Cart Horse Protection Association

Our Approach

We believe that for the working cart horses on the Cape Flats to be fit, healthy and comfortable in work we must have a holistic approach to their welfare. We aim to provide for every aspect of their health and well-being. We provide subsidised farriery services as well as feed sales. We have three farriers and also offer harness and cart repair services at our clinic in Epping. Each horse along with its harness and cart is also inspected whenever they come in for shoes to make sure that their condition is acceptable. Our Equine Welfare Practitioners (EWPs) are trained Animal Welfare Assistants who can provide emergency veterinary care and as trained Animal Welfare Inspectors they can go out to inspect the living conditions of the horses in ninety stable yards across the Cape Flats. Each visit assesses the horse, stable size, tethering, access to grazing, availability of feed and water, cleanliness of stables and bedding, stable floor and structure, safety and ventilation. If yards do not meet the required standard an intervention is put in place. Whenever a horse is inspected on the road, the horse, harness and cart are all inspected. Additionally, carts had to have an ID board at the back and the driver has to show an E53 Cart Hors Operator’s Permit. To receive such a permit potential drivers are tested on the traffic laws as well as horse and cart care. An inspector is always on duty to deal with complaints and emergencies regarding working horses of the Cape Flats and we always encourage the general public to call us at any time with information and concerns. This number is manned 24/7: 082 6599 599.