.
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#sanctuarylife #rescuesheep #partiallyblind #animalcare #vegansanctuary #sheepofinstagram #riverthesheep #river #shetlandsheep #hoovesandtails #sheep #rescuesheep #sheeple #sheepies #sheeplove

For years, the lovely swan 🦢 couple Frankie and Betty graced us with their presence. Sadly, we lost Frankie earlier this year, but Betty still visits on her own, and now her cygnets from last year have started showing up too.

It’s always such an enjoyable and special moment to see these amazing birds and a true pleasure to feed them ❤️
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#swans #wildlife #nature #animals #feedingtime #countrylife #cygnets #birdwatching #animalsofinstagram #swanlove #hoovesandtails #betty #frankie

I am so proud of our lovely Leyla for continuing a family tradition! Just like her brother Larry, Leyla loves reaching up to tree branches to nibble on her favourite leaves 🌿 She looks so cute ❤️

She may get a bit of stick for being a chunky girl, but don’t let that fool you—Leyla can stretch, climb, and reach with the best of them when there are tasty leaves involved.

It’s a joy to see her being her true, quirky self in a safe and loving space 💚
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#goatsofinstagram #goatsanctuary #rescuegoat #sanctuarylife #adoptdontshop #plantpoweredgoat#leylathegoat #goatlove #leyla
#hoovesandtails #goatsanctuary #goat #goats #whitegoat

March 2025 photo dump 🐑🐐
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#hoovesandtails #sheepsanctuary #goatsanctuary #goat #goats #rescuegoats #sheep #rescuesheep #sheeple #sheepies #sheeplove #goatlove #farmanimalsanctuary #supportoursanctuary #march #march2025 #photodump

Larry’s 1st anniversary of passing 💔

I’ve been dreading this day. His absence is felt every single day, and I miss him terribly. Grief comes in waves—you never know when it will hit, and today, it hit hard.

For a whole year, he hasn’t been there to greet me at the gate. I haven’t had to distract him with peanuts just to slip into the sanctuary. The tree leaves that were once within his reach have started to grow again.

Leyla has adjusted to life without her big brother, but she’s definitely less confident without his protection. I miss his mischief, his sweet bleats, and the way he made my happy place extra special.

I’ve planted a tree in his memory, and every Christmas, his scarf adorns its branches—just a small way to keep his memory alive.

Larry was truly one of a kind—a larger-than-life character with a mischievous streak that kept us all on our toes. He was the king of the sanctuary - had a tender, loyal and clever nature that made him unforgettable.

Larry, you were more than just a goat. You left hoofprints on hearts forever and will never be forgotten 💚
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#rememberinglarry #goatLove #sanctuarylife #neverforgotten #larry #larrythegoat

Logan and Leyla seem to like the celery sticks. Logan’s magnificent horns give him a unique advantage - once he’s got his head in the box, no one else can get in!
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#hoovesandtails #logan #sheep #goat #leyla #whitegoat #sanctuary #sheepsanctuary #shetlandsheep

Sheep fights are intense and can cause serious injury.

Nala and Kimberley are battling it out, while Precious tries to join in, despite being half their size.
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#hoovesandtails #sheepsanctuary #goatsanctuary #goat #goats #rescuegoats #sheep #rescuesheep #sheeple #sheepies #sheeplove #goatlove #sheepfight #supportoursanctuary #precious #nala #kimberley

It’s impossible to walk by without them noticing. They create a full-blown spectacle the second they see me, demanding treats, naturally.
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#hoovesandtails #sheepsanctuary #goatsanctuary #goat #goats #rescuegoats #sheep #rescuesheep #sheeple #sheepies #sheeplove #goatlove #farmanimalsanctuary #supportoursanctuary

February 2025 photo dump
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#hoovesandtails #sheepsanctuary #goatsanctuary #goat #goats #rescuegoats #sheep #rescuesheep #sheeple #sheepies #sheeplove #goatlove #farmanimalsanctuary #supportoursanctuary #february #february2025

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year today since we lost Finley 💔 He was only six, healthy and happy, when he was suddenly taken from us.

He was also the first loss we experienced here at the sanctuary, which made it even harder.

Born here to Stacey, with his twin Pearl, he was so handsome and a lovable boy. The unexpectedness of his passing still hurts and miss him everyday 💔
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#rememberingfinley #gonetoosoon #sanctuarygrief #finely #hoovesandtails #sheepsanctuary #sheep #rescuesheep #sheeple #sheepies #sheeplove

January 2025 photo dump.
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#hoovesandtails #sheepsanctuary #goatsanctuary #goat #goats #rescuegoats #sheep #rescuesheep #sheeple #sheepies #sheeplove #goatlove #farmanimalsanctuary #supportoursanctuary #january2025 #photodump #sanctuarylife

Enough of this frosty business ❄️🥶🥶

While it looks all pretty with the ice and frost, winter at the sanctuary can be a real challenge. My fingers are practically frozen to the point I need a hot water bottle between jobs.

Keeping the sheep warm and well-fed is a top priority. I have to constantly de-icing their water buckets and making sure they have plenty of hay to munch on and straw to snuggle into.

Even the gate lock doesn’t escape the icy grip. have to carry a flask of hot water around to thaw it out so I can get in and out.

We’re all looking forward to warmer days ☀️.
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#sheepsanctuarylife #winterchallenges #keepingwarm #rescuedlives #animalcare #hoovesandtails #sheepsanctuary #goatsanctuary #goat #goats #rescuegoats #sheep #rescuesheep #sheeple #sheepies #sheeplove #goatlove #farmanimalsanctuary #supportoursanctuary #frost #coldsnap #frozen

A game of sheep and fox 🦊🐑

While feeding the sheeple and Leyla, I also make sure the local wildlife gets some food. My regular visitors include squirrels, swans, badgers, a variety of birds and of course, the foxes.

