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the crush
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happy hour
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daily grooming
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Ellen and Nala
sometimes things don't go that well
bringing water to the horses with the bakkie on a daily basis
preparing food
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go back to 'testimonials'
more information on this project
Equine Rehabilitation Centre
By Ellen Luijben and Susanne Heek
When we arrived at the project, Linda (from Kameleon) asked us to write down our experiences at the project. There is so much to write we are not sure where to start... First of all Susanne stayed at the project for 7 weeks and I (Ellen) stayed here for 6 weeks.
We regularly went on bush trails (about 3-4 times a week), either with guests or just ourselves with Kate, the project leader.
There are not many tourists around this time of year, so on that side of the work, things were quiet. Everytime we do a bush trail we see different animals, for example, impala, steenbok, crocodiles and hippo. Once we rode among a herd of 15 giraffe...amazing! Sometimes we see the rhino. It does depend on the weather if we can go for a ride. In that sence we are never exactly sure what we will be doing during the day.
During our stay here, at the Equine Rehab Centre, things are quite hectic. Kate received 33 neglected and abused horses coming from all over South Africa. Kate has a big heart and she is doing everything she can to take care of these horses, even though it is a huge job and a big challenge.
We spend a lot of time with these horses. At the moment the basic stuff, such as feeding them and provide water. The horses were in a bad condition and they are afraid of humans. Besides feeding and watering them, we treat their wounds and sores and vaccinate them. To be able to do this a crush was built. One after the other goes in the crush. This way it is much easier for us to approach the horses and work on them, take ticks of them and let the horses get used to us touching them. With some horses we practice putting the tacks on them and lifting the leg. It is a big job, working with these horses but it is great to see them getting well so it brings a lot of satisfaction!
Susanne and I both have our own horse to look after and train as well. Kate has 9 horses that are residents on the projects. These horses are taken on the bush trails and, depending on the horse, can be ridden by guests or volunteers with a lot of experience or no experience. There is a horse for any level of riding.
The main duties at the project are the 33 horses and the bush trails. We get time of regularly. If it is too hot to work with a horse or to do a bush trail, Kate regularly organizes an excursion for us. Even in the small village of Kampersrus, where the project is situated, there are ample restaurants and pubs. There is a stunning view on the mountains and the food is cheap. A great place to meet some of the locals or other volunteers in the area.
So we are really enjoying ourselves here. Being with the horses everyday, seeing them improve is wonderful. The surroundings are breathtaking and while doing this work we enjoy the African sun!
Ellen Luijben and Susanne Heek
The Netherlands
October - December 2009
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I want to go inside too...
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Susanne on the back of the bakkie
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restaurants...the best cake ever!
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