GEORGE NEWS - George Council has granted approval for the Pacaltsdorp Riding Club (PRC) to lease a portion of commonage land along Olympic Drive, behind Europe, for the next three years.
The decision was made during the Ordinary Council meeting held today, 27 February.
The leased property has been earmarked for future housing projects, and as such, the lease period is subject to specific restrictions. During the three-year tenure, the PRC will have the opportunity to identify alternative land that may serve as a permanent home for its facilities.
Growing need
The PRC is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) established on 15 October 2018 in response to the growing need for an organised horse-riding club within the Pacaltsdorp community.
With an increasing number of horses owned by local residents, the PRC aims to provide a structured environment where these animals can be properly managed and cared for.
The organisation recognises the positive impact that horses have on both young and old members of the community. Pacaltsdorp residents have limited access to constructive recreational activities, leaving many youth vulnerable to social challenges such as drug abuse, gangsterism, and teenage pregnancy.
A stallion called "Red" is being prepared for his operation. From left are Ferdi Alaart, Dr Shirley Smith, veterinary students Aidan Armstrong and Tayla Hellyer, and Dr Brendan Tindall. Photo: Michelle Pienaar
The PRC seeks to address this by offering a safe and engaging equestrian environment.
The key objectives of the PRC include managing and sheltering stray horses, organising horse-riding activities in a secure setting, providing facilities for feeding, grooming, and training horses for participation in official events sanctioned by the South African Horse Federation (SAHF).
The club also promotes participation in equestrian activities, developing and enhancing skills in equestrian sport and making such expertise accessible to members, which contributes to the overall development of equestrian sport in South Africa.
Additionally, the PRC is committed to coordinating horses and horse clubs within Pacaltsdorp and surrounding areas, addressing concerns from and within the community regarding horses, collaborating with authorities on horse-related complaints, identifying horses for impoundment when necessary, providing temporary shelter for lost horses, and educating members and the broader community on animal welfare.
‘Ons bring jou die nuutste Tuinroete, Hessequa, Karoo nuus’