But Ingela the sheep has become quite the troublemaker. She’s recently discovered where I leave food for the foxes and now thinks it’s her personal buffet😅

At any given time, I feed around four foxes, but two of them know my routine so well they follow me into the field. This has made things a bit tricky because Ingela is determined to beat them to their dinner.

It’s a constant game of cat and mouse – or rather, sheep and fox. She’s relentless. I sometimes have to physically hold her back just to make sure the foxes get their food in peace.
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#sanctuarylife #cheekysheep #wildlifecare #foxtales #sheepshenanigans #sanctuarydrama #lifewithanimals #fox #foxes #ingela #shetlandsheep #hoovesandtails #sheepsanctuary #goatsanctuary #goat #goats #rescuegoats #sheep #rescuesheep #sheeple #sheepies #sheeplove #goatlove

🐑 2024 Recap: A Year at Hooves and Tails 🐐

This year has been bittersweet at the sanctuary - said goodbye to Finley, Larry and Tyrion 💔 Their lives were filled with love and care.

💚 Blessed with a new volunteer community providing much-needed support at the sanctuary.

🩺 Managing the flock’s health is always a top priority—from allergies to specialised treatments ensured Maya, Precious, Badem and CivCiv received the care they needed from March to September months.

✂️ Found an amazing new shearer this year, whose gentle and caring approach has been a blessing to the sheeple.

👢Some of sheeple tried on new boots this year to prevent mud from sticking to their hooves—a small change that made a big difference 🐑💛

⛈️ Braving the weather - heavy rains caused flooding and mud at the sanctuary. Storms also brought down trees, requiring significant clean-up efforts.

🌿 Battling weeds - faced a major issue with cottonrose weeds covering large parts of the field. It took days to remove and taught me an important lesson: remove weeds as soon as they appear!

🍎The flock was treated to surplus food from the local food bank, including bread, fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste.

🤝Helping animals extend beyond the sanctuary fences - continue to provide relief to local wildlife, help other sheep and goats in need, and collaborate with rescues finding homes.

🙏Running the sanctuary alongside a full-time job and personal commitments is no small feat. I couldn’t do it without the support of my local community, neighbours and vegan community 🌱 I’m grateful to everyone for their donations and those who give their time to help with rounding up, feeding and maintaining the sanctuary.

From all of us at Hooves and Tails – thank you for being part of our family 🐑🐐💚
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#sanctuarylife #vegancommunity #compassionateliving #grateful #sanctuarylove #hoovesandtails #sheepsanctuary #goatsanctuary #goat #goats #rescuegoats #sheep #rescuesheep #sheeple #sheepies #sheeplove #goatlove #veganfortheanimals #2024review

Wishing all our followers and supporters a baa-rilliant Christmas and a bleatingly happy New Year 🎄🐑 🐐

Here’s to a new year filled with compassion, kindness and even happy endings for animals in need.
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#merrychristmas #happynewnear #sheepsanctuary #sheeplife #christmas2024 #hoovesandtails #sheepsanctuary #goatsanctuary #goat #goats #rescuegoats #sheepofinstagram

Some of the sheep and goats wear their festive bandanas and scarves for Christmas, as they do every year. But it was a particularly hard and emotional occasion this year, as Larry is no longer with us to wear his scarf and seeing it unworn this year was a painful reminder of his absence 💔

To keep that memory alive, from this year onwards, Larry’s scarf adorns the oak tree planted in his memory.

The big oak tree in the field was his favourite tree. He loved acorns and would spend the acorn season camping under the oak tree, eagerly waiting for them to drop. He even charmed passers-by into picking up acorns from the other side of the fence for him. His memorial stone features an acorn as a tribute to this special part of his life.

I’m not yet ready to scatter his ashes, but in the spring, I may use some to plant flowers in his favourite spots at the sanctuary.

A heartfelt thank you to Marion for donating the oak tree and kindly arranging for her gardener to plant it. This beautiful gesture means so much.
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#larry #animalsanctuary #goatlove #lifeonthesanctuary #inlovingmemory #gonebutnotforgotten #foreverinourhearts #animaltribute #rememberinglarry #christmasmemories #festiveseason #christmasatthesanctuary #christmaswithanimals #loveandloss #treeoflife #legacyoflove #naturememorial #oaktreetribute #instagoats #goatlife #hoovesandtails

Give the Gift of Sheep This Christmas 🌟

Did you know you can sponsor one of our adorable sheep 🐑 at the sanctuary? If you’re searching for a unique Christmas gift 🎁, sponsoring a sheep is a special gift for any animal lover.

By becoming a sponsor, you directly contribute to an animal’s well-being and our sanctuary’s mission. For as little as £30 a year, you can make a real difference.

Our sponsorship package includes:
Personalised certificate with a photo of your chosen animal.
An invitation to meet your sponsored friend (if you live nearby)

So far our sponsored goat and sheep are:
Leyla
Lokum
Monty – He’s a crowd favourite with two sponsors and adored by local kids!
Molly

And many more adorable sheeple waiting for your sponsorship.

