The Coastal Horse Care Unit

The Coastal Horse Care Unit (CHCU) is a Section 21 company, independently directed and operated from any existing establishments. We are a new unit with a recently established Board of Directors.

CHCU is committed to the welfare of all horses and donkeys from all disciplines of equine involvement. CHCU is based on a farm in the Cato Ridge area. The farm was very generously donated and is THE MOST PERFECT PLACE, which we have unbelievable plans for… so watch this space!!

We intend to ultimately run the farm as a Rescue, Rehabilitation and rehoming centre for horses who are abused or neglected. We hope to develop the rescue centre to become sustainable, by having regular fundraising events and opening the farm to the public by offering an interactive and educational animal farm with a small tea garden and playground area for children.
We currently hold the Ridge Country Market and Doggie Mile on a quarterly basis and host the annual Horse and Hound Extravaganza with the hope of hosting more events to cater for people looking for things to do. When you see how lucky we have been with the property you will agree the potential we have available. Our possibilities are endless and its all in aid of raising awareness and much needed funds for the unit.

Mission Statement:

• To protect horses from abuse and alleviate their suffering by rehabilitating, campaigning and educating.
• A world where horse are used but not abused

Our focus:

• Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre incorporating a Donkey Sanctuary
• Addressing Equine Welfare from a neutral stance, incorporating all disciplines i.e. Horse Racing, Polo, Show-jumping etc.
• Creating an environment of transparency by opening up a visitors and educational centre
• Opening of an on-site and in-field educational program for the education and up-liftment of people involved with horses, incorporating rural and working horses
• To promote the partnership between horses and humans
• Education achieves Horse Welfare Solutions
• We judge by results, both short and long term. We are not doctrinaire. We accept that different situations need different approaches, and will adapt to circumstances.
• The Staff at Coastal Horse Care Unit has a love and knowledge of equines, this creates our passion.
• We wish to incorporate input from all disciplines of Equines thus creating a neutral non bias environment to assist with Equine Welfare.

Rural clinics and Empowerment Program
The organisation goes into the surrounding rural areas and educates owners on the care of their horses and donkeys.  These communities rely heavily on their horses for their transport and livelihood. The program offered by our organisation not only teaches them the basics of horse care but provides them with the tools to gain better productivity from the animals in a conducive environment which is both horse and owner friendly.

One of our main objectives is to empower rural communities through education. We currently have a program where rural people are trained in farriery and saddlery which is a skills development project. The qualification received after completion of this course will provide the graduates with an opportunity to gain meaningful employment and educate other community members in proper horse care. This leads to a sustainable effect with regards to the welfare of these animals.

This is where your donated tack and supplies will help as it will be given to them as replacements. Donations of veterinary supplies are also be used both at the centre and on clinics.

DIRECTIONS TO THE FARM IN CATO RIDGE
TAKE THE CATO RIDGE TURN OFF FROM DURBAN. AT TOP OF OFFRAMP TURN LEFT. FOLLOW ROAD FOR 1KM. ROAD TO THE RIGHT D246. TURN RIGHT DOWN D246 KEEP LEFT AND FOLLOW ROAD D246 FOR 2KM. FARM ON YOUR RIGHT : THE COASTAL HORSE CARE UNIT