Lipizzaners help haven

Kitty and Puppy Haven is a rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing centre based in Midrand that takes in injured, neglected, traumatised and mistreated animals from townships, squatter camps and other low-income areas.

The aim of the organisation is to improve the well-being of animals in South Africa and to ensure each one has access to veterinary care, food, shelter, and love. They also aim to reduce the numbers of unwanted animals through education and sterilisation campaigns.

Supporters of Kitty and Puppy Haven were treated to a performance from the famous Lipizzaner stallions which are born black but turn grey/white over time.

The horses delighted the crowds with an amazing display of strength and prowess while Judy Vertue of the South African Lipizzaners explained the horses’ history and breeding.

Lipizzaners are the oldest human-bred horses. Vertue said, “These animals are characterised by a perfect and noble physique, graceful movements, the ability to learn, liveliness, good nature, courage, toughness and stamina.”

Currently all six bloodlines of Lipizzaner horses are represented at the South African Lipizzaner Centre in Kyalami and there are 31 performing stallions ranging in ages from 4 to 20.

Vertue explained, “The South African Lipizzaners have earned the honour of being the only performing Lipizzaners outside Vienna that are recognised by and affiliated to the Spanish Riding School.”

Details: lipizzaner@hixnet.co.za; info@kittyhaven.co.za