📝 How to Sponsor:

1️⃣ Visit hoovesandtails.com and navigate to the “Our Flock” page.
2️⃣ Choose the sheep or goat you’d like to sponsor.
3️⃣ Fill out the easy online “Sponsor an Animal” form.
4️⃣ Complete your donation through the “Ways to Donate” section – simply click the “Donate” button or make a bank transfer.
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#sheepstagram #sanctuarylife #christmasgiftideas #animallover #hoovsandtails #sheeplife #adoptasheepote #supportoursanctuary #christmas #sponsotasheep #sponsor

Here’s a little photo dump from our autumnal season 🍁

Our sheeple absolutely love browsing golden leaves and acorns from the oak trees🍁🌰 They’ve even mastered the art of strategically positioning themselves under the branches, waiting patiently for the leaves and acorns to fall.
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#HoovesAndTails #SheepSanctuary #GoatSanctuary #Goat #Goats #RescueGoats #Sheep #RescueSheep #Sheeple #Sheepies #SheepLove #GoatLove #FarmAnimalSanctuary #SupportOurSanctuary #AutumnVibes #AnimalSanctuary #SheepLife #AutumnAdventures

Storm Bert caused chaos at the sanctuary today when one of our mature trees came crashing down. Thankfully, none of the sheeple were hurt – a huge relief 🙏🐑

Storms like this pose significant risks to our animals. The sanctuary is surrounded by very tall, mature trees, and some are not strong enough to withstand fierce winds. To make matters worse, our main shelters are directly beneath these trees. So far, we’ve been lucky, but the risk is real, and some trees need assessment and possible removal to ensure everyone’s safety.

On a lighter note, the sheeple and Leyla happily demolished the fallen tree’s leaves! 🍃
I am now left with a massive clear-out operation to tackle in the coming days.
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#StormBert #SanctuaryLife #NatureChallenges #TreeFelling #AnimalSanctuary
#HoovesAndTails #SheepSanctuary #GoatSanctuary #Goat #Goats #RescueGoats #Sheep #RescueSheep #Sheeple #Sheepies #SheepLove #GoatLove #FarmAnimalSanctuary

We’re delighted to have played a part in rehoming two adorable pygmy goats, siblings Lenny and Ralph. Their backstory is a little unclear, but they were found on land being sold to developers, abandoned and without owners.

Thankfully, kind hearted Fran rescued them just in time before the developers took over. She brought them to her home, transforming her chicken run into a temporary sanctuary. Fran made sure they had shelter, play areas and plenty of care. However, this setup was only a short-term solution, so she reached out to us for help finding them a permanent home.

While we are unable to take in animals at the moment, we could assist in other ways. I contacted a few rescue organisations, and the amazing team at Second Chance Animal Rescue in Kent kindly agreed to welcome Lenny and Ralph.

Today, the goats were safely delivered to their new home.

Huge thanks to Fran for her incredible efforts in saving and caring for them, to Linda and John at Second Chance Animal Rescue @scar_rehoming for taking them in, and to Charles @soyboyfeeds for helping with the transport.

Wishing Lenny and Ralph a wonderful new beginning in their new home! 🐐💚
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#hoovesandtails #goat #goats #rescuegoats #savinglives #pygmygoats #goatlove #goatlife #goatsofinstagram #cutegoats #animallovers #foreverhome #kindnessmatters #goatadventures #feelgoodstory #happyending #lenny #ralph

The flock was rounded up today for a general check-up, and, more importantly, they all had a pedicure done. It also meant that I finally managed to help the feral girls with dry mud stuck between their hooves.

There are five older ewes that often get mud lodged in between their hooves, and they won’t let me catch them, so they end up limping and unable to put weight on their legs. It pains me to see them suffer like this over something so simple to fix. But sheep being sheep, they think you’re going to kill them and will avoid you like the plague, especially when they feel vulnerable.

Anyway, I’m trying out a new solution—they’ve got dog boots on! If this works, it will save me a lot of hide-and-seek trying to catch them, and the girls won’t feel any discomfort. I’ll be checking regularly to make sure it stays dry and clean.

A huge shoutout to Marion, Teun, and Jennifer for giving up their Sunday to help out. And, of course, thanks to Gavin and his dog, Lady, who helped with the rounding up.
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#flockcare #sheeplife #sheephealth #animalcare #ewelove #shepherding #pasturelife #sheeppedicure #mudmanagement #sheepboots #roundingup #sheepofinstagram #hoovesandtails #goat #goats #rescuegoats #sheep #rescuesheep #sheeple #sheepies #sheeplove #goatlove #farmanimalsanctuary #supportoursanctuary

The rainy and muddy season brings different challenges for the sheeple. The field that we use is very flat and doesn’t drain well, meaning that during most of the autumn and winter months, parts of the field become very muddy.

The sheeple get mud stuck between their hooves, and as the mud hardens, it’s very uncomfortable for them. It gets to the point where they avoid putting weight on the affected leg, and sometimes they will even graze on their knees.

I try to catch them to clean the mud, but it’s a losing battle. Mud builds up between their hooves in no time. I’ve even tried putting socks and boots on some of them.

My biggest challenge is catching the feral ones, the ones in the videos. They are the ones that end up in discomfort for days or even weeks sometimes, as they avoid me like the plague. They won’t even come to the barn for feeding, sensing that I am going to trap them.

I don’t know if all sheep are the same, but my sheeple—even the friendly ones—will avoid me if they aren’t feeling well. It seems like they are super observant and know that if something is wrong, I’m going to catch to examine them.
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#hoovesandtails #goat #goats #rescuegoats #sheep #rescuesheep #sheeple #sheepies #sheeplove #goatlove #farmanimalsanctuary #supportoursanctuary

Although we can’t host general visits due to our location, we were able to welcome a couple of very small groups of special visitors to the sanctuary yesterday 💚

Leyla and Hunter loved all the attention they received.

It was a pleasure to be able to offer visitors the chance to connect with the animals and learn more about their stories.

