Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal, Princess Anne was keeping her promise to Enos and would be visiting the Centre.For the few days leading up to the big day, the Centre was a hive of activity. With the support and assistance of staff from the City of Joburg, the buildings were cleaned inside and out and the garden and grounds were tended. Even our chickens knew that this was an important occasion with all the chicks being born the day before so that their mums could show them off to the Princess!

That morning, the activity reached a crescendo with all the horses being “bathed” and groomed, gazebos being set up, tables being laid (and let’s not forget the urn going up in smoke!), cream being whipped for the scones (by none other than Tony), vaulters warming up, children practicing their “moves” for the arrival of Princess Anne and, finally, red carpets being rolled out!

Then it was 10 minutes until the arrival of Princess Anne!

Note the nervous smiles!

Princess Anne arrives in Soweto where she is met by Enos, Tony Lewis, Marie-Aurélie and Roly Owers (CEO of World Horse Welfare)!

After a short briefing by Enos and Marie-Aurélie on the work of the Soweto Equestrian Foundation, Princess Anne then proceeded to see a snapshot of each of the Foundation’s objectives:

• Enable black children to participate in equestrian sports
• Provide training in the skills required to care for and ensure the well-being of the horse
• Provide an alternative form of therapy to those persons who are physically or mentally abused and/or traumatised
• Provide education and assistance to communities in respect of the nature and care of horses

The first stop was the area where the saddler and farrier students were working to view the World Horse Welfare (WHW) sponsored training and to meet Karen O’Malley from WHW, the instructors and students.

Then it was the turn of Nicole de Villiers, the vaulters and Vuka to show Princess Anne their talents as the South Africa Mixed Team Champions for 2 years in a row.

After watching the vaulters, Princess Anne then met the physically challenged children from the Adelaide Tambo School in Soweto who every week, with the assistance of the teachers, volunteers and horses of SARDA (South African Riding for the Disabled Association), ride at SARDA’s facilities in Ruimsig. Eve Quin of SARDA spoke to the Princess about the benefits of riding for the children and the progress that the children have made in the year that they have been riding.

Then it was the turn of the riders!

After watching the riders, Princess Anne met some of the cart horse owners who attend at the Centre to get their horses shod and advice in the caring of their horses.

It was then the turn of some of our sponsors and supporters to meet Princess Anne.

The visit then ended with Princess Anne handing out to the children rosettes commemorating her historical visit to the Centre and the children presenting Princess Anne with books and a posy.

Before we knew it, the visit had come to an end and goodbyes had to be said.

Then there was a flood of the “I still cannot believe it” feeling and all the joy that Enos had felt about the visit:

16 April 2012 will be a date that will never be forgotten in the history of the Foundation and the Centre, in Enos’ life and the lives of all the children, instructors, volunteers, sponsors, cart horse owners, parents and supporters present on the day.

Born on 9 December 1974 in Johannesburg, Philippa grew up dreaming of someday becoming one of the country’s best dressage riders. At the tender age of 24 years, she was a professional dressage rider and was planning to go to Germany to be trained on top dressage level. Her dream was shattered when she became disabled in a car crash in which both her brother and fiancé were killed. As a consequence of the accident, Philippa lost all her strength in her right arm and 60% of the strength in her right leg. After a long mental and physical journey, nobody could stop Philippa from riding again even though this meant starting at the beginning. Within a year and notwithstanding her severe handicap, she was back in the competition ring.

They say that lightning never strikes twice in the same place, but a year later, Philippa broke her back falling off a horse. Again she decided that nothing will stop her from doing what she loved most.

It took a lot of dedication and long hours of hard work to become a successful international para-equestrian rider. In 2002, she competed in Belgium and found her soul mate and beloved horse, Benedict. From 2003, Philippa and Benedict prepared for the Paralympics in Athens where she won silver twice. Philippa then decided to stay in Europe to prepare for the Hong Kong 2008 Paralympics. Her childhood dream was realised when she won the first equestrian gold medal ever for South Africa at the 2008 Paralympics. Philippa is now preparing for the upcoming 2012 Olympics in London where we know she will make South Africa proud.

Notwithstanding that Philippa is in the midst of training, Philippa spent some time with our children giving them sage advice in respect of riding.

Philippa’s view of what is happening in Soweto? She was so impressed on her first visit, she just had to come back a second time and share her experiences and passion for horses with our equally passionate children.

Thank you, Philippa, for being such an inspiration to us all.

Avis, from the Board of the Foundation and from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all the wonderful support you have given us during the year!

On that note, we would like to wish you all a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year!

On December 2 2011, a bus, several cars and a motorbike or two arrived at Soweto Equestrian Centre and unloaded a hoard of strange but excited looking people, paint, poles, augurs, nails, hammers, rollers and all sorts of bits and pieces. ADP had arrived for their 1st annual charity day.

