SECUNDA -What began as a normal routine day for Ms Susan van der Merwe, owner of Pelipa Equine Centre at Lake Umuzi, turned into a huge surprise recently when she was met with a new-born filly.
“It was so strange; I was searching for my horses and could not find them. I asked my groom if he had seen them and he said no. A fisherman at the dam pointed out where he had seen one of the horses. Normally where there is one, the rest will be around,” said Ms Van der Merwe.
She eventually found one of her horses neighing and acting out of character. Another horse did the same. They then led her to Zarah and the new arrival.
Zarah, a four-year-old purebred Arabian horse, is a gift from a friend and was meant as an endurance racehorse for Ms Van der Merwe’s daughter, Lillian.
The mare came to stay in November and Ms Van der Merwe did not suspect the animal was pregnant until December when they noticed Zarah was growing a belly. They decided not use her in endurance races.
“When Zarah came to the centre she was not used to a lot of human touch, but within a week her whole attitude changed and she became peaceful and calm,” said Ms Van der Merwe.
The public were asked to help come up with a name for new filly and the name Kamilah meaning “perfect” was chosen.
“This name suits her, because her head, ears, nose and markings are perfect,” said Ms Van der Merwe.
Ms Van der Merwe gelded her stallion, Sweepslag, who fathered most of the horses at centre, two years ago.
She did not want to breed anymore; therefore Kamilah coming into the picture was a huge surprise.
The whole herd has taken well to Zarah and Kamilah. So much so that the mini gelding, Bull’s Eye, does not leave Kamilah’s sight. This would be most probably due to them both being the same size.
Ms Van der Merwe opened the Pelipa Equine Centre in June last year.
The 12 horses at the centre are used for psychotherapy, a practice that is successfully growing into the biggest means of therapy or rehabilitation in the equine world.
The most common behavioural issues treated with Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) are post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), substance abuse or chemical dependency, behavioural problems, relationship or communication difficulties, eating disorders, parenting and discipline issues, depression and anxiety, and grief.
Most common issues dealt with in EAP is poor communication skills, low self-esteem and confidence, ineffective boundaries, low or no trust in others, anger management, problem-solving skills, anxiety and fear, self-isolated individuals, trauma, grief and bereavement, marital conflict, coping with anxiety, coping with depression, life stage challenges, sexuality, stress, personal growth, development and self-understanding, work related concerns or coping with change and family adjustments such as divorce or separation.
EAP can help anyone of any age.
“We have seen a huge difference in children and adults who come for the therapy. They get to interact, touch and ride the horses,” said Ms Van der Merwe.
The horses are extremely tame and inquisitive and have been taught not to fear humans.
Not only are the horses used for therapy, the public can also go horse riding around Lake Umuzi. This however, must be done by appointment only.
Ms Van der Merwe is looking for someone who has a passion for horses, children and nature to help with the therapy classes.
She also welcomes home schools and parents with children who want to do sessions during the week. These sessions includes an obstacle course which can help with stimulation and growth.
For more information, contact Ms Van der Merwe at 083 484 6060.
