Twice a week, a heartwarming scene unfolds on the scenic grounds of Bergheim Country Estate on the outskirts of Windhoek, Namibia’s capital. Here, children from Hope Village Orphanage and Dagbreek School for Children with Disabilities gather to take part in a unique initiative — the ‘Enabling through the Horse Program.’
This innovative program, developed specifically for children with special needs, uses equestrian activities as a form of therapy, helping participants improve their cognitive and psycho-motor functions in ways that traditional methods often cannot achieve.
Transforming Lives Through the Power of Horses
The program welcomes children aged between five and 15 years, many of whom face significant challenges such as cerebral palsy, foetal alcohol syndrome, and a range of developmental disorders. Through structured horse-riding sessions, the children are not just learning equestrian skills — they are gaining life-changing physical, emotional, and social benefits.
At the heart of this transformative project is Susan De Meyer, a former teacher and lifelong equestrian enthusiast. Inspired by the profound improvements she witnessed in her own dyslexic son after he took up horse-riding, De Meyer decided to extend the same opportunity to children living with disabilities.
“It is an immense advantage to all disabled kids,” De Meyer explains. “It helps them with balance, equilibrium, and posture, which are essential for sitting behind a desk and concentrating on schoolwork. It also supports speech development — many children who struggle to talk start speaking while riding because the horse becomes an extension of their body.”
Her passion and commitment are evident to anyone observing the sessions. Each interaction between the children and the horses is handled with care, patience, and professional guidance, ensuring a safe environment where trust and confidence can grow.
Early Challenges and Remarkable Progress
While the benefits are clear, the journey was not without initial hurdles. Many of the children were fearful during their first encounters with the horses. However, those early fears quickly gave way to excitement and joy.
Chriszell Louw, the Junior Phase Teacher at Dagbreek School, brings her students to the estate twice a week and has seen firsthand the positive transformations.
“When we started, many of the kids were very scared,” Louw recalls. “But now, when they hear that we are going to the horses, they get incredibly excited. They can’t wait to go — they almost want to run there themselves.”
The visible progress among the children is nothing short of inspiring. Improvements in motor skills, posture, communication, and even self-esteem have been noted, reinforcing the therapeutic value of the program.
Community Support and a Vision for the Future
Backing the ‘Enabling through the Horse Program’ is the Namibia Equestrian Federation, the official governing body for equestrian sports in the country. Its president, Richard Frankle, is a strong advocate for the initiative and believes in its long-term potential.
According to Frankle, the Federation’s goal is not merely therapeutic. They also envision nurturing future para-athletes capable of competing in national and international equestrian events, including show jumping, endurance racing, and dressage.
“Initially, there’s naturally a bit of fear, especially from parents,” Frankle notes. “When they first think of their children climbing on the back of a fairly large animal, there’s worry — is it safe? Will my child be OK? But that fear disappears very quickly once parents, teachers, and the broader community start to see the almost immediate benefits.”
He emphasizes that the program doesn’t just change the lives of the children, but also reshapes perceptions within the wider community about what children with disabilities are capable of achieving.
Therapeutic Riding: A Global Movement Growing in Namibia
The therapeutic benefits of horse-riding for individuals with disabilities are well-documented globally. Often referred to as ‘hippotherapy,’ the movement of the horse mimics the natural gait of human walking, helping riders to improve balance, strength, coordination, and flexibility. Moreover, interacting with horses builds emotional bonds, offering psychological comfort and boosting confidence.
While therapeutic riding programs are widespread in countries like the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, initiatives like Bergheim’s ‘Enabling through the Horse Program’ are helping to pioneer similar efforts across Africa, ensuring that children in Namibia have access to these life-changing experiences.
A Brighter Future in the Saddle
As the sun sets over Bergheim Country Estate, the scene of smiling faces and gleeful laughter paints a picture of hope and determination. For children who often face daily struggles due to their disabilities, the simple act of riding a horse has become a gateway to a better, brighter future.
“When you see the smiles on their faces, you realize it’s not just about riding horses,” De Meyer says with a smile. “It’s about giving them freedom, confidence, and the belief that they can overcome any obstacle.”
With the continued support of the community, educators, and the Namibia Equestrian Federation, the ‘Enabling through the Horse Program’ is poised to expand, reaching even more children and perhaps even producing Namibia’s first generation of para-equestrian champions.
For now, though, the focus remains on each child’s personal journey — one joyful ride at a time.
