Abbotsdale Outreach – 18 October 2025

A DAY OF CARE, CONNECTION & COMPASSION

On Friday, 18 October, our Tom Ro Haven team headed to Abbotsdale for an outreach that truly reminded us why we do what we do. We were met with a sight both beautiful and humbling - around 30 horses, including young foals, waiting with quiet patience as we began the day’s work. Many of them bore the marks of hardship, yet their spirit and trust never wavered.

Thanks to the dedication of our committee members and volunteers, every single horse received hands-on care. We treated wounds, administered dewormers, and handed out vital wound supplies. Each horse also received a bag - approximately 3kg - of nutritious Lucerne pellets, along with oat hay and clean water brought in for the day. Blankets, fly sheets, tack, and riding gear were distributed to the owners, many of whom expressed heartfelt gratitude. For some, it was the first time their horses had experienced such care and comfort.

The day also opened our eyes further to the urgent needs in this community. Abbotsdale has no access to welfare veterinarians - none at all. The absence of veterinary support, combined with limited education on horse care, feeding, and riding, leaves these animals and their owners in desperate need of structured assistance. A gelding program is an immediate priority, as is a mobile veterinary unit and regular welfare visits to ensure consistent support. The dream is clear: to establish a dedicated horse care unit that can serve Abbotsdale and surrounding regions on a continual basis.

This outreach was made possible through immense teamwork and generosity.

A heartfelt thank you to our Tom Ro Haven committee - Odette, Steph, Sean, and Gill - for bringing this initiative together, and to Corrie for assisting on the day. Our gratitude extends to Zara, who coordinated in Abbotsdale and worked tirelessly to ensure every horse was seen. To Dean and his assistant for expertly trimming hooves, and to Denise for lending her helping hands - thank you.

We are deeply grateful to Vermate for providing Thermal Mud, and to an anonymous donor whose generous contribution of R15,000 allowed us to purchase essential medical supplies, dewormers, and feed. Special thanks to Tool Hire for loaning us a trailer, rental free. And finally, to every person who has ever donated tack or riding gear - your gifts continue to make a lasting difference.

This day carried special meaning for our team, as it also marked the birthday of Rosaleen - the “Ro” in Tom Ro Haven. Her legacy of love and compassion was felt deeply throughout the day, as we worked together to bring hope and healing to these deserving animals.

Our Abbotsdale outreach was a reminder that while the needs are great, the capacity for kindness is even greater. With continued community support, we can expand our reach, improve welfare access, and keep changing lives - one horse, one family, and one child at a time.

If you feel inspired to get involved or would like to sponsor or contribute toward our next outreach, we would love to hear from you. Every act of kindness, whether big or small, helps us reach more horses and communities in need. Please get in touch with us or consider making a donation through the link below - together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference.

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