Kind-hearted Samaritans step in for Pretoria girl who lost her horse in a tragic accident
“A special man once told me you have to live life with an open hand – that is the only way you can give and by giving, God will provide,” said Kapp.
A tragic Christmas for the Pretorius family has a little light at the end of the tunnel.
Zeldine Pretorius, a 17-year-old horse guide from Bon Accord Horse Trails, was taken to hospital after her horse stepped onto a live power cable just off the Rosslyn road in Pretoria on December 23.
Pretorius’ mother, Ansie, told how she feared for her daughter after she watched helplessly as her beloved horse Kerneels died from the contact with the illegal power connections running across the field they had been riding through.
Police and Tshwane emergency services personnel were called to the scene and Zeldine was taken to the hospital for assessment, after which she spent some weeks recovering from the incident.
Police said at the time that the power cables were illegal connections to a nearby community.
Not long after the harrowing accident, the story reached the Kapp family in Standerton who immediately jumped in to see how they could help.
Melanie Kapp, from Brakspruit Equestrian, said that they were “delighted in giving Zeldine the opportunity in owning another horse after the tragic passing of Kerneels”.
“A special man once told me you have to live life with an open hand – that is the only way you can give and by giving, God will provide,” said Kapp.
Kapp explained that the story was close to their hearts, “A few years back my daughter lost her ultimate heart horse, Malibu.
“We as a family saw her pain and how depression took control over her. When we read the Rekord article about Zeldine and Kerneels, we knew the pain she was going through, and we decided to intervene and make sure she doesn’t end up as depressed and broken as my daughter was.”
The Kapp family worked with the Pretorius family to find the perfect match for Zeldine, eventually settling on Barabaz, aka Mr B, bred by Anton Murry Fischer from Standerton.
Ansie said that her family was very grateful for the opportunity and care that they had received from the Kapp family.
“I know no horse can replace Kerneels, but Zeldine got the greatest gift from Melanie Kapp and her wonderful family and team,” Ansie said.
She said that Mr B was Zeldine’s saving grace. “A clean page, the most beautiful softest animal I have ever seen. Mr B – welcome to our family. I hope you are happy here.”
She said that the new environment would hopefully be one that Mr B would enjoy. “A busy world full of teenagers who love horse riding – far away from the fantastic peace and quiet on the beautiful farm.
“Melanie, you are an amazing person who opened your heart to my child who was completely broken. I have no words – thank you so incredibly much for you and your family.”
Kapp said, “We wish Zeldine and Mr B many safe rides.”
ALSO READ: Six families displaced after roof collapse in Pretoria Gardens
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