MEC to unveil plans to expand Rural Horse Riding Programme at Nquthu Race

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From its humble beginnings in 2005 the Department of Sport and Recreation supported Rural Horse Riding Programme (RHR) has proven its potential as a new industry that is making a significant impact in the socio-economic life of people living in rural areas.

The RHR’s flagship programme, the Dundee July Rural Horse Racing event has grown from a mere 30 participants and approximately 1,500 spectators, to over 350 participants and over 20,000 spectators annually. This has created a number of employment and business opportunities for jockeys and horse owners as well as the tourism and hospitality sectors in the district.

On Saturday, 13 May 2017, MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Bongi Sithole-Moloi, will unveil plans to expand the programme to ensure that Rural Horse Riding is self-sustainable and increases its contribution towards economic development and job creation in the Province.

The Rural Horse Riding Programme launch will take place at eNcome, in Nquthu in northern KZN starting at 10h00.

The day’s programme will include a six race contest featuring horses from the Umzinyathi District, a fashion extravaganza and skills exhibition to showcase career opportunities in the equestrian industry.

Maskandi groups Izingane Zoma and Khuzani will share the stage with local artists.

The launch is in line with MEC Sithole-Moloi’s pronouncements during the Sport and Recreation Budget Speech last week, about her intention to expand the RHR programme for the whole of KZN in partnership with sector players. Skills training opportunities that have already been created for rural communities include manufacturing of saddles, harnesses and horse-shoes.

“The training includes animal welfare and associated scientific skills to minimise the number of horse deaths. This programme is now successfully producing community equine entrepreneurs and artisans. I have directed that, in 2017, the Department extend the rural horse riding programme to include all districts,” she said.  

The event is scheduled as follows:

Date: Saturday, 13 May 2017

Time:  10h00 – 16h00

Venue: eNcome, Nquthu (opposite eNcome Museum)

Vision

A healthy, winning, and socially cohesive province through sport and recreation.

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