HORSES AT THE GEM PROJECT SANCTUARY

WELCOME TO OUR HERD

At The Gem Project Sanctuary, our herd is at the heart of who we are. Every horse that arrives carries a story, stories of neglect, abandonment, hardship or quiet resilience. But here, every story is rewritten with care, patience and purpose.Our sanctuary is home to 20 incredible horses, each with a name, a voice and a journey. Some are here for rehabilitation, others for life. What unites them is the promise that they will never again be forgotten. From the first gentle touch to the first pain-free trot, every small milestone is a victory we celebrate together.This is more than a place of rescue. It is a place of restoration, of dignity, of connection. It is where broken bodies heal and weary spirits rise. Whether they are learning to trust again or simply enjoying the peace of a safe and secure environment, our horses know they are safe. They are home.

MISSION AND VISION

At The Gem Project Sanctuary, our mission is to be a voice for the voiceless. To protect, heal and advocate for equines who have suffered neglect, abuse, abandonment or hardship. We exist to offer them not just survival, but a full and meaningful life.

We are committed to: Rescuing horses in need, rehabilitating body and spirit, providing lifelong sanctuary, and educating the public.

Our vision is a world where no horse is forgotten. Looking ahead, we aim to establish an onsite equine clinic, launch a mobile ambulance, and build deeper community partnerships.

RESCUE AND REHABILITATION

Every rescue begins with a call for help. We act fast, offering emergency care, transport, veterinary support and a place to heal. Rehabilitation includes body work, nutrition, trust-building, and expert handling.We believe rescue equals rehabilitation of body and mind.

HEALING THROUGH TRUST BASED REHABILITATION

OUR APPROACH

At The Gem Project Sanctuary, rehabilitation means far more than physical recovery. It’s about emotional healing too. Our training is based on observation, patience and positive reinforcement not punishment or dominance.

We assess each horse’s background and behavioural signals before creating a tailored training plan. Many of the horses we care for were previously overworked, handled with force or neglected entirely. Some arrive unhaltered or untouched. Others flinch at every movement. We meet them where they are. We honour their past and help them feel safe in the present.

There is no rigid timeline. We move at their speed, giving them space to express themselves. Trust is earned step by step.

DESENSITISATION AND GROUNDWORK

Many horses arrive fearful of touch or unfamiliar objects. We begin with gentle desensitisation, using our voices, body language and patience to teach them that they are safe. Groundwork builds communication from the ground up.

This phase includes:

Calm haltering and leading in a familiar space
Touch work with brushes and ropes to increase comfort
Fence-line bonding sessions for highly anxious horses
Basic ground work to encourage voluntary interaction

Progress can be subtle. A horse that once froze may finally take a step forward. Another may drop their head and release a breath. These moments are the building blocks of trust.

INTRODUCTION, REINTRODUCTION TO BEING UNDERSADDLE

For horses who are ready, we carefully introduce light schooling. Many have never been ridden before. Others need to unlearn harsh or fear-based training.

This stage includes:

Long-lining and lunge work to build strength and responsiveness
Voice cues to create calm communication
Backing with a gentle rider only when the horse shows readiness
Rebuilding confidence in horses with past training trauma

We never push a horse past their comfort. Riding is not the end goal it is only pursued if it benefits the horse mentally and physically. Horses who cannot be ridden still receive daily care and attention for life.

EMOTIONAL RECOVERY THROUGH STRUCTURE

Healing takes more than training it takes consistency. Predictable routines help horses feel secure and build confidence. Our caregivers work with each horse daily, offering:

Calm feeding routines
Consistent caregivers for familiar interaction
Low-stimulation environments for anxious horses

For many, this is the first time they have known what it means to feel safe. Emotional rehabilitation is a key part of our training programme and we measure progress not by performance but by comfort and trust.

WHY IT MATTERS

Some of our horses will go on to find forever homes. Others will remain with us for life due to medical or behavioural reasons. Regardless of their journey, every horse deserves dignity and confidence.Rehabilitation training builds their ability to form safe relationships with people, reduces fear-based behaviours and gives them tools to navigate the world more comfortably. We have seen shutdown horses come alive again. We’ve watched the fearful approach for a touch. These moments are our reward.Your support helps make it all possible. From basic halter training to advanced re-schooling, every stage matters and your donations ensure we never have to rush the process.

THE REHABILITATION PROCESS

VETERINARY ASSESSMENT

Every new horse undergoes a comprehensive health evaluation by a vet. This vital first step allows us to understand their condition, uncover hidden issues, and develop individualized care plans. It is the cornerstone of responsible, compassionate, and effective care, ensuring every horse receives the best chance at a healthy life.

DENTISTRY

Dental care is vital to a horse’s health. Many rescues arrive with painful dental issues. We work with skilled equine dental professionals to correct problems, which also helps us determine a horse's age when their history is unknown, allowing for better-informed care decisions.

