WHILE work is underway to repair road infrastructure ravaged by the floods in KZN, Cliffdale resident Sue Sadler said there is still cause for concern for more than 30 horses stranded at the Thelwells Equestrian Centre which she owns.
The Upper Highway resident’s horse riding school, has been in business for the past 16 years.
“The horses are completely isolated due to the damage. One of the horses was sick and the vet treated and diagnosed her for colic, it has been extremely stressful and difficult to get bales of hay and water to them,” said Sadler.
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The sick horse was moved to Baker & McVeigh Equine Hospital KZN in Summerveld where she is currently receiving treatment.
The road to the equestrian centre was already under construction when the heavy rains arrived.
Sadler said: “The municipality had just graded the surface of Bewley Road the day before the flooding, therefore all of the sand and debris blocked our pipes, causing this damage as well as damage to the road further down.”
“I rent the property and have been making my own arrangements to get food and water to the horses and have not generated income due to not being able to teach for the past month. I have six employees who rely on me, and if I lose my business, I lose my home and livelihood,” said an anxious Sadler, who, along with the help of employees, friends and families created a temporary bridge out of logs over the crevice to make it easier to transport food and water to the stable.
She is pleading to for assistance from officials as well as anyone who can help her in anyway.
“I am days away from losing everything I have worked for. Unfortunately, my suppliers, staff, and family are suffering the consequences,” said an emotional Sadler.
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