Needless to say, visitors with treats are always well-received by the flock and Leyla the goat! 🐑🐐
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#hoovesandtails #goat #goats #rescuegoats #sheep #rescuesheep #sheeple #sheepies #sheeplove #goatlove #farmanimalsanctuary

Misty evenings at the sanctuary ☁️🐑
It’s a peaceful sight to see the sheep grazing in the soft mist.
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#sanctuarylife #mistyevening #sheep #nature #hoovesandtails #goat #goats #rescuegoats #sheep #rescuesheep #sheeple #sheepies #sheeplove #goatlove #farmanimalsanctuary #supportoursanctuary

It is with great sadness that I share the news of Tyrion’s passing, one of my 7year old rams💔

I found his lifeless body in the shelter. While I don’t know the exact cause, he had a history of respiratory issues, which may have played a role.

I noticed a change in Tryrion’s behaviour a couple of days ago, but he was always cautious around me, making it difficult to assess his condition. I had been monitoring him closely and planned to catch him over the weekend for a thorough examination.

A few years ago, Tryrion suffered from a severe pneumonia that took weeks to recover from. Unfortunately, his health never fully returned and he frequently displayed signs of respiratory issues that required treatment.

Tryrion came into my care at the age of 1. His mistreatment under previous ownership, including being pulled by his horns and having one snap, broke my heart when I decided to rescue him and his friends.

Although he lived a happy life with me, Tryrion was always wary of humans. This made it challenging to provide necessary medical care, as he would often hide and avoid capture. He did enjoy his peanuts, but always maintained a safe distance.

Despite his fear of people, Tryrion lived a fulfilling life with his family. I am devastated by his loss and will miss him dearly. Rest in peace, Tryrion.
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#Tyrion #RIPTryrion #ram #sheep #animalloss #animalgrief #rescuedram #heartbroken #remembering
#Shetlandram #hoovesandtails

The not-so-glamorous side of sanctuary life 🐑

Caring for lovely sheeple comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to their health. Four of the sheep, Precious, Maya, CivCiv and Badem, suffer from a chronic condition that causes them to have constant diarrhoea from March to October. They’re allergic to grass! 🤯 I’ve tried everything from different diets to medications, but nothing seems to completely stop it.

To manage their condition, I give them steroid tablets every other day to help solidify their poo. If things get too bad, they need steroid injections. Hiding the tablets in dried apricots has become a daily ritual to make sure they take their meds without fuss. It’s crucial to manage their condition carefully, or they can become dehydrated, weak and very ill. Plus, I have to keep them clean to prevent flystrike, which means daily cleaning duties.

Their condition limits my ability to travel during the summer, as they require constant monitoring. I’ve developed a system for administering their medication and catching them, as they’re not keen on taking it. It would be difficult for someone else to do what I do without years of practice.

It’s tough, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. They deserve the best care possible and I’m committed to giving it to them ❤️
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#sheeplife #sanctuarylife #animalcare #sheephealth #behindthescenes #veganfortheanimals #friendsnotfood #precious #badem #maya #civciv #hoovesandtails #rescuegoats #sheep #rescuesheep #sheeple #sheepies #sheeplove #farmanimalsanctuary

It's been a tough few months since we lost Larry. Leyla's adjusting, but the sanctuary feels a little too quiet without her big brother around.

She's definitely less confident these days, hesitant to go on adventures even with me. But thankfully, she has her sheeple crew to keep her company!

Hunter, Oscar, and Monty are her loyal (and sometimes a little competitive!) companions. They play fight like crazy, especially when it comes to who gets the most belly rubs.

I try to spend all the extra cuddle time I can with Leyla. Seeing her on her own sometimes is hard, knowing how close they were.
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#hoovesandtails #goat #goats #rescuegoats #sheep #rescuesheep #sheeple #sheepies #sheeplove #goatlove #farmanimalsanctuary #supportoursanctuary #leyla #larry #goatsiblings

The Queen of Cuddles ❤️

Sky is one of our resident cuddle monsters! This 7-year-old sweetheart knows exactly what she wants - lap time! As soon as she sees me in the field, she trots right over and parks herself next to me, resting her head on my leg. Sometimes her son, Scout, joins the party and I get flanked by two fluffy cuddle machines.

Sky and Scout are incredibly friendly, always seeking out the chance to sit next to you, soak up some strokes, cuddles and kisses. They truly cherish these moments.

Every animal has its own unique personality and Sky and Scout remind me just how special the bond can be between humans and animals.

Taking care of these amazing sheeple and giving them a happy, healthy life is such a privilege.
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#sheep #sky #scout #cuddles #animalsofinstagram #loveyousheep #sanctuarylife #hoovesandtails #sheep #rescuesheep #sheeple #sheepies #sheeplove

Shearing Day☀️

It's that time of year again - annual haircut day for the whole flock ✂️Keeping them cool and comfy for the summer months.

Precious, our lamb sized but sassy 6-year-old sheep, gets a special hand-shearing session from me❤️ She's a bit on the smaller side and I prefer to shear her using scissors rather than electric shearing tool.

We normally plan the shearing for late May/early June. It's tricky to get the timing right. Sometimes it can be too hot, and the sheep will appreciate their coats off then. However, sometimes it can get cold after shearing.

Big thanks to Tilly, our amazing new shearer, for doing an amazing job.

Shoutout to the incredible volunteers Jade @iamjadesophie, Gavin and Lady, the dog, Pam and Monty, another awesome dog, you guys are lifesavers.

Rounding up the sheep is always an adventure! Sometimes quick, sometimes takes a village (and a well-placed dog on a leash). Keeping the flock together is key.