PHYSICAL HEALING

Physical healing is at the heart of every horse’s recovery. Many arrive emaciated, injured or with severe wounds that need specific treatment and attention. Our approach is guided, providing structured nutrition plans, rest, medical care, and supportive therapies to nurture each horse back to health, dignity, and vitality.

BODY WORK

Healing the body goes beyond medical treatment. We integrate therapeutic body work, including massage, chiropractic adjustments, and stretching, to address muscle tension and pain. This not only accelerates physical healing but also helps horses feel more comfortable and connected in their bodies.

FARRIER AND CORRECTIVE HOOF MANAGEMENT

The old saying, “No hoof, no horse,” is true. Many rescues arrive with painful, neglected hooves. Our experienced farrier team works patiently to rebalance hooves, address conditions like laminitis, and restore freedom of movement. This crucial step is often one of the first turning points in their healing journey.

BEHAVIOUR AND HEALING

Trauma often leaves invisible scars. Our approach to behavior healing is rooted in patience, empathy, and respect. We focus on building trust, creating safe routines, and using positive reinforcement. Every step forward brings a horse closer to a life of calm, trust, and genuine connection.

GROUND WORK

Ground work is a fundamental part of rehabilitation. These exercises build trust, communication, and mutual respect. For traumatized horses, it gently reintroduces handling in a non-threatening way, preparing them for future training and strengthening the human-animal bond.

ELEMENT EXPOSURE

(DESENSITISATION)

This is a crucial step in helping rescued horses overcome fear. In a calm, controlled environment, we gently introduce horses to various everyday sights, sounds, and objects. The goal is to build their confidence, reduce panic responses, and improve their overall quality of life.

HORSE FACILITIES

At The Gem Project Sanctuary, our horses are not just housed. They are home. Every paddock, shelter and stable has been designed with care to ensure each horse’s physical and emotional wellbeing. These aren’t simply facilities. They are spaces of safety, recovery and peace.

SPACIOUS PADDOCKS FOR FREEDOM AND TRUST

Our sanctuary offers spacious paddocks where horses can roam, graze and interact as a natural herd. Here, they rediscover what it means to move freely and choose their own pace. Many arrive having lived in cramped or isolated conditions. This space is often the first step in their healing.

Horses are carefully grouped to ensure compatibility and low stress. Each paddock is equipped with clean water troughs and natural shade, encouraging healthy routines and calm social bonds.

SAFE SHELTERS IN EVERY PADDOCK

Each of our paddocks includes secure shelters to protect against sun, wind and rain. Whether a horse needs rest during a hot day or shelter from a sudden Cape storm, these structures provide comfort and predictability.

Shelters are designed with open visibility to prevent trapped feelings and allow each horse to feel safe while still connected to their environment.

REHABILITATION AND TRAINING AREAS

Some of our horses come to us with behavioural trauma, anxiety or medical conditions that limit mobility. For these horses, we have created dedicated rehabilitation and training areas. These calm, quiet spaces allow for groundwork, desensitisation, liberty work and light schooling.

The goal is not obedience, but trust. Here, horses are never pushed beyond their limits. They are guided with patience, consistency and compassion.

GROOMING BAYS FOR BONDING AND CARE

Grooming is a daily part of life at the sanctuary. Our secure grooming bays are set up for safe, relaxed interaction. Whether it’s brushing, washing or medical checks, each grooming session is a moment of connection.

These bays are especially important for horses still learning to accept touch or recovering from past trauma. We use positive reinforcement and calming techniques to ensure every horse feels safe and respected.

OUR HORSE WISHLIST

Caring for horses requires specialized equipment, feed, and medical supplies. Your in-kind donations make it possible for us to provide the best care for these gentle giants who have found sanctuary with us. Every donation, whether large or small, directly impacts their daily comfort and wellbeing.

Feed & Nutrition

Quality hay (lucerne/alfalfa)
Pasture cubes
Chaff and bran
Horse feed pellets
Salt blocks
Supplements (joint, digestive)
Molasses
Carrots and apples

Grooming & Care

Body brushes
Hoof picks
Curry combs
Mane and tail brushes
Fly spray
Wound care supplies
Hoof oil
Shampoo and conditioner

Tack & Equipment

Halters (various sizes)
Lead ropes
Blankets and rugs
Saddle pads
Bridles
Lunging equipment
Safety equipment
Training aids

Shelter & Comfort

Straw bedding
Rubber mats
Water buckets
Feed bins
Hay nets
Shelter materials
Fence repairs
Gate hardware

Medical Supplies

Bandages
Antiseptic solutions
Thermometers
Syringes
Dewormers
First aid supplies
Prescription medications
Hoof care products

Tools & Maintenance

Wheelbarrows
Pitchforks and rakes
Hoses and sprinklers
Fence tools
Building materials
Paint and brushes
Power tools
Vehicle maintenance