“One day, only stories of these iconic horses will be left for the next generation.”

According to Lowvelder, this sad statement by a member of the Kaapsehoop Concerned Residents (KCR) followed after six wild horses died due to tick-related diseases, including dikkop horse sickness, last week.

Another major danger is that speeding and reckless drivers are hitting and killing the horses on the road.

The statement reflected the sad state of affairs, with numbers declining and only 47 horses left on the mountain.

Only five foals were born during the season, and a five-month-old colt recently died after being hit by a car.

There are now only one filly and two colts remaining.

The magnificent loner chestnut stallion, named Joubert, mostly seen at Joubertsdal, was also killed on the road.

The KCR has pleaded with drivers on the Kaapsehoop Road to reduce speed and be extra vigilant when driving past the area.

In July 2024, at least 10 of the Kaapsehoop herd died due to the wildfires in the area. Six had such severe burns that they had to be euthanised, while others could not escape the blaze and their remains were never found.

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