We use the fleece as comfy bedding under the trees for the sheep. ♻️Eco-friendly and the sheep get to enjoy the benefits of their own wool. Fleece naturally composts over time.

The whole flock also gets their annual vaccination to protect them against clostridial diseases and pasteurellosis.
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#sheeplife #sheepshearing #shearing #sheepfleece #sanctuarylife #volunteering
#hoovesandtails #sheep #rescuesheep #sheeple #sheepies #sheeplove

Missing you Larry 💔

I’ve been gathering Larry’s belongings. Holding onto memories of him and treasuring everything.

I used to give him ammonium chloride powder mixed with his favourite fruit and barley squash on a daily basis to keep his urine acidic and prevent stones forming. I still have his unfinished squash and his water bottles have his teeth marks.

After he passed away, I removed his ear tag. He had it on before he came to live with us. It was something he wore every day.

Larry loved exploring and was quite the escape artist, often jumping over the fence. I got him a name tag with contact numbers in case he ever wandered off too far.

At Christmas time, Larry would wear his festive scarf, which suited him perfectly. He loved getting attention!

I’ve kept some of Larry’s fur that I brushed last year. I’m so glad I did.

His head collar still has his scent and fur on it.

The trees’ leaves are growing now, a constant reminder of how Larry would grab a branch with one hoof and use the other to hold it down to eat the leaves. If he couldn’t reach, he’d look at me to lower it for him.

We received lovely cards from people, but the one that touched my heart the most was from the veterinary team who cared for Larry when he was hospitalised. He left an impression on everyone who met him even when he wasn’t feeling well.

Larry was the first to greet me at the sanctuary entrance. I couldn’t start my duties until he had his peanut allowance and bottle of squash.

Larry loved having his hooves and horns scratched. He would come to me and put a leg forward asking for a hoof scratch. I just want to give him a big hug and scratch his horns for hours.

We miss you every day, Larry and the sanctuary isn’t the same without you
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#Larry #SanctuaryLife #Memories #AlwaysInMyHeart #GoneButNeverForgotten #hoovesandtails #goat #goats #MissingYou ❤️

It’s with great sadness that I share the passing of our handsome boy, Larry, on Wednesday, 27th March 2024. He was only 7 years old. I am heartbroken 💔

Larry was hospitalised for urinary stone obstruction hindering his ability to urinate. This was the fourth time this had happened in his short life. Each time, he required major surgery. This time, the surgeons performed a procedure to create a new passage for urine to exit his body and prevent future blockages. The surgery went well, but when the tube was removed, the skin where he urinates closed up, blocking him again. He underwent another surgery, a last attempt to reopen the passage, but unfortunately, it wasn’t successful, and there were no other options left to save Larry’s life. While under general anaesthetic, he was put to sleep.

Larry was a huge part of our lives - the star, king of the sanctuary and a larger-than-life character. He and his sister Leyla are the reasons Hooves and Tails exists today, inspiring us to save the sheep.

There are so many fond memories of Larry, which makes his passing so hard. It hurts so much, words can’t describe it.

Larry’s quirks were a constant source of amusement and a testament to his unique personality. The sanctuary’s trees never stood a chance against his love of foliage! Everything we built had to be Larry proof and not within his reach. His escape antics led us to raise the fencing 10 feet high. He’d get people to give him treats from other fields and stood guard at the gate, demanding his monkey nuts as the price of entry. He made an impression on everyone who met him

The loss of Larry has shattered me in ways I never thought possible. We miss him terribly and are left with a hole in our hearts. We are now just left with wonderful memories of this special boy who we will never forget. Rest in peace 🌈 our beautiful boy.

He has been cremated and his ashes will be scattered at his favourite spots in the sanctuary. His final veterinary bill came to £9,320. Any contribution towards this cost and his cremation would be greatly appreciated via the link in bio 🙏

Larry the Goat’s Surgery Bills 🆘

We urgently need your help to cover Larry the goat’s surgery expenses. Larry, a beloved 7-year-old resident of our sanctuary, is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital following a critical surgery.

Larry was discovered in his shed, suffering from severe pain. We promptly contacted our veterinarians for assistance and determined that he was suffering from urinary stones, obstructing his ability to pass urine. Without prompt intervention, his bladder could have ruptured, resulting in a fatal outcome.

He was referred to the specialist unit at the Royal Veterinary College hospital for surgery. He was taken in for a life-saving procedure shortly after his arrival at the hospital. He is now in the recovery phase and expected to remain hospitalised for about two weeks.

The estimated cost for this surgery ranges from £6,000 to £8,000. We don’t have this sort of funds, which is why we are reaching out to you for support.

Without this surgery, he either would have died, or we would have been put in a horrible position to consider euthanasia. We are incredibly grateful that there was a surgical option available to save his life, despite the cost.

Please consider making a contribution towards Larry’s recovery and help us pay his vet bills. Donation link is in our bio.

If you are unable to donate, you can still help by sharing our fundraiser or creating your own on platforms like Facebook or Instagram.
Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in saving Larry’s life.

A heartfelt thank you for your support on behalf of Larry and everyone at Hooves and Tails 💚🐐🙏

This Friday, make a difference with a Five Pound Friday 🌟

We need funds for essential supplies like hay and specialist feed for our older sheep. Our monthly hay cost alone is £250 and each bale priced at £5.

With just 50 donations of £5 each, we can cover our monthly hay cost and continue providing the best care for our animals.

Your donations ensure that our sheep and goats have more than just full bellies - their woolly faces light up and their tails wag with gratitude.

Please consider donating, no matter the amount, to support our sheep and goats at the sanctuary.

Donations can be made via the Hay Donation Appeal fundraiser link in the post.

