The Cart Horse Protection Association (CHPA) will host a basic orientation class to educate the public about cart horses and the carting industry on Saturday 22 March. The initiative aims to raise awareness and provide practical knowledge to those who frequently encounter cart horses on the roads.
According to Karin Paschen, the fundraiser at CHPA, the orientation is designed to equip individuals with the ability to identify potential cases of mistreatment. “We receive calls about horses being overloaded, under-conditioned, or exhausted, but when we investigate, we often find the horses in acceptable conditions. By educating the public, we hope to improve the accuracy of these reports and ensure effective intervention when needed,” says Paschen.
Various key topics
The session will cover various key topics, including:
- A brief overview of the Cart Horse Protection Association;
- recognising signs of abuse on the road;
- understanding the ID plate system and Horse Database;
- basic horse identification and care information;
- safe approaches to handling a horse;
- learning to pick up a horse’s foot;
- an overview of the carting industry and its operations;
- addressing common issues like theft and illegal dumping;
- strategies for effective collaboration with the CHPA;
- identifying cases of overloading;
- a Q&A session and experience-sharing segment;
- understanding the Animal Protection Act and
- a briefing on the new Equine By-Law.
Public awareness and vigilence
Paschen emphasises the importance of increasing public awareness and vigilance. “We need more eyes and ears on the roads to identify potential issues. It is crucial for people to understand what constitutes overloading and how to spot mistreatment. Many owners take proper care of their horses, ensuring they are not overworked and have adequate rest. However, a minority of irresponsible drivers contribute to negative perceptions about the carting community,” she explains.
Illegal dumping and unauthorised access to private properties are also concerns within the industry. Paschen notes that every cart must display an identification board with the owner’s details. If a cart lacks this board, it is deemed illegal and becomes a law enforcement matter.
Do not confront the driver
“If someone sees a horse in distress, they should contact us immediately rather than directly confronting the driver. Just as we wouldn’t stop a motorist to check their driver’s license, we should not approach cart drivers in an aggressive manner,” advises Paschen.
She also addresses the misconception that CHPA does not do enough. “We are a small organisation with limited resources, covering a vast area where cart horses operate. Public support, especially financial contributions, would greatly enhance our efforts. Confiscating horses is not always the solution; instead, educating owners is vital. Without education, an owner may simply acquire another horse, continuing the cycle,” she concludes.
The public can contribute by reporting any concerns to the CHPA at 082 656 6599.
