Horse haven needs urgent financial support
A Noordhoek shelter for abused and neglected horses is in dire need of financial support to continue its work.
Tom Ro Haven was established in 2012 by Gillian and Stephanie McCulloch. The non-profit organisation rescues mistreated horses and ponies and rehabilitates them.
On a recent visit, the Echo saw first-hand how much work goes into caring for these animals daily.
Stephanie, with the help of a committee member, starts the day at 6.45am, and they are often joined by one or two volunteers.
The horses are brought into their feeding stalls, where they are groomed and given medication. Fly masks are used on sunny and windy days and winter blankets on cold ones.
Manure is then picked up in the field, and the shed and stalls are cleaned.
In the afternoons, the team returns the horses to the stables, feeds them, grooms them and provides medication.
Volunteers are the backbone of the organisation, which has no paid staff.
“Typically, two to three volunteers lend their support daily, with even larger groups contributing on Saturdays,” said Gillian.
Ideally, they would like to have three to four volunteers during both morning and afternoon shifts.
“Their hard work is instrumental in ensuring the horses receive the care and attention they deserve,” said Gillian.
The haven cares for 17 horses at the premises and three off-site.
“One is in a fantastic foster home at the moment and the other two are on a wonderful property. They are not forgotten, they receive regular visits for feeding, cleaning, and grooming.”
According the Gillian, the haven’s monthly expenses are about R65 000 and include R30 000 for food and R18 000 for medicines, vet fees and supplements.
Tom Ro Haven also runs a horse-assisted healing programme for children from different organisations, such as Jones Safe House from Sunnydale, The Homestead in Khayelitsha, and Amazing Grace Upliftment Centre in Westlake.
“These sessions teach the children how to interact with horses, groom them and lead them through various activities. Furthermore, the children receive valuable educational talks on animal care and conservation,” said Stephanie.
“These sessions provide a learning experience and an opportunity for children to connect and begin the healing process, with each child forming a special bond with the horses.”
The Echo watched as boys from The Homestead, a non-profit organisation that helps street children, started their visit with a dance lesson with Stephanie. After a safety drill, the boys picked up brushes and harnesses and went to groom the horses.
The boys showed no fear or hesitation, and Lubabalo Menziwa, a Homestead caregiver who accompanied them, described how they eagerly anticipate spending their Saturday mornings at Tom Ro Haven.
"They love being outside in the fresh air and enjoy taking care of horses. When they return home, they can't stop talking about what they experienced and are eager to tell the other boys at The Homestead what they did,” he said.
An 18-year-old boy grooming and caring for the horses told the Echo, "I really like horses, especially grooming them. Plus I get to give them treats."
Julie Thompsett has been volunteering at the haven for 18 months,
"We all have our favourite horse. I have a special bond with Meridith. She is a grey old lady like me,” she said.
Meridith was the first horse she connected with when she began her volunteer work.
From 3pm to 5pm on Thursdays, Ms Thompsett helps with feeding, grooming, and spending time with the horses, and on Saturdays, she helps the children who take part in the haven’s programmes.
“Gillian and Stephanie do amazing things at this place. They're making a positive impact on both the kids and the horses."
The Amazing Grace Upliftment Centre in Westlake works with children with special needs, and founder Lydia Ingpen said the sessions at Tom Ro Haven had made a big difference in the children's lives.
"Every week, we take ten children from our centre to Tom Ro Haven. The horse therapy there has had a huge impact, especially on those kids who find it hard to express themselves. This outing is the best part of their week.“
The children did not usually get to leave Westlake so working with horses was a rare opportunity for them, she said.
“This therapy is incredibly healing and calming for them. We're really thankful to Gillian and Stephanie for giving of their time, not only to help these rescued horses but for offering this incredible opportunity to our children.”
Tom Ro Haven will hold a barn dance fund-raiser at the Noordhoek Riding Club on Saturday November 4, at 6pm. Tickets cost R150 and can be booked through Quicket.
