In conjunction with one of the Reserve's conservation partners, Rhino Revolution, and Thornybush Nature Reserve has established a mounted surveillance unit that uses ex-racehorses to patrol the boundaries of the reserve.

 

This is a wonderful initiative that has given the ex-racehorses a chance at a new career. The surveillance patrols have provided to be an effective tool in assisting with the protection of the reserve as the guards can cover significantly greater ground than they do when on a foot patrol.

 

The horses are quiet, move silently along the boundaries whilst leaving no carbon emissions or other unsightly traces apart from the harmless hoof print.

 

The elevated field of vision enjoyed by the rider gives them an unprecedented advantage when watching out for any sign of fence beaches or other issues.

 

Rhino Revolution have six horses in their surveillance team based in Hoedspruit, but currently have deployed just two; Beat Patrol and Eternal Words to the Thornybush operation.

 

Beat Patrol was a speedy sand star in his racing days, winning six races at the Vaal sand track.

 

This memory is obviously stored safely between his taut bay ears, evidenced by his performance every time the horses track across the sand of a dry riverbed.

 

The gentle patrol stroll becomes an excitable jog, as he feels the sand beneath his hooves, no doubt wondering where the racing commentary and crowds have gone!

 

BP as he is fondly known has however developed into the perfect patrol horse, bold, relaxed, and sensible.

 

Eternal Words who goes by the less ostentatious stable name of Chami, an abbreviation for Chameleon (no – not because she is slow) won five races in KwaZulu Natal before joining the surveillance horses in December last year.

 

She has settled into her new role very quickly and is an eager and uncomplicated member of the equine team