Equine Outreach

Transforming Lives in Tembisa’s Coal Yards

Equine Outreach: Supporting Working Horses in Tembisa

The coal yard horses of Tembisa are among the hardest-working animals in Gauteng. Used for transporting coal, water, building materials and goods, these horses spend long hours on the road, often under harsh conditions. Many families depend on them for income and survival — which makes their welfare essential not only for the animals, but for the livelihoods they support.

At SAID, our Equine Outreach Programme stands in the gap for these horses, providing expert care, education, and on-the-ground support to ensure they can live and work with dignity, comfort, and safety.

What We Do

Our outreach team travels directly into the coal yards, offering on-site services that protect the long-term health and welfare of working horses. Our programme includes:

Dental Care

Routine dentistry prevents painful mouth sores, difficulty eating, and behavioural issues.
Regular floating ensures each horse can chew comfortably and maintain good body condition.

Hoof Care & Farriery

We provide essential hoof trimming and balancing, ensuring soundness and preventing lameness — one of the most common issues facing working horses.
Where needed, we assist with corrective farriery and treatment for hoof injuries.

Owner Education

Sustainable welfare starts with knowledge. We share our knowledge with owners in:

Daily horse care
Early signs of illness or injury
Proper grooming
Workload management
Safe handling and compassion in training

Empowerment through education is one of the most impactful tools we provide.

Tack Assessment & Safety

Inappropriate or homemade tack can cause wounds, and long-term damage.

We:

Assess saddles, harnesses, bits, and bridles
Provide or recommend safe, humane alternatives
Teach owners how to fit tack correctly to prevent pain and injury

Every piece of tack matters — and kindness starts with comfort.

Nutrition Advice & Supplementation

Working horses require proper nutrition to stay strong and healthy. We guide owners on:

Balanced feeding
Safe grazing and roughage
Supplementation for working animals
Hydration and rest schedules

When possible, we provide nutritional support and advice tailored to each horse’s workload and condition.

How You Can Help Neigh-borhood Heroes

Together we can make a difference, one hoof at a time.

Here are some ways you can help us support our equine friends.

Extend Your Support

Your generosity has the power to change lives. By donating, you're directly impacting the well-being of horses in Tembisa's coal yards. Your contributions enable us to provide vital veterinary care, build shelters, and offer rehabilitation services to those in need. You can also donate second hand goods to our Barn Shop or tack that you are no longer using.

Volunteer Your Time

Join us in our mission to make a difference. Whether you're lending a helping hand at our facility, assisting with fundraising efforts, or spreading awareness in your community, your time and energy can create lasting change for these horses.

Spread the Word

Help us amplify our message of hope. Share our mission with your friends, family, and colleagues, and encourage them to join us in our cause. Together, we can create a brighter future for horses in Tembisa's coal yards.