Each meal you help to provide is lovingly consumed, leaving empty feeders and contented hearts 💚 🐑 🐐
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#fivepoundfriday #sanctuarylife #donate #makeadifference #sheepofinstagra #goatsofinstagram #flocksoflove #goatlife #sheeplove #hoovesandtails #rescuesheep #rescuegoat #sanctuary #farmanimalsanctuary #vegansanctuary #donateforsanctuaries

We’re deeply saddened to share that Finley, one of our beloved sheep, passed away earlier this week 💔 He would have celebrated his 6th birthday this April. Finley was a charming and friendly member of our sanctuary family. Growing up with constant human interaction, he was always one of the first to greet you, eagerly awaiting a chance to lobby for peanuts.

We discovered Finley peacefully lying in the shelter, his passing a sudden and unexpected shock. The night before, he seemed perfectly fine, munching away without a hint of discomfort or illness. There were no visible injuries or signs to indicate the cause of his death. It’s heart-wrenching to lose him in such a manner, a perfectly healthy boy gone in an instant

Finley is the first of our rescued sheep to leave us, having joined our sanctuary family in 2018. Born here on April 14th, he was one of twins alongside his sister, Pearl. Their mother, Stacey, was pregnant with them at the time of her rescue.

While we’re deeply saddened by his early departure, we find comfort in knowing he lived a life filled with love, care and freedom. He enjoyed the company of his family and the joy of being cherished. Unlike countless others, Finley avoided the horrors of a slaughterhouse and lived a life true to his nature.

You’ll forever occupy a special place in our hearts, Finley. Your memory will live on and we’ll always remember you fondly. Rest in peace 🌈beautiful boy 🕊️
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#inmemoryoffinley #finley #sheep #sanctuarylife #rescued #lostandloved #foreverinourhearts #rip #grateful #alwaysremembered

Winter at the Sanctuary: Challenges & Beauty

Winter months at the sanctuary can be tough, but they also hold beautiful moments. We witness stunning winter skies and breathtaking sunsets that paint the horizon ❄️

However, with the beauty comes hard work. Each storm brings cleanup duties, including clearing debris and navigating flooded fields that turn muddy and boggy. We even get the added task of removing caked mud from between the hooves of our sheeple🐑

Autumn to spring months also mean increased feeding responsibilities. This can be complicated for our sheeple (sheep and people!). To ensure peaceful snacking, we temporarily separate them: goats to their shelter and the smaller sheeple to another area.

While the sheeple dine, the goats eat in their enclosure. After the sheep have finished their hay, we release the eager goats, who might overindulge (need to ensure no leftover hay), especially Leyla! This feeding process often takes a large chunk of our evening, but it’s worth it for their well-being.

Despite the challenges, every single animal at our sanctuary is precious and holds a special place in our hearts 💚 We dedicate ourselves to ensuring their health and happiness, come rain or shine 🌱💚
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#sanctuarylife #winterwonderland #farmanimals #animalcare #love #beautifulmoments #grateful
#hoovesandtails #goat #goats #rescuegoats #sheep #rescuesheep #sheeple #sheepies #sheeplove #goatlove #farmanimalsanctuary #supportoursanctuary

Siblings Leyla and Larry 🐐🐐 are the reason our sanctuary exists today. Their arrival over 6 years ago marked the beginning of Hooves and Tails Sanctuary.

Larry is a bit of a bully yet still adorable and vulnerable. In an unfamiliar setting, he won’t leave your side and seeks comfort from you. We’ve already saved his life three times. He got blocked, and each time he had surgery and lengthy hospital stays with eye-watering vet bills. Touch wood, he has not had a blockage for the last two years 🙏

Leyla, on the other hand, is very sweet, likes her food - eating non-stop, being a chunky girl. People often ask us if she is pregnant. She is second in terms of hierarchy and bullies anyone smaller than her.

They can be hard work sometimes especially during feeding times and if the sheepies get attention, but we love them dearly and give them the best care they need. They are so popular with the members of the public; the sanctuary wouldn’t be the same without them 💚
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#HoovesAndTailsSanctuary #LeylaAndLarry #GoatLove #SanctuaryLife #HoovesAndTails #Goat #Goats #RescueGoats #FarmAnimalSanctuary #SupportOurSanctuary #VeganSanctuary #FriendsNotFood

Reflecting on 2023 at our sanctuary—weather challenges, makeovers and joyous moments with our adorable animal crew 💚🐑🐐

Main highlights included not experiencing extreme droughts but having a lot of rain in April, where the bridge to access additional grazing land was washed away. The sheeple were not impressed, and we had to fish the bridge out of the water.

The sanctuary had a makeover after years of getting by with our DIY pallet shelters and setup. We now have proper shelters to keep the animals warm and dry, making it easier for people who care for our animals.

Another highlight was our sanctuary being granted charitable status, an important step for our animals and their future.

More importantly, we had no major health issues with any of our residents, which meant fewer vet bills.

Other than that, Larry the goat continues to be a bully and mischievous, Leyla can’t stop eating and Hunter still loves drinking his bottle of peach and barley-flavoured squash. Precious is still our forever lamb and gets treated like a diva. Oscar and his mom Kimberly never miss a treat opportunity. We have too many characters to list here, but you get the idea.

Wishing everyone a healthy, happy, prosperous, sheeptastic and goatastic New Year! We hope we can count on your continued support in 2024 for the ongoing care of our rescued animals 🙏

Love from us all - The team at Hooves and Tails 💚🐑🐐
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#SanctuaryLife #2023YearHighlights #AnimalRescue #NewYearWishes #SupportOurAnimals #HoovesAndTails #HappyNewYear2024 #HoovesAndTails #Goat #Goats #RescueGoats #Sheep #RescueSheep #Sheeple #Sheepies #SheepLove #FarmAnimalSanctuary

It was hoof trimming day for the sheeple today 🐑 We do this about every quarter for hoof trimming, a general health check, and medications as required.

