South Africa (Soweto)

In Soweto, South Africa's largest township, horses and carts are used for transport. They are the vehicles of scrap metal collectors, furniture movers and, despite recent electrification, coal vendors, who sell coal to those who cannot afford electricity.

 

In response to a request for help from the Soweto Equestrian Centre and Johannesburg City Council, World Horse Welfare evaluated a cross-section of working horses. During the research, it became apparent that the living conditions of many were unsuitable. With a great number of horses residing in the coal yards, it was clear that their basic needs were not being met.

 

 

Common injuries were those caused by ill-fitting harness, carts bearing weight incorrectly and poor shoeing. Old mattress springs, wire and smashed glass were also found at the coal yards giving cause for concern.

 

 

Training initiative

 

In September 2008, we initiated a programme to train local people in farriery and saddlery. The primary aim of supplying these skills is to improve the condition of the township horses, which will benefit their owners in the long term. Since then, we have trained 38 people to become either farriers or saddlers.

 

To make an online donation to our Soweto appeal, please click here.