23 May 2013

The horse has stood the test of time as the most reliable source of transport especially in sandy areas. This is despite numerous infrastructural developments that government has undertaken, especially building tarred and gravel roads to connect different localities across Botswana.

Different models of vehicles have come and gone, but the horse still endures thanks to ancient farmers who started the domestication of the once wild horses to put them to good use. In the western part of Botswana which is largely Kgalagadi desert, horses are predominant especially among farmers as they not only help them travel quickly in bushy areas but also pivotal in livestock herding.

A horse in this area ranks among the most sought after possessions as given its diversified use among both Basarwa and Bakgalagadi. Young boys and men who frequently ride horses always carry a smile when they pass by riding their “limousine” of the sands which is so hassle free when traversing the sands of Kgalagadi.

What makes it easy for them is that, one does not need to have a license to drive this car, but training is needed for one to ride without fear. According to Mr Tsopi Kadisa who hails from Tsetseng, a horse has always been part of his life since he was young. He grew up watching his father use it to hunt and take care of cattle and saw the value it adds to their life.

Mr Kadisa says besides using it to drive or search for strayed livestock, he also uses the horse as a source of income as he breeds them for selling. He says a horse is the easiest mode of transport and suits the sandy environment within which they live. “The value of the horse to me is immeasurable. I am able to visit friends and relatives with it anytime I want.”

Mr Kadisa adds that they also use a horse to chase away lions and other predators that normally feed on their livestock. Nevertheless, he said a horse needs care through feeding and cleaning to enhance its performance. Another horse rider who also trains them for other people for a fee, Mr Kelefithile “Rasta” Kwailane from Khakhea said he does not only use a horse for transport but also competes in horse races.

He said when well-trained, groomed and taken care of, a horse is a perfect and reliable vehicle which one uses with ease. Mr Kwailane says "it will take care of you and protect you in time of need especially when you make it your friend. A horse needs to understand you. As a rider you need to communicate with it and it should know you well.”

He said he has been to South Africa to train horses which compete in races adding that he has actually competed in races at Kokotsha and Werda. He reiterates that a horse has always been the best mode of transport for people who live in deserts and sandy environment as it is able to cruise through such difficult terrains.

The two horse riders emphasise the importance of taking care of a horse so that it can also take one to different places. They say one has to know the disease that affects horses so that they can attend to it to avoid death.

Mr Kwailane says there is a certain horse disease which usually comes during the winter season and hides on the grass. “This is like foam on the grass. When a horse eats this foam, which contains a fly in the middle, it dies later, the cause being this fly.” He says one needs to give medicine to the horse during this period to guard this fly which has killed so many horses. ENDS