South Africa’s premier betting brand Hollywoodbets have come out in support of the mainstay of the racing industry, the horse, via a cash donation and a pledge of ongoing support to the Coastal Horse Care Unit.
The Coastal Horse Care Unit (CHCU) is a Section 21 company, committed to the welfare of all horses and donkeys from all disciplines of equine involvement.
Hollywood’s Wiseman Gwala hands over a cheque to Vanessa Beets and Gill Olmesdahl of the CHCU on the occasion of an earlier donation
The CHCU is based on a farm in the Cato Ridge area, and serves as a rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming centre for horses who are abused or neglected.
Hollywood’s Scott Edwards said that the cash donation was a starting point and a tangible show of support for the care of horses.
He said that the move would be used to create an increased awareness and that it was hoped that the corporate bookmaker’s customers would also join the cause and make their own contributions, no matter how small.
“We love the sport of horseracing and the game would cease to exist without these beautiful animals. This is really a great cause and the CHCU’s recently launched initiative focussed on the thoroughbred is particularly exciting and relevant,” he said.
Edwards was referring to the Silver Lining Initiative, designed for racehorses coming off the track.
CHCU Manager Gill Olmesdahl explained that before being adopted after retirement from racing the thoroughbred goes through a sponsored training programme.
Silverado Prince – set the pace in 2014
This concept was started in Gauteng by the Highveld Horse Care Unit and this initiative will serve the needs of KwaZulu –Natal.
“A thoroughbred costs in the region of R3000 to R4000 per month to care for and the idea is to raise monies so that we can get top riders to help us school these retired racehorse and find a second career for them. This naturally also gives more riders the opportunity to adopt a thoroughbred after it has been schooled. The adoption fee raised will be used for the outreach programmes and support the work that the unit does.”
The thoroughbred is fostered out for minimum of 3 months for schooling before being ready for adoption.
The Highveld Horse Care Unit started the initiative in July 2014 with the support of Team Nissan Show jumping and Farnham Stables, taking on the first horse Silverado Prince.
Visit www.coastalhorsecareunit.org.za for details of how to contribute or if you are keen on assisting in any way.
