Hannes is a very handsome and compact Friesian with a fabulous wavy forelock and mane that has been inherited from his grandsire, Fabe 348. He arrived at Greenbank Farm in 2015. His owner was finding him a handful and wanted him to get some more life experience, so he joined us for some training. Upon arrival, it became apparent that Hannes was suffering badly with chorioptic mange mites (not uncommon in Friesians) and his feet were in very poor condition. He also suffered from sarcoid tumors, the most severe of which was under his eye. Unfortunately, over several months, Hannes's owner failed to pay for his bills--and when she broke off all contact with us, he became a permanent member of our family. Hannes is the reason we now operate as a not-for-profit sanctuary, allowing us to better help other Friesians in need and their owners. Hannes had been well-schooled before he came to us, but hacking was a very new experience for him. He soon realized he could access a whole new speed. Occasionally, his brakes didn't work and he was off! Over time, Hannes settled into his work and showed us he was a horse who liked being active. Eventually, he started taking part in our Experience Day, becoming a valuable member of our Friesian family and a firm favorite of our visitors. Always seeking out the camera lens, he has taken part in a number of photo shoots and appeared on the front cover of a local magazine, 'Living.' In early 2016, we decided to get Hannes driving. Over the years, he's taught a number of our visitors how it's done. As Hannes loves attention and is rather food-oriented, we ask visitors not to give him treats to discourage him from attempting to nibble on anything and everything! He has a very inquisitive side, loves human attention, and will stand for hours to be pampered. Hannes has been a great companion in our unique 'Stable Stays' accommodation. A bit cheeky, he has enjoyed waking guests quite early asking for his breakfast by pulling blankets off, or even giving the separating partition a little kick or two! He has to take occasional breaks from 'Stable Stays' due to his periodic health flare-ups, but is always a willing roommate when able. In 2019, Hannes was diagnosed with some bony changes in his front feet. This wasn't surprising given the condition of hie feet when he arrived. We manage his feet with regular attention from our wonderful farrier, Chris Milby, along with supplements to help keep him comfortable and mobile. Hannes has also developed some thickening of the tendon in his hock which can sometimes flare up if he has done a bit too much. The sarcoid under his eye also continued to grow and needed treating. We ran a successful fundraiser which allowed him to receive chemotherapy injections and laser treatments around his which suppressed further growth for several years. Sadly, in late 20222, he developed a growth inside his eye socket. The diagnosis was an extremely rare and life-threatening conjunctival sarcoid. The journey Hannes has been on since this diagnosis has been incredible. He has shown tremendous courage and strength, and has had support from thousands of followers, locally and on-line from around the world. Thanks once again to a Go Fund Me campaign, we have been able to continue to give Hannes the very best of veterinary care. Hannes will require ongoing care and treatment for the rest of his life, but thanks to our expert "Partners-in-Care" team who have helped him along the way, the rare sarcoid has now been removed and the remaining sarcoids around his eye are being managed. Additional sarcoids will likely continue to pop up on other areas of his body which we'll manage as well. Hannes now spends his days out with the other boys and enjoys doing groundwork to help keep him as loose and supple as possible. As with all our residents, his health and wellbeing determines what if any work or Experiences he will do--but as always, Hannes remains a loving companion. You can follow Hannes's journey on our YouTube channel and social media pages.