Also, this time of the year, mud and debris get stuck between hooves, harden, and make it so uncomfortable. It’s so satisfying to relieve them of hardened mud. We remove it on a regular basis, but timid ones are hard to catch.

Rounding up the flock is a big task, and we have to plan ahead. It takes the two of us about five hours to get the job done.

We had two lovely doggies, Lady and Harley, and their owners Tom and Gavin, who kindly gave up their Saturday morning to help round up the sheep 💚
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#sheepcare #hooftrimmingday #flockhealth #sanctuarylife #animalwellness #sheeplove #sanctuarychores #volunteerhelpers #hoovesandtails #sheep #shetlandsheep #sheeple #sheepies #rescuesheep

We now have Hooves and Tails branded sanctuary bags 🛍️ that we are selling to raise funds for the ongoing care of our sheep and goats.

These bags are reusable, foldable, eco-friendly, strong non-woven bags (size 32x28cm), perfect for family or shopping trips - and they come with a good cause 🐑🐐🌱

For just £5, you can own one of these bags, and guess what? Each bag sale covers the cost of a bale of hay, enough to feed half our flock for a day! Grab two, and you’ve got the entire flock’s food covered.

🌾 Your purchase directly contributes to the well-being of our rescue animals.

Hunter’s picture as a baby in front of the bag 💚 He is now 5.5 years old, third pic.

To purchase one of these bags, simply use our Donate PayPal link in our bio, indicate “Bag” in the description, and we’ll take care of the rest—shipping included! 📦

Every little bit helps, especially during the winter months when the cost of caring for the animals goes up. 🙏💚
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#hoovesandtails #sanctuarybags #winterfundraiser #feedtheflock #supportlocalsanctuary #winterhayappeal #giveback #donateforacause #flocklove #sanctuary #sanctuarylife #farmanimalsanctuary #sponsorananimal #donate #supportus #supportsanctuaries #donatetosanctuaries #sheep #sheeple #sheepies #rescuesheep #goat #goats #rescuegoats

We are thrilled to announce that Hooves and Tails is now officially a registered charity, No. 1205698! 😃🎉🎊

It's been a long journey and a lot of preparation, but we got there in the end. A heartfelt thank you to our trustees Isabel, Simon and Nermin who worked hard to make this happen 👏🏽❤️

This is fantastic news for our sanctuary, particularly for our animals. Charity status instils confidence in our work, showcases how the public benefits from our activities, and underscores our commitment to transparency, accountability and regulatory standards.

Moreover, it opens doors to a broader spectrum of funding opportunities, enabling us to care for our animals and to extend help to animals in need.
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#charity #officialcharity #nonprofitorganisation #support #community #animalrescue #rescuedanimals #rescuesanctuaryuk

DONATION APPEAL FOR HAY🙏

We have over 55 hungry mouths to feed at our sheep and goat sanctuary. It costs £10 a day to nourish our lovely flock, totalling £70 a week or £280 per month. Every contribution makes a huge difference!

Chester here, one of our adorable residents, who adores his daily hay. Let's keep him and his friends happy and healthy! 🐑🐐💚

Whether it's big or small, every donation counts. Please consider sponsoring or donating towards the feeding of our wonderful animals🙏

🔗 Simply click the PayPal link in our bio to contribute. Together, we can ensure our furry friends have a warm and well-fed winter. Thank you for your kindness and generosity
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#sheepsanctuary #goathaven #donateforhay #feedtheflock #helpinghooves #animalrescue #hoovesandtails #sheep #shetlandsheep #sheeple #sheepies #rescuesheep #goat #goats #rescuegoats #saanengoats #whitegoats #sanctuary #sanctuarylife #farmanimalsanctuary #sponsorananimal #donate #supportus #supportsanctuaries #donatetosanctuaries

After years of making do with our old setup, we're thrilled to share some exciting news. With the landowner's blessing, we've given our rescue sheep and goats a major upgrade in their field accommodations and set up.

🍽️ Covered feeding area: No more soggy snacks! Our furry friends now dine in a cozy, covered space, shielded from the elements.

🌬️ Wind and rain protection: Thanks to our improvements, our residents have more shelter from the wind and rain, ensuring their comfort and safety.

🌾 Expanded hay storage: We've increased our hay storage capacity, ensuring there's always plenty of hay available.

📦 New storage area: Organisation is key! We've added a new storage area to keep everything tidy and accessible making it easier for volunteers.

🐑 Peaceful segregation: Our wise old-timers can now enjoy peace and quiet in their own special spaces, away from the hustle and bustle.

🏥 Dedicated patient area: When our fur babies aren't feeling their best, they have a tranquil spot to rest and receive the care they need.

🌿 New rounding up area: For hoof trimming, vaccinations, and annual shearing, we've created a dedicated space that makes these essential tasks easier and stress-free.

👏 A huge shoutout to Ben: We're immensely grateful to our volunteer, Ben, who made these improvements happen at a reasonable cost, saving the sanctuary funds for the animals' care. 🙌💚

We're very happy that they can now enjoy the comforts of their new setup!
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#sanctuaryupgrade #rescueanimals #animalwelfare #newshelters #volunteerlove #animalcare #gratefulhearts #bettertogether #santuarylife #furbabies #comfortzone #hoovesandtails #sheep #shetlandsheep #sheeple #sheepies #rescuesheep #goat #goats #rescuegoats #saanengoats #whitegoats

Did you know that you can support our animals by purchasing items from our Amazon Wishlist?? 🛒💚🐑🐐

By simply checking out our Amazon Wishlist, you can help us provide the best care for our animals at the sanctuary. Your contributions go a long way in ensuring their well-being.

