Highveld Horse Care Unit

5th Aug, 2019

Written by Carien von Backstrom

There are numerous rescue organisations looking after the welfare of our beloved cats and dogs, but what about our equine companions?

Highveld Horse Care Unit (HHCU) is one little gem that caters for the health and wellness needs of the equine population. Their services reach to the far corners of Gauteng, North West, Limpopo and Northern Cape.

In 1989, Beverley Seabourne founded the Highveld Horse Care Unit to focus on the well-being of horses, donkeys and other equines. On the 32-acre property there are 30 stables and 10 newly built stables available to cater for this service.

The staff complement consists of the Manager and Vet, Dr Dale Wheeler; Farm Manager – Johan Strydom; Fundraiser – Lauren Jackman; Stable Manager – Nadia Saunderson; Admin – Stella du Toit; Public Relations Officer – Marlene Maharaj; Outreach Manager – Theresa Hogkinson; Senior Inspector – Ashley Ness; along with seven outreach staff, a farrier and a vet on call.

All that the Highveld Horse Care Unit does can be classified under different core functions:

OUTREACH CLINICS	Outreach clinics are hosted regularly to build good relationships with the community. There are so many communities depending on horses and donkeys for their livelihood. Education is provided on the proper fitting of harnesses, early identification and handling of injuries and illnesses, as well as what to do in a medical emergency.
GELDING CLINICS	The on-call vet and state vet help to regularly conduct gelding clinics. This greatly helps to combat unnecessary breeding.
REHOMING & ADOPTIONS	HHCU has a rehoming and adoption facility. This service is available for rescued and abandoned animals. Thoroughbred horses at the end of their racing careers are also taken in by HHCU. These horses are also then rehomed to qualifying owners. Understandably, the adoption process is very strict: Application is made Rehome inspection is done It’s required of the proposed new owner to ride the horse to check compatibility Post-home inspections are also conducted Thoroughbred horse adoption is very strict, as it’s required of the new owner to be knowledgeable enough to be able to give the horse the correct retraining and schooling. Horses are never ever rehomed for breeding purposes!
INSPECTIONS	An inspection service is also available. Inspections are conducted in the following areas: At livery yards Complaints received about equine neglect/abuse Illegal slaughterhouses/illegal slaughtering of equines

As with any welfare organisation, HHCU is very dependent on assistance and donations from the general public. The following items are always needed at the Unit: