Uganda's Rwese complete horse behaviour and safety course

 

Any boost in horse welfare is therefore received with open hands in a country like Uganda where the equine industry is in its infancy.

 

Uganda Equestrian Association (UEA) is toasting to such value addition following completion of a course by one of its own in one of the world's top equine teaching institutions.

 

Sandra Rwese has completed a Horse Behaviour and Safety course at Equine Guelph University in Ontario, Canada. 

 

UEA president Kenneth Opedun couldn't hide his joy as he received Rwese yesterday. 

 

"Such capacity is one of the pillars of this association," he stated.

 

Opedun received Rwese together with the  Uganda Olympic Committee Assistant Secretary Dunstan Nsubuga at the committee's offices in Lugogo.

 

Opedun stressed that UEA takes a special interest in feminine capacity building because women are the best horse handlers.

 

Rwese explained that the course was of great benefit. "This course has greatly enriched my equine knowledge, and it won't stop at that. I plan to start a pony club. It is easier to maintain," said Rwese.

 

Rwese, who said she first took interest in horses four years ago, however, noted that there is lack of equine awareness in Uganda, yet this can be a money-spinning area just as is the case in neighbouring Kenya and also countries like South Africa and Morocco.

 

 Rwese (centre) shows off her certificate as Uganda Equestrian Association president Opedun (left) and UOC assistant secretary, Nsubuga look on

Besides the Guelph training, Rwese also had exposure in Ugandan clubs like Flame Tree Stables, Nile Horseback Safaris and clubs in Kenya, Cote d'Ivoire, Botswana, and Namibia.

 

Opedun was thankful to whoever gave Rwese a hand. He particularly thanked club owners.

 

"I thank Miranda Bowser, Natalie McComb, and Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo's Sudhir Ruparelia, Horse Association of Kenya, Cote d'Ivoire plus the Southern Africa clubs."

 

He also commended UOC, which he said, has also been very supportive and National Council of Sports.

 

Opedun said bodies like the French equestrian body (FFE) has also played a key role in UEA's capacity building.