Diamonds from Dust

Initiated to complement the Coal Yard project by providing schooling and new purpose for retired coal yard ponies. The equine that form part of the Diamonds Project have been willingly surrendered, not replaced, and retired from their daily task of transporting coal. The Diamonds from Dust programme aims at the development, de-sensitisation and training of each coal yard pony so that it can be fostered by a suitable home, living out a purpose-filled and comfortable life. The fact that some of these horses are still young affords them a lifetime of schooling, with the possibility of reaching new heights as show-jumpers, dressage and Western riding horses, or ultimately, providing an aspiring young rider, a platform to learn, love and grow. When the horse is ready, it is put up for adoption. The potential owners, who will take over the cost of looking after the horses, are also assessed to ensure that the horse-and-rider combination will be compatible. The quote by Lebo Mashile, inspires the incredible effort that is put into these the diamonds, “There is a me that I could be, if I just let her breathe outside, a thundering song that I could sing, if I just let her breathe outside.”