Compelling new documentary series shines light on equine welfare efforts in South Africa
· Citizen
The work being done to care for equines is the subject of a heart-warming, documentary series, Equine Welfare – A Life Worth Caring For, set to premiere on 8 October 2026.
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The four-part series will be screened on YouTube, Gallop TV, and the Hollywoodbets blog, made possible through the support of Hollywood Foundation, Hollywoodbets, and Race Coast.
The documentary shines a light on the effort of seven nonprofit organisations across South Africa.
Among these is an initiative that rescues, rehabilitates and provides a sanctuary for blind, differently abled, and mistreated equines. These organisations use the healing power of equine-assisted therapy to change the lives of youngsters living with disabilities and victims of gender-based violence.
Picture: SuppliedAnother highlight celebrated on camera are the remarkable bonds forged by humans and horses. We see and hear how horses improve the lives of people living with physical and mental disabilities, as well as victims of trauma and violence.
It’s a story of hope, healing and personal growth.
Viewers get a behind the scenes peek at the dedicated work done by horse care units, equine sanctuaries, riding schools and life-after-racing organisations. Viewers also visit their facilities, where they do the hard yards, and follow them into surrounding communities on outreach initiatives, rescue operations and educational programmes.
The featured organisations are:
- Coastal Horse Care Unit – KwaZulu-Natal;
- Highveld Horse Care Unit – Gauteng;
- Eastern Cape Horse Care Unit;
- Tom Ro Haven – Western Cape;
- BlindLove – Eastern Cape;
- South African Riding for the Disabled Association Durban, KwaZulu Natal; and
- Hollywoodbets Life After Racing – Ashburton, KwaZulu Natal
Viewers are taken to Hollywoodbets Life After Racing, the Hollywood Group’s own equine aftercare initiative.
Based at Ashburton near Pietermarizburg – KwaZulu Natal, it is dedicated to the retraining, responsible rehoming and rehabilitaion of racehorses, who go on to second careers in Polo, show jumping, eventing and other equine sports.
Devin Heffer, Hollywood Group brand and communications manager, saluted the efforts of these hard-working organisations and welcomed the documentary.
“What makes this series particularly special is that it goes beyond equine welfare to tell the stories of how these remarkable animals are also making a difference in people’s lives, whether through therapeutic riding programmes, community outreach or simply providing companionship and healing,” said Heffer.
He said the Group believes that the series will help raise awareness and appreciation for the important work being done to improve welfare for the country’s equines.
“It reinforces the commitment of the horse racing and betting industries to ensuring that horses are cared for throughout their lives,” he concluded.