Caring for 40 Cart Horses and Rescuing a Horse from a Pit
Throughout November, Blind Love conducted a series of outreach events to care for cart horses in the community. Thank you to our kind-hearted supporters of Animal Aid Abroad. Your generous donations and compassion play an essential role in helping Blind Love provide care and support to working animals in South Africa.
Outreaches were held on the 9th, 13th, 18th, 23rd, and 29th of the month. In total, 40 horses attended, although attendance was slightly lower than usual. On two of the outreach days, funerals were taking place and many cart horses were used during these ceremonies, impacting their availability for care.
At each outreach, the team meticulously recorded the details of every horse and its owner. Each horse received a body condition score to monitor its health over time. Harnesses were inspected, adjusted, or replaced as needed, and horses’ mouths were checked to ensure tack and bits were clean to prevent wounds.
Unfortunately, many owners reported saddle sores caused when young boys rode their horses bareback during weekends or nights, returning them with painful injuries. The team cleaned and treated these wounds, providing owners with small tubs of ointment to continue care at home.
Tackling Parasites and Hoof Health
All horses were treated for internal and external parasites such as ticks, flies, and worms. The team was fortunate to have the support of Ntate 7, a skilled farrier, who attended the outreaches. He inspected, trimmed, and shod hooves as needed, while also educating owners on the importance of hoof care for their horses’ overall wellbeing.
Supporting Owners with Extra Feed
Thanks to additional funds raised this month, the team was able to purchase extra feed to support the working horses! This assistance is crucial in ensuring that these animals receive proper nutrition they need.
On Friday, 8th November, the Agripreneur Team received an urgent call from a cart horse owner whose horse had become stuck in a pit.
The team acted immediately, arriving on-site and successfully rescuing the horse within a few hours. Thankfully, the horse was unharmed and soon after was happily grazing again. This quick response showcased the team’s dedication to ensuring the welfare of these hardworking animals.
Blind Love extends heartfelt thanks to Animal Aid Abroad for their unwavering support of the cart horse program. AAA supporters' contributions have enabled the team to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these horses, giving them kindness, love and a better future.
