OUR HORSES
Merlin
Merlin has also begun to show early signs of so-called bran disease, as evidenced by slight swelling on his forehead. This is a metabolic bone disease caused by a severe dietary imbalance — typically too much phosphorus and too little calcium. With proper nutrition, care, and veterinary supervision, this condition can be stabilised and improved.
Before joining our herd, Merlin will be gelded by our veterinarian so that he can live freely and safely among the other horses rather than being kept isolated as a stallion.
Merlin still needs support for his daily care, feeding, and veterinary treatment. By becoming Merlin’s sponsor, you help give this young horse the chance to grow up in safety, with freedom of movement, proper nutrition, and the companionship of a herd. In return, you will receive regular updates about his life and his journey with us.
Arrowboy
Arrowboy — the horse who started it all
Arrowboy’s story is deeply connected to the origins of The Six Freedoms. Together with Boga, he is one of only two survivors of three horses who suffered from a severe open abscess caused by a wrongly administered injection. The scars on their chests remain visible reminders of this life-threatening illness.
When we adopted Arrowboy in 2025, he was first placed in the care of a nearby stable. Unfortunately, due to a lack of proper attention and supervision, he experienced neglect once again. During this time, Arrowboy suffered an eye injury, lost weight, and was secretly used for beach riding. The strain caused his old scar to reopen, putting his health at risk once more.
Since October 2024, Arrowboy has become the first resident on our new land in Langma, where he now receives dedicated care under the supervision of Eva Ippendorf. In this safe environment, he has visibly recovered both physically and mentally. Watching him regain strength and confidence has been one of the most meaningful moments for us.
We are especially looking forward to welcoming young Merlin to join him very soon. Before joining the herd, both horses will be gelded so they can live peacefully together and move freely within the group.
To give Arrowboy and Merlin a safe and stable home, we are currently working to complete the shelter structures and fencing on our land in Langma. This will allow the horses to live comfortably, with protection, space, and the freedom to move and run as a herd.
Arrowboy still needs support for veterinary care, feeding, and daily wellbeing — and for building the infrastructure that will make Langma a safe home for him and the other rescued horses.
If you would like to become Arrowboy’s sponsor or support the development of their new home, we would love to hear from you.
By supporting Arrowboy, you help ensure that a horse who has survived so much can finally live a life of safety, care, and dignity.
Mr Key
When Mr. Key collapsed at the racetrack in Accra in December 2021, few believed he would recover. Ulla had been at the track that day and saw him even before the race—already in a weakened condition. Once on the track, he was visibly overstimulated, likely from doping. After just one lap, he stumbled and collapsed, having torn ligaments in both front legs. As the jockeys and owners stood helpless, the atmosphere turned desperate. Finally, the owner turned to Ulla and asked if she could take care of him.
She immediately began calling every veterinarian she knew. Only Dr. Enoch Obeng answered and agreed to come. Mr. Key received first aid at his former stable in Accra, but within days, it became clear that proper care wasn’t being given. Again, the owner encouraged Ulla to take over completely. When she called our team in Akim Asafo, the answer was immediate: “You can come.”
When Mr Key arrived, everything had already been prepared for him—his clean recovery room with soft sawdust, feed ready, and a location right at the heart of the stable where new rescues are constantly watched over. Emmanuel Adjetey, whose room is right next door, began forming a bond with him from the very first morning. Even before brushing his teeth, Emmanuel would attent to him—giving fresh water and grass, grooming, and talk to him.
Definitely, the attention and very good nutrition together with Eva Lydekings expertise was what allowed Mr Key to eventually get up again and do his first steps. For over 6 months, he lay down. It is a mystery that he can run free again today and is healed, especially on the mental side. He was deeply feared by humans at his arrival.
Sunrise
Sunrise — the surprise foal of a rescued mare
Sunrise, daughter of Sharon, who was rescued in Accra (https://www.animal-kind.org/post/aki-grantee-horsesafety-ghana-final-report), grew up to a strong and confident young mare. This is thanks to Eva Lydekind and her professional team Edward Yeboah, Emmanuel Abetey and Mohammed Alhassan, whose ranch in Asafo, is where Sharon recuperated (She never fully recovered and eventually had to be put down). Sharon was pregnant with Sunrise when she was rescued.
Thanks to the dedication of Eva Lydekind and her professional team — Edward Yeboah, Emmanuel Adjetey, and Mohammed Alhassan, Sharon was able to recuperate at their ranch in Asafo. It was there that Sunrise was born.
Sunrise lost her mother in her very first days of life and therefore grew up as a foster foal. Eddie decided to spend the night next to Sunrise after her mom passed away and she felt lonely and cold. She was carefully bottle-fed with well-mixed milk and received constant attention during her early development. Definitely, Sharon sees humans as her family; sometimes, it is challenging to teach her boundaries between us.
Mr. Key immediately acted like her “uncle,” staying close to her as she grew up. The two became almost inseparable —like Bonnie and Clyde, especially when both discovered how to slip through fences to explore neighbouring fields and occasionally steal a few crops.
Today, Sunrise has grown into a strong, confident young mare. Her mother’s background in racing is still visible — one of her favourite things is to run freely with the herd.
Sunrise is a living example of what a safe and caring environment can mean for a horse’s life. Apart from growing up as a foster foal, she has never had to face violence or harsh treatment. We are proud to see her growing up among us — strong, curious, and free.
Boga
Boga — his scars are a lasting reminder of the dangers of DIY injections
In 2019, Boga and the stallions Arrowboy and Zordt developed a life-threatening condition after incorrectly administered vitamin injections in their necks. Severe swelling spread from the neck down to the chest, belly, and legs, eventually turning into horrific open abscesses that left the horses in immense pain.
While searching for help with veterinary costs, Ulla discovered Animal-Kind and spoke with its founder, Karen Menczer, who encouraged her to establish an NGO in order to apply for support. That conversation marked the beginning of The Six Freedoms.
With the help of the first grant, urgent veterinary care became possible. Boga and Arrowboy slowly recovered, but sadly it came too late for the third stallion, Zordt, who passed away during the night after the first visit of our veterinarian, Dr. Christian Twumasi.
Today, Boga and Arrowboy have regained their strength. Only small scars remain as reminders of the wounds that once threatened their lives.
Boga’s survival did more than save a horse — it sparked the creation of The Six Freedoms and our commitment to raise awareness about the dangers of unprofessional DIY treatments, still common in some horse communities where trust in veterinary care is limited.