We're currently in need of salt and mineral licks, sheep mix, ammonium chloride powder and monkey nuts to keep our animals healthy and well-fed. 🌿🥜 Some of our older sheep require extra nutritional support, and items like sheep mix do wonders in keeping them in top shape.

Head to the link in our bio to browse our Amazon Wishlist and make a purchase today. Every little bit counts and we're immensely grateful for your kindness. 🙏💕
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#supportouranimals #rescuesheep #rescuegoats #amazonwishlist #animalcare #giveback #sanctuary #communitysupport #animallovers #gratitude #farmanimalsanctuary #donate #sponsor #sheep #goats

Did you know that you can sponsor one of our sheep or goats at the sanctuary? 🐑🐐

Through our sponsorship, you can provide essential care and support to our lovely sheeple and goats without the physical responsibility of having them at home. Plus, sponsoring a sheep or goat makes for a truly thoughtful and distinctive gift for any occasion!

Our lovable Monty the sheep captured Courtney’s heart, one of our supporters and she decided to sponsor Monty. With her mum's permission, Courtney has now proudly become Monty's sponsor. 🎉💖 She personally collected her sponsorship certificate. Courtney is a frequent visitor to our sanctuary – a genuine friend to our animals.

By becoming a sponsor, you're not just helping an animal – you're contributing to their well-being and the overall mission of our sanctuary. From as little as £30 a year or £3 per month (for a minimum of 12 months), you can be a vital part of their journey.

Our sponsorship package includes a personalised sponsorship certificate with a photograph of your chosen animal and an invitation to meet your sponsored friend in person if you happen to live locally.

Ready to make a difference like Courtney?

1️⃣ Visit the hoovesandtails.com, click on "Our Flock" page.
2️⃣ Choose the sheep or goat you'd like to sponsor.
3️⃣ Complete the easy online "Sponsor an Animal Form."
4️⃣ Make your payment through the Ways to Donate section – just click on the Donate button or use make a bank transfer.
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#SponsorASheepOrGoat #AnimalSanctuary #SupportOurAnimals #MakeADifference #AnimalLoversUnite #CaringForCreatures #GiveBack #AnimalAdvocacy #HoovesAndTailsSanctuary #SponsorASheep #Donate #Sponsor

We have a bunch of adorable sheep with strong family bonds. Kimberly and Oscar, and Lokum and Dexter - the inseparable mothers and sons. They love sleeping, grazing and always stick together if they are scared of something 🌿💤
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#SheepFamily #CloseBond #MothersAndSons #FamilyLove #SheepLove #NatureConnections #dexter #lokum #oscar #kimberly #rescuesheep #rescuesheepofinstagram

Larry, the Adventurous Explorer!

Larry is one extraordinary goat who simply adores exploring his surroundings! There's never a dull moment with him around. Larry loves to venture out and spread his delightful presence.

It's no wonder people are left pleasantly surprised when they find this charming goat on their doorstep. 😄 Larry's unexpected visits bring smiles and laughter to everyone lucky enough to encounter him🥰

Not only is he an explorer at heart, but Larry is also incredibly well-behaved during his escapades. He walks with grace and curiosity, capturing the hearts of everyone he meets💚

Speaking of surprises, Larry's feline sister, Luna, had the shock of her nine lives when she saw a goat wandering in her territory😸💚🐐
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#LarryTheAdventurer #GoatExplorations #SurpriseGuest #WellBehavedGoat #LunaAndLarry #UnexpectedEncounters #NeighborhoodAdventures #CuriousCreature #CharmingGoat #SmilesAndLaughter #FurryFriends #QuirkyPets #GoatLove #HoovesAndTails #Sheep #ShetlandSheep #Sheeple #Sheepies #RescueSheep #Goat #Goats #RescueGoats #SaanenGoats #WhiteGoats

#Sanctuary #SanctuaryLife #farmanimalsanctuary #whitegoat #saneengoats #rescuegoats

Tyrion, our 6.5 year-old ram, had a vet visit this week. He has been behaving oddly and not his usual self. He is eating and drinking, but sitting down more than usual. He has also shown intermittent breathing problems. Blood work was done, and various medications were tried to rule out potential issues, but we still don't know what we are dealing with.

The vet thoroughly examined and scanned his heart, lungs, etc., but found nothing unusual. The vet commented that they don't often get to scan a sheep's heart since no one would invest the time or money if a sheep is not healthy.

We are waiting for the results of the latest blood tests, and he is on different antibiotics to clear out any lurking infections in his system.

Tyrion is hard to catch to give his daily injections and we have to keep him penned in for 7 days. He absolutely hates it, but it's for his own good, hopefully he will feel better very soon.
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#vetvisit #bloodtests #antibiotics
#Sanctuary #SanctuaryLife #FarmAnimalSanctuary #SponsorAnAnimal #Donate #SupportUs #SupportSanctuaries #DonateToSanctuaries

We are delighted to see the members of the public enjoying our sanctuary's animals. It brings us great joy to come across pictures of our animals on various social media platforms, and we are grateful to those who share them with us.

Here are some photos of our flock taken by individuals who pass by the sanctuary.

Larry the goat, with his clever tactics to reach tree branches, never fails to capture the attention of onlookers.
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#SanctuaryLife #AnimalAppreciation #PublicDelight #SocialMediaShare #FlockPhotography #GoatAntics

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