South African Lipizzaners thank community for their constant support
KYALAMI – After a tough year, the South African Lipizzaners has high hopes new sights will be seen in the new year, are still extremely grateful for the support they received.
The South African Lipizzaners reflected on 2020 with regards to the global pandemic of Covid-19 and how it has affected the organisation.
Gina Boxley, volunteer at the Lipizzaners said the year had been tough in every aspect, from funding to general upkeep.
“This was something that none of us expected. Because we are sponsored by the public, it has been a terribly difficult year for us.
“We’ve lost a lot of our riders. We are, however, lucky enough to have a training team that are working with us and allowing us to still do the shows. If it were not for them, we wouldn’t even be able to perform,” she said.
Boxley added that the costs involved of keeping the organisation running included the shoeing of the horses, their food, veterinary bills, rent, and equipment. Because they have not been able to host shows, the maintenance of the facility had been increasingly difficult.
Boxley said there was not much awareness about the South African Lipizzaners and their goal in the future was to make the Lipizzaners a household name.
“Because of the rich history the Lipizzaners has, our biggest wish is for tourist companies to have brochures with all our information. Most people when they come into the country, they usually go into the bush to see the wildlife. We would love for them to come and see the Lipizzaners as well.
“Since our mares and stallions are not on the same property, we would like to have them all together in one space which is another goal we have.”
Boxley extended her deepest gratitude to the community who have come to watch shows and assisted with donations.
“It’s been amazing to see donations from people who are overseas. There have been people who have been with us through it all, and it has been amazing to have their support.
“We have the biggest gratitude for those who stuck with us through thick and thin. If we have even been short on different items, like pellets or bags of carrots, they have come through for us. For that, we are forever grateful.”
Boxley shared a wish-list that the Lipizzaners has for the upkeep of the horses:
- Refitting of all the saddles
- Fly spray/catchers for 35 stables, especially during the summer months
- Donations to the feed bill each month for teff and pellets
- Grooming kits and fly fringe face covers for the horses
- New halters, sun shield blankets
- New kit for the riders
- Sponsorship of all the shoeing for the horses
- Grass feed nets
- New overalls and shoes for the grooms
- Vets bills for care and vaccinations.
