Diepsloot children learn to vault

Some Diepsloot children who had taken part in a life skills and a healing with horses programme run by Shumbashaba, grew so attached to the horses that they asked the management of the stables if they could come back to ride at least once a week.

Shumbashaba was at a loose end because they realised that they would not have enough horses for all the children to ride and were about to turn them away when fate intervened in the form of World champion equestrian vaulter, Bongani Mvumvu. He had approached Shumbashaba because he needed a horse to compete on.

Shumbashaba welcomed him with open arms, but decided to also use his expertise to benefit the children of Diepsloot. They started the programme that runs every Saturday afternoon in which Mvumvu teaches the children how to vault.

Jacky du Plessis of Shumbashaba said, “Equestrian vaulting is like gymnastics on a horse. It’s a skill that the children can learn, but it also means that a number of children are able to interact with just one horse.”

Mvumvu comes from a similar background to the children and it was his interaction with horses that led him to a better life.

Du Plessis said, “This programme is fun and exciting for the children, but it also imbues them with a sense of self-worth and purpose which is the aim of all Shumbashaba’s programmes. Whilst recognising that education and skills training remain the key focus for lifting people out of poverty and crime, none of this is possible if people have lost a sense of self-worth and purpose.”

On 3 October Shumbashaba will host a fundraising event with the South African Lippizzaners which will allow them to continue their work with underprivileged children.

The event will feature an appearance by world renowned animal communicator, Amelia Kinkade and a performance by international singer and songwriter, Brian Temba.

Details: 082-872-9265, Computicket