Our Mission at the Western Cape Equine Trust

Our mission at the Western Cape Equine Trust is to welcome equines, especially ex-racehorses, into our care with love and dedication. After thoughtful training, we re-home them to carefully inspected, loving homes where they can thrive with caring new owners.

The Western Cape Equine Trust (WCET), a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), has been raising funds to help improve the life of equines since 2005. Its REHOMING PROGRAM focuses specifically on the safe and secure future of Thoroughbred racehorses once they are retired from their racing career. Many of them are retired as young as 2 or 3 years old. Have a look at the following video that gives a snippet of all we do and our passion and love for ex racehorses

RE-HOMING OF EX RACEHORSES PROGRAMME

The WCET is totally committed to its REHOMING PROGRAM, all run by volunteers and funded by donations, with the grateful support of the local racing industry and some wonderful individuals.

Most of the equines come directly from racing, having been donated by owners, trainers and breeders who care about the future of their horses and a few have come through ‘rescue’ situations, having been sold on and landed up in dire circumstances.

The early days at the centre are spent doing groundwork, assessing temperament and ability and then progress to schooling under saddle, all with a gentle, holistic approach. When the Rehoming team is satisfied that a horse is ready for re-homing, it is advertised through various channels, to a large database of horse lovers.

Our program operates from Sivalé Stables in Klapmuts, where we provide exceptional facilities for ex-racehorses. Here, they enjoy the freedom of the outdoors during the day and cozy stabling at night, ensuring their comfort and happiness.

At WCET, we carefully assess the suitability of potential owners. Before an application is submitted, we require prospective adopters to work with their chosen horse at our facility. We uphold strict terms and conditions throughout the re-homing process to ensure the best outcomes for our horses. Home inspections are conducted, followed by annual follow-ups, and we ask that owners keep us updated on their horses’ progress. While a horse can be moved or sold, any changes must be approved by WCET to ensure that all the same standards and care apply to the next owner. It is vital that we remain informed about the whereabouts and well-being of every equine that graduates from our program.

Since the inception of our Rehoming Program, we have successfully rehomed over 140 ex-racehorses, each finding a wonderful and loving new home. Many have embarked on exciting new careers in various equine disciplines, while others have the chance to retire peacefully, basking in sunshine, enjoying lush pastures, and forming lasting friendships.

Our Team

The WCET would not be able to operate as successfully as we do without the wonderful help of our team and volunteers who come to the yard to assist with the re-homing project of the horses.

Our Horses

Most of our equines come to us direct from their racing careers, having been donated by owners or trainers and a few have come through ‘rescue’ situations, having been sold on and landed in dire circumstances.

Our Process

The reward in re-homing one of our horses are priceless, but to ensure the well-being of our horses we have a procedure that applies in order to re-home them.