GRAAFF-REINET NUUS - It was with great fanfare that locals herded their horses and donkeys to the recent equine outreach clinic in Nieu-Bethesda a first for the town.
The Eastern Cape Horse Care Unit from Port Elizabeth led by Inspector Carla Hazel and Carli Neilsen were in charge of the activities.
The outreach was made possible by frequent visitor, Mandy Roets, who saw the plight of the horses and started planning.
She contacted the Horse Care Unit, raised funds, got the local animal welfare involved and even organised accommodation and dinner.
"It was a call for help," says Hazel. "There were so many foals being born and Mandy asked if we could possibly organise an outreach for the community.
"She contacted us, raised funds and got the ball rolling."
Roets then got in touch with Victoria Nance, owner of Dustcovers Bookshop and the local animal welfare volunteer.
The East Cape Horse Care Unit is a non-profit organisation based in Gqeberha and is entirely funded by private individuals.
On the day of the event, the group saw to over 130 horses, still not all of the local equine population.
"We really wanted to meet the locals and establish relationships," says Hazel. "We wanted to interact and educate the horse owners about care and breeding to ease the animals' suffering."
The focus was on primary healthcare: deworming, ticks and wound care. They also fixed bridles and handed out saddle blankets.
The big event of the day was the awarding of a brand new saddle to Sakkie Swartz for the exceptional care of his horses.
Not only were they in great condition, but all his stallions were gelded, which helps curb over-breeding.
"We want to give what we can, but it's a give and take. We need active participation and it needs to be ongoing.
While there were positives, there are also many issues that need addressing on a regular basis," Hazel concluded.
Hopefully the outreach will lead to ongoing projects.
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