Dikopane Diboko, an Equine Non-profit Organisation based in Botshabelo, was founded by passionate horse lovers to celebrate Basotho cultural traditions involving horses, such as flat racing, galloping, and horse riding for children.
According to horse rider and advisor, Clement Litlhare, the organisation aims to break the stigma that horses are only for herders or certain groups. “Horse riding is now being recognised as both a sport and therapeutic activity, offering physical benefits like improved balance and heart health, while also reducing anxiety and depression,” he expressed.
Races now take place at the Botshabelo Horsetrack every second week. Litlhare hopes to develop the horse track into a space that the community can benefit from by selling food and horse rides for children. Currently, the project addresses youth unemployment and substance abuse by keeping young children occupied on weekends when races do take place. The ultimate goal would be to secure sponsors in order to venture in legal betting.
“We hope to gain more assistance, such as horse tack, so that horses are well ridden without causing back wounds, access to professional Equine therapists to work with our horses so that we can promote them in health facilities like Botshabelo Rehab, Old Age and Botshabelo Hospital,” he said.
Schools have also embraced the project, inviting them to perform at heritage events. For Litlhare, the goal is to establish Botshabelo as an equine hub that uplifts the economy and provides mental and emotional healing through horse-human interaction.
Should you wish to be part of this growing equine community, contact 063 481 5393 for more information.
Gypseenia Lion
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