Volunteer at the SA Lipizzaners, Gina Boxley gives tribute to one of the longest-serving grooms, Paulus Thabethe who has served the stallions in Kyalami since 2004.
Boxley said, “He has experienced the joys of their progress through the years as well as the heartache of losing some of our oldest and most talented and beloved masters of the past.”
Having watched many riders come and go, Thabethe has seen many youngsters learning the art of riding these war horses.
“He gets to know the new students each year and passes on some knowledge of knowing each horse intimately.
“He gets on with the day-to-day routine of making sure the stallions are comfortable, cared for and beautifully groomed. There is nothing he doesn’t know about care, stable management and love for his special horses and we are honoured to have our very own ‘horse whisperer’.”
She added that Thabethe was passionate about his responsibility to the Lipizzaners and all the horses knew and loved him.
“Of course, he has butted heads along the way and likes to do things his way, but when you have the experience he has, you will respect his knowledge and know-how.”
Boxley said she would like to honour the man who has given his life to the care of horses.
The Lipizzaners are once again hosting Sunday morning shows. Tickets will cost R150 each. For more information contact the SA Lipizzaners via email on stallion@lipizzaners.co.za or call 079 716 4792 to book tickets and receive your Covid-19 compliance forms.
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