Our horses

Our herd of 25 rescued horses lives freely on 450 hectares of open African bush. Each horse has its own story – many come from neglect, abuse, or abandonment – but here, they’ve found a new beginning. Living as a natural herd, they roam, graze, and bond with one another, surrounded by wildlife and peace. With time, trust, and care, they heal – rediscovering safety, joy, and what it means to simply be a horse.
Our Journey – A Place of Second Chances
It was here, in the golden light of the bushveld, that we were confronted with a reality too painful to ignore. Far too many horses in this country live lives defined by neglect, misunderstanding, and exploitation. This truth called out to us – not in words, but in the silent eyes of the forgotten, the misused, the cast aside. And we knew we had to act.
In both the commercial and private sectors, horses are often seen not as sentient beings, but as tools. In the pursuit of profit – whether in competitive sports or tourism – their needs are overlooked. As long as they perform, they are valued. But the moment their usefulness fades, they are replaced, sold, or worse.
We see the same story unfold across rural South Africa – especially in Limpopo, where life on farms is common. Horses are bought as playthings for children or as symbols of lifestyle. But true horsemanship, the understanding of a horse’s emotional and physical needs, is often absent. The result is a cycle of confusion, frustration, and ultimately, abuse. Many of these animals are left to deteriorate – tied up, turned loose without care, or sent off in transport trucks with no return.
At Khaya Hanci, we offer a different path.
When a horse arrives here, everything changes. No demands. No expectations. Just open skies, the whisper of wind through the trees, and the quiet presence of a herd that understands. Our 25 horses live as horses should – free to roam, graze, rest, and connect. The first weeks or months are simply about being. About breathing again. About healing.
In time, we gently begin to reintroduce human contact – always on the horse’s terms. Every step is slow, respectful, and rooted in trust. Because here, a horse is never rushed. It is never forced. It is seen. It is heard. And most of all, it is finally home.
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