Lesley Pearson, an ADP’er and admitted horse nut nominated Enos and his human and animal family to be a charity that was desperately in need of ADP’s help. ADP management agreed and Lesley promptly went into overdrive organising everything from tiny nails to wooden fencing poles. The cooldrinks and food disappeared the quickest though.

Once everybody was at the centre, everybody broke into their teams and was sent off to go and start their chosen chore for the day.

The fencing team, run by Peter Swanepoel, Jason Soekoe and Colin Woollacott , started drilling holes for the fencing poles. As the plans were being thought up on the spur of the moment, some minor adjustments had to be made. Once they had started though, only broken backs, aching legs and bashed hands was likely to stop them. That was until Peter told them to get back to work after lunch. They had learnt their lesson this time and trooped off to finish the last few poles.

The painting team started changing the pretty run down stable doors into works of art. Rowena, Nicol and Paulynie took the professionalism of the job extremely seriously, while the younger guys seemed to find watching the horses getting a bath more fun. At the end of the day though, once Rowena had gone around and made sure for the 4th? time that there were no missed spots, the doors all looked wonderful.

The washing team started on the big white horse. The fact that he had to be locked in a crush to be bathed seemed to intimidate the crew at first, but that could have been Enos’ sense of humour.

Somehow he didn’t seem all that dangerous when you watched Enos’ pre-teen grandsons washing him along with some very nervous ADP first timers. Everybody got a bath though, including most of the team. Ryan even got a thank you from one of the foals.

The planters made part of the grounds look much nicer with trees, plants and little touches that are what makes a place seem more cheerful and nice to be near. One of the foals did decide to “taste the menu” until someone moved everything into a locked paddock and the filly was led around to look at everything except the taste new stuff.

Once everybody had enjoyed a lunch of hot-dogs and colddrinks, the fencing team once again marched off to put the last touches to everything. Everybody then headed  off back to work for a well earned braai.

As much fun as the day was, everybody knew at the back of their minds that they were there for a purpose. A great man who has spent all of his life learning, teaching and caring deserves to be recognised. A place like the Soweto Equestrian Centre is often the only place poor children have to go other than the streets. To give up just one day of your time to help out in places like this can, literally, change peoples’ lives.

ADP decided this year that a “party hearty” wasn’t the way to go. It decided to help some people who really needed the help.

On behalf of the Board of Foundation, we would like to thank ADP for all the hard work and the enthusiasm with which it was done. Well done to ADP!!

Part of the “busy-ness” was Enos’ trip to London in November. Enos was invited by World Horse Welfare to address their annual conference. Read all about Enos’ experience below as told by Enos:

My Trip to the United Kingdom
Firstly, I would like to say a big “THANK YOU” to Marie Girard, for the brochure she had made and for the presentation she prepared for me for this wonderful trip.

I remember the first time Marie and I met to go through the presentation and practice it, I was very nervous and my mouth dried up quickly.  The reason I was nervous was because I did not want to disappoint my country, South Africa. I was visiting the United Kingdom, at the invitation of World Horse Welfare (WHW), to tell the story of my life as a child to the point where I am right now, at the WHW Annual Conference.

On my arrival on Saturday at Heathrow Airport, I went to Norfolk to meet up with Mr and Mrs Kelly. I was amazed to see them dressed in just t-shirts as I found the weather very cold to the point where they had sat me close to the fire place to defrost.

The next day Ian Kelly took me to World Horse Welfare and showed me around before returning back home. Monday, I went to World Horse Welfare to meet up with Carol and Sue for the first time and Tuesday, I visited them again and met up with Jessica as well.

Over these few days, I was given a tour and presentation on how WHW operate, both at head office level and in the different regions.  I also practiced my presentation regularly! On Wednesday, we left Norfolk to go to a hotel in London. We had a very pleasant dinner before moving to our rooms.

Thursday, the 17th, was a very important day for me. I compared it to attending a very big show. I woke up early around 4 am to rehearse and then went back to bed once I was satisfied that I was prepared.  We started the morning with official rehearsals at 8 am, the Chairman rehearsed his speech and I found myself sweating as I was listening to him. Soon after him, it was my turn and my nerves declined as I got on stage. Jessica and others congratulated me on my speech afterwards.

After 9 am when the conference had started, Princess Anne entered the hall. Everyone stood up to grace her presence as she made her way to the row in front of me. I was sitting with my bodyguard, Sue, at the time. At 10 am during tea time, five ambassadors from different countries and I were introduced to Princess Anne. She chose to see me first; she said that I’ve come a long way. She told me that her inspiration as a child was Anneli Drummond-Hay.

After tea time we returned to the hall and the Chairman introduced me as the next speaker. This was the moment I was waiting for, for the last few weeks. As I stood on stage I made the sign of a cross. My first words were to show gratitude to the chairperson, the royal family and the ambassadors and then I began my speech by saying “My Lord, Ladies and Gentlemen ….”. At the end of the speech I thanked God, Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth and my horse, Salmy.

Friday, Ian took me to the Royal Palace where I was shown army horses and army equipment. I saw historic swords and a golden carriage that has been around since 1812. It was a delightful and intriguing tour. My last stop was a visit to the Ebony Horse Club which is situated in the city of London and that ended my wonderful stay in the United Kingdom.

From 1960 when I first became a groom until today, I would like to thank everyone in South Africa who gave me support. From 1980 when I became the first black rider to represent SA in Wembley until today, I would like to thank everyone in Europe who gave me support.

As you can see, Enos had a fabulous experience, an experience that memories are made of, and for this he thanks World Horse Welfare from the bottom of his heart.

Children from the St Mary’s Children’s Home accompanied by their care-givers milled excitedly around the enclosures, enjoying the opportunity to pat the horses and speak to riders and grooms. St Mary’s Home was Avis’ charity for the year in 2010 when Avis donated a Corsa to replace its vehicle which had been stolen. St Mary’s is an NPO which provides a safe, secure and therapeutic environment for children from families in crisis with a view to reuniting them with their families when possible.

The younger children spent hours leaping on the jumping castles while older children watched the derby itself. Pony rides gave them a first-hand experience of the thrill and challenge which the sport provides.

The Soweto Equestrian centre vaulting team joined in the fun at the derby development day as well as giving a thrilling vaulting display on the morning. These children are trained at vaulting, which entails performing gymnastics on horses, and in less than a year, they became the 2009 South African Mixed Team National Champions, a remarkable achievement. Inspired by this triumph, they were again crowned champions in 2010 and are determined to retain their position in the 2011 championships, scheduled for December in KwaZulu-Natal; they however have to qualify at the provincial rounds first in order to go through to the SA Championships.
Over the years, the Soweto Equestrian Centre has exposed over 700 children to horses and horse riding, hosting “pat a pony” days and offering riding lessons to children from the local community, care homes and orphanages. A child from Soweto was included in the team representing South Africa at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in the United States.

Thulani Nzima, Executive-Sales and Marketing at Avis with Miss SA 2010 Bokang Montjane, Jade Hooke, 2011 Avis Derby Winner, handing over cheque to Enos Mafokate, Founder of the Soweto Equestrian Centre

Prizes were once again awarded to Groom Members, a new class which was included for the first time in 2010. Creation of this membership category has been instrumental in boosting standards of skills significantly. Grooms with the best turned out horse win large cash prizes as well as a certificate. Grooms whose performance over the year has been exceptional also received prizes.

The Development Cable Stitch Competition which teams a development rider with a top-ranked rider once again topped the spectator enjoyment stakes, as the riders aimed to clear as many jumps as possible in 80 seconds.

Avis chief executive Wayne Duvenage expressed his satisfaction at seeing the Derby extend its reach so significantly to broader swathes of the population. “The fact that the event is now also broadcast on television is an extremely positive development, bringing the sport into the homes of thousands more who would previously never have been exposed to it,” he said.

2nd:  Thabang Mafokate on Jo-Jo
4th:  Paballo Mashilo on Jo-Jo

Results – D Grade Open

Position Name Horse Gender Team
1st: Musa Maluleke on Thabazimbi
2nd:  Lovemore Riet on Thabazimbi
3rd: Jabulane Khumalo on Thabazimbi

There were about 300 children who attended the talk by Charles Grey, Marketing Manager of the Academy, and to be inspired by some of the trainee jockeys that have or are going through the Academy. The talk and the interaction certainly got a lot of the children thinking about being a jockey rider as a possible career.

“Hopefully, we will soon see one or more children from Soweto becoming successful jockeys” he said.

To end this great day, the Foundation was presented with a R100 000 cheque by Century Property Developments, 15 riding helmets donated by Las and a R5000 voucher from the Cameron family to feed a horse!

The Board of the Soweto Equestrian Foundation and the children of Soweto would like to say a very big THANK YOU to the following companies, organisations and people without whom the Soweto Classic would not have happened and happened so well:

• Century Property Developments for sponsoring the day and hosting the event at the Waterfall Equestrian Estate
• Western Shoppe for the rosettes
• Gauteng Horse Society and the South African National Equestrian Foundation for donating the SANEF levies
• AVIS for the provision of a minibus to transport the children from Soweto to the event
• City of Johannesburg for the paramedics
• The residents of Waterfall Equestrian Estate for being so accommodating and showing their support on the day
• Estelle from the Waterfall Equestrian Estate Residents Association for all her assistance and humour
• And last but certainly not least, Angie and Owen Meredith from Eaton Farm and Tony Lewis for all their hard work, patience, unfailing sense of humour and for making a wish come true!!