I’m
here in South Africa again, this time near Durban. Originally I was going to be working at a
horse farm near Cape Town but once there it was clear it was not a good
fit. So I found the Horizon Farm, a
non-profit residential program for disabled adults. There is also a little school here that works
with disabled children.
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My first ride on Polo |
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Just like Greece, we've a new puppy |
The
farm is like old McDonald's farm. There are chickens,
pigs, ducks, rabbits, dogs, cats and horses.
9 horses actually. I’ve been out
riding with a volunteer who’s now moved on.
I rode a pretty little palomino named Polo. He’ll be my horse for the duration. The country is very different than the horse
farm near Cape Town. There, it was much
like Southern and Central California with beautiful mountains in the distance. Here, we’re on the east side of Africa where it
is wetter and more sub-tropical jungle.
It’s hilly but not mountainous.
The ride Polo and I took went through some beautiful country, ending at
a waterfall in an area that looked like a garden of Eden. There are some good swimming holes there
which I hope to plunge in.
|
Johann and Margaret groom Polo |
There
are 21 permanent adult residents here. The farm provides a safe, comfortable place
for them to live. There are many
activities for them to participate in – helping with chores, games, classes,
craft projects and of course the horses.
Every morning the horses are assembled and residents groom them. This is more for the residents than the
horses, though I think the horses enjoy it too.
And depending on the disability, residents may be taken out on short
trail rides or in the case of a more severely disabled – cerebral palsy for
example – it may be just a walkabout or sitting on the horse.
This becomes a very simple form
of equine therapy.
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Justin works out in front of his cabin. Jay cheers him on. |
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Horizon School House (kinda looks like a Besant Hill building!) |
Aside
from my involvement with the horses, I’m making videos here – one to show
volunteers what is like here. one to use to show prospective parents what it’s
like for the residence
and one for to help their school get day students.
I started on the school video today and as the
videos progress I’ll post them on uTube.
|
Debbie and Tristan |
More
later….
Amazing journey, Dave! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Enjoy your beautiful little horse. :)
ReplyDeleteu r so wonderful david thank u 4 bieng an inspiration to other people and also to change ppls lives
ReplyDelete