About Us
Emerging from grief, nurtured by optimism, and thriving through love, Tom Ro Haven for Equines & Children was established by Gill McCulloch after the tragic loss of her nephew, Luke and both parents, Tom & Ro.
Searching for solace by volunteering at another organisation with her daughter Steph, Gill quickly recognised the lack of support for equines and the evident gap between working horses and those that are deemed useless. Too often rescued to only be euthanised without a proper chance of rehabiliation due to lack of knowledge, time, space & overall interest it became abundantly evident that outside of the Cart Horse realm there really was no safe haven for equines that no longer served their purpose. Out of this heartbreaking revelation, Tom Ro's heartwarming story of hope, resilience & perseverance is born. ​​​
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Dedicated to rescuing abused and neglected horses and ponies, our registered non-profit organization (NPO100-279) is providing sanctuary & rehabilitation at our facility in Noordhoek, Cape Town.
Our horses and ponies are then integrated into equine-assisted healing programs aimed at children and young adults who are considered at risk or have experienced physical or emotional trauma. Through the therapeutic use of horses, Tom Ro Haven seeks to foster empathy, compassion, and respect, thereby transforming the lives of both the horses and the local community.
As part of our ongoing outreach efforts, we frequently visit rural, predominantly underprivileged areas to deliver essential supplies such as tack, medication, feed, roughage, and supplements. Moreover, these visits serve as an opportunity to educate horse-owning communities on proper horse care and to provide them with continuous support.
Recognizing that many instances of abuse and neglect stem from a lack of knowledge, we prioritize collaboration and education within local communities over the removal of horses. This approach promotes open dialogue, honesty, and a deeper understanding, ultimately helping to decrease the incidence of abused and neglected horses.​
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THE REALITY
The dire condition of equines is heartbreakingly visible as one travels through rural settlements and agricultural zones in the Western Cape. Too often, you encounter emaciated horses tethered beside roads or on cramped plots—bound by chains or makeshift rope halters—struggling to graze amid refuse and rubble.
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Compounding this issue is the widespread lack of education and access to basic resources among rural owners who genuinely care for their horses but lack the means or knowledge to provide proper care. Many equines survive on meager grazing alone, with no supplementary feed, medications, or shelter—sometimes not even access to clean water. We urgently need immunocontraception for mares and a gelding initiative for stallions to curb the birth of foals into already desperate situations—this would be a crucial tool in our fight against neglect and cruelty.
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Another disturbing but seldom-discussed reality is the rise in equine theft and the cruel trafficking of purpose-bred horses into illegal bush racing. Here, animals are abused and raced until they die—yet this dark trade remains largely hidden due to its complexity and danger, calling for bold and aggressive action.
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While we condemn the suffering in impoverished areas and recognize the root causes of neglect, we also acknowledge that this problem extends beyond rural communities. Many rescues originate from affluent racing and riding sectors, where horses are treated as disposable tools, discarded once their "service" ends.
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Additionally, the worsening economic crisis in South Africa has made horse ownership or leasing increasingly unsustainable—even for responsible riders. With rising costs and limited affordable livery options, access to the riding community is slipping away. In a time when many horses seek new homes, the disconnect between supply and opportunity leaves us facing grave consequences.
OUR RESOLUTION
Despite 14 years of unwavering dedication, Tom Ro Haven continues to face financial challenges just to stay open. Yet, we remain resolute—confident that the right individuals and corporate partners, who share our values, vision, and commitment to community impact, will join us in supporting our mission long-term.
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Our mission extends beyond equine rescue; we provide a sanctuary for vulnerable individuals seeking healing and hope. Through equine-assisted programs, life skills development, and educational initiatives, we nurture resilience and raise awareness about the profound connections between human well-being and animal welfare. Our vision goes further than offering safety: it embodies practical, sustainable strategies to foster compassionate equine environments across the Western Cape.
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HERE'S HOW WE ARE BRINGING OUR VISION TO LIFE
