PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
ABOUT US
In 1989 the South African horse racing industry, through the then Association of Racing Clubs of Southern Africa (ARCSA), started the National Horse Trust and developed a programme unique to South Africa to try and reduce potential neglect and deterioration of Thoroughbreds after their racing careers.
Often the horse racing industry is criticized for the “surplus” of thoroughbreds and resultant perceived advent of abuse, but it must be remembered that, in most cases, it is once the horse is out of racing circles that neglect and abuse often occur. The Trust has to date established four Horse Care Units. The activities of the Trust focus on raising funds to support the welfare of equines and this is achieved via specific events throughout the year. (See EVENTS)
Fifty percent of all funds raised are paid directly to the Highveld Horse Care Unit and the Trust also financially supports the Easten Cape Horse Care Unit on a monthly basis. The Trust, as the horse racing industry’s own Charity, is the body responsible for raising sufficient funds to establish Horse Care Units where needed throughout the country. To date, these comprise:-
The
KwaZulu-Natal Horse Care Unit
The
Western Cape Horse Care Unit
The
Eastern Cape Horse Care Unit
Horse Care Units
The Horse Care Units are located – where possible – on the premises of existing welfare organizations e.g. local SPCA's, thereby providing fully qualified staff and basic property facilities. The work of the Units includes inspections at all facilities which house horses, welfare complaints, education and assistance to the public in general. The Units provide an environment of safety and experienced, quality care to aid in the welfare and fate of horses, and can offer expert advice on re-homing, education and alternatives for owners who, being grateful to their horse/s, know they have no future in racing or equine sports. The Trust has the participation of most sectors of the industry, but ultimately, its success depends on the support of each and every person who derives pleasure or profit from Horse Racing, as well as those who benefit from relationships with horses in other equine sporting activities.
Mission Statement
To improve the care and husbandry of horses and to prevent cruelty and neglect of horses through a special charitable fund in the Republic of South Africa for the purposes of receiving donations to be devoted towards the funding of projects for the welfare of retired racehorses and other equines.
