Zebaldt Ngaruka 

ONDJIRIPUMUA – Aminuis-based horse leader Stone Katuuo of the red flag said drill horses play a significant role in many traditional activities of the Ovaherero and Ovambanderu cultures.

In an interview with VIBEZ!, Katuuo said horses symbolise heritage, identity and the connection between communities and their history.

“Horses were used as a means of transport during the time of colonialism. They are the symbol of war and our forebearers, like Chief Samuel Maharero, who fought many battles on horseback,” he said.

The horse leader added that horses are used in processions to officially open commemorations, represent traditional values, and they are a part of the community’s identity.

The other significant part, Katuuo added, is that horses are used as a symbol of respect to pay homage when a chief or a prominent figure in the community dies.

The horse leader called on horse owners to take good care of their horses and align themselves with the protocols of cultural events. Recently, the importance of drill horses was noticed by the Deputy Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Gaudentia Kröhne, who pledged her support to the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority’s drill horses for the upcoming events.

She observed and was impressed by the horse’s performance at the recent centenary commemoration of Ovambanderu migration from concentration to Aminuis at Ondjiripumua village.

The deputy minister offered to cover costs related to the transportation of horses to future events of the Ovambanderu. 

