Update

GEORGE NEWS - The heart-wrenching story of a stolen mare from Pacaltsdorp that literally hung herself while giving birth, didn't only reach many local readers, but also those further afield.

The mare, that belonged to a member of the Pacaltsdorp Riding Club (PRC), was found dead in the bushy area between New Dawn Park and Thembalethu in October.

She was tied to a tree with a wire around her neck and must have died a cruel and inhumane death, ensnared by the wire while giving birth to her foal after she was stolen from her paddock in Pacaltsdorp.

Other stolen horses were also found tied up near the mare. Her newly born foal was lying next to her, shredded to pieces by dogs or wild animals.

The story, which appeared on George Herald's website on Thursday 2 November, sparked much interest - including that of UK-based animal welfare organisation Network for Animals (NFA).

NFA provides logistical and financial support for animal shelters, animal welfare initiatives and, importantly, to raise public awareness about animal issues in various countries around the world. 

Horses, donkeys, dogs and cats are among the animals who benefit from the work they do with the help of more than 1,4-million supporters across the world.

Without hesitation, NFA campaigner Roxy de Saint Pern contacted Clayton Jacobs of PRC to offer assistance and they arranged to meet on Sunday 10 December.

NFA campaigner Roxy de Saint Pern talking to the members of PRC about the reason for their visit.  

"We are here to assess the issue, and our primary concern is the welfare of the approximately 100 horses in this area. It is clear that the riding club needs to secure land where they can keep their horses safe," said De Saint Pern.

With her profound knowledge of horses, Victoria Ward from Have a Heart Equine Sanctuary in Bonnievale, who is also one of NFA's beneficiaries, was contacted and invited to the meeting to assist PRC. 

Have a Heart provides a place of safety, care and rehabilitation for horses that have been abused, abandoned or are unmanageable to their current owners.

Salomé Bruyns, senior inspector at the Garden Route SPCA, and local horse riding instructor Kalma Hays also attended and offered their assistance. Hays has been helping out the riding club and its members for many years. 

A recce of the area was done on the day, perimeter fences were checked and horses dipped and dewormed. Ward also gave sound advice about treating horses for cuts and wounds with affordable, everyday products.

A big, happy group of riders, members of the Garden Route SPCA, the municipality, Have a Heart Equine Sanctuary and Networking for Animals, gathered at the Pacaltsdorp Riding Club. 

Land issue

Sadly, Pacaltsdorp's horses are facing a growing problem, and it's not just a once-off thing.

Just three days before they found the mare, someone stole four other horses that were later discovered in a nearby valley. Even young foals were tied to trees with makeshift bridles and halters made from rope and wire.

Back in August, another horse owner found his stolen horse in someone's yard in Thembalethu. The animal had serious injuries, probably inflicted with a panga, to its neck, legs, and head. Thankfully, they managed to treat and save the horse.

The riding club is currently situated on empty municipal property on the outskirts of Pacaltsdorp and the riding club members are desperate for a secure place to keep their beloved equines.

"The only way NFA can assist us any further is if we can secure land on which to keep our horses. We don't want land for free, we are willing to rent it. We just want to have somewhere to build our own livery yard for our horses and the others roaming around in Pacaltsdorp. Then we can keep the horses off the streets and build something nice in Pacaltsdorp, something for the community and for the youth of of our area," said Jacobs.

Local riding instructor Kalma Hayes (left) has been involved with the riders of Pacaltsdorp Riding School for a very long time. She regularly checks in to see how the horses are doing and assists them where she can with food and advice. 

Victoria Ward of Have a Heart Equine Sanctuary spoke to the riding club members about medical treatment for their horses and what everyday products can be used to treat wounds. 

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