About the Highveld Horse Care Unit

The largest equine welfare organisation in South Africa

The Highveld Horse Care Unit (HHCU) is the largest equine welfare organisation in South Africa. The organisation was established in 1991 and has grown from strength to strength since then.

Organisational Overview

We get involved in any matters relating to equine welfare

REHOMING OF EQUINES

We provide a re-homing service for equines whose owners can no longer can afford them, to suitable homes on a special adoption policy .
OWNER EDUCATION

The education of owners, drivers and children in townships and rural areas where we work is a vital part of our work.
INVESTIGATING COMPLAINTS

Our qualified inspectors investigate cases of neglect, cruelty and abuse. We rely on the public to report complaints.
HOSPITALISATION AND TREATMENT

We hospitalise and treat horses and donkeys where owners cannot afford treatment.

Average statistics over a year

Here are some interesting statistics to illustrate how many equines and owners we help every year! We have a strong focus on education, teaching owners how to shoe their horses correctly and assist with harness repair and cart manufacturing. We hold workshops for hundreds of owners in our outreach clinics in 6 provinces, teaching them how to better care for their working animals.

6000Horses and donkeys assisted, and owners educated

600Stables provided to equines in need throughout the year

3000Rural horses and donkeys dewormed every year

200000Kilometres travelled to assist horses and donkeys in need

45Horses and donkeys at our base on any given day

Meet our Mascots

Our mascots are examples of how severely abused equines can be nursed back to health and happiness through the love of the carers at Highveld Horse Care Unit.

ALFIE

Alfie was confiscated in 2018 due to severe starvation and neglect. Alfie suffers from heart complications so surgery to geld him was not an option. He has become the unit's chief mascot enjoying life at the HHCU.

ALFIE - A SHIRE STALLION

STEVIE

Stevie was abused and beaten so badly that he lost 90% of his eyesight. He has been our resident donkey for 11 years, and helps with the raising of the foals at the Unit.

STEVIE- DONKEY