In many rural areas of South Africa equines (horses, donkeys and mules) are used for employment opportunities, as a mode of transport and for collecting firewood and water. Equine owners are impoverished and lack the necessary skills and resources to care for their equines. In the Company of Horses' contribution and positive influence on horses and society even as a small business, has always been a passion.  

The Outreach initiative is about animal welfare mostly but also about social and economic upliftment:

  • Developing empathy which builds healthy relationships; creating awareness of self, others and the environment
  • Equine health - vaccinations, deworming, medications, disease control
  • Education and skills development
In January 2021, In the Company of Horses moved to Haenertsburg in the Limpopo Province. The aim is to start doing outreach work in partnership with MAPS (Mountain Animal Protection Services). Keep a look out for updates from their side. 

Outreach area from 2013 - 2020:

In the Company of Horses have run their project from their horse base in Kwazulu Natal, Midlands area. From there the owners have reached out to different horse communities where possible. Unfortunately the outreach had to be limited as fund raising has been very difficult. The rescue of 15 wild horses from being killed has been the focus of this outreach initative for 2016/2017. These horses now live happy and safe among the In the Company of Horses working herd.

Outreach area from 2009 -  2013:

In the Company of Horses ran the outreach from The Haven Hotel which is well placed in the heart of the Wild Coast within the Cwebe/Dwesa reserve surrounded by rural communities.

Transkei population: 2,4 Million 

Area: 45.000 square km´s

Capital: Mthata

Language: Xhosa

No of equines: unknown (estimates range from 10.000 to 50.000)