Join The Reinkeepers

My name is Survivor.

I am 9 years old, and for most of my life on the Cape Flats, I pulled heavy loads across long distances, under the unforgiving sun, through cold rain, and against winds that drove sand into my eyes.

I did not know my life could be different. It was the only life I knew.

After a long day in the heat, dust, and weather, I was led into a stable too small for my body. I could not lie down. There were no soft shavings beneath my tired legs, only hard ground. My water bucket was empty. My feed bowl half-filled.

So I stood still… waiting for morning, to do it all again.

In the mornings, my harness pressed against wounds that never had time to heal. The bit in my mouth didn’t fit, we all shared the same one, and the corners of my mouth were raw. My hooves ached with every step.

I tried to walk slowly to ease the pain. But slow was met with an impatient whip.

My driver did not see my pain. He didn’t know I could feel i...