A Community Care Camp where injured or ill horses can receive treatment and recover has been set up by EARS in Bosmanskloof in Greyton. The camp will be managed by local horse owner and farrier Gershwin Steyn with support from EARS Sanctuary manager Penny James and her outreach team.
A shelter against the elements was designed by local volunteer Rod Beckett
Camp manager Gershwin Steyn proudly displays the signage
Greyton, Genadendal and the three villages in between are home to approximately 600 horses, the majority of whom are free-roaming and vulnerable to injury and illness. At present, the EARS outreach team is the medical care resource relied on by the majority of horse owners in these communities. However, this is hugely time-consuming and response is limited due to lack of man power. The aim of the camp is to encourage owners to participate in their animals’ rehabilitation, rather than leaving this entirely to EARS. Owners will also be taught the basics in primary health care, supported by a medical kit provided by EARS including the benefits of preventive health care. This will help alleviate Penny’s many hours on the road.
Horse owners face several challenges when trying to care for their animals on their own including the theft of paddock fencing, livestock theft and prohibitive veterinary costs. It is hoped that similar, safe camps can be erected in other villages in the future.
The Bosmanskloof camp will also be used as a venue for post-gelding recovery, for dipping and deworming clinics, farrier clinics and for interactive educational workshops.
EARS is appealing to its supporters for assistance with costs for medical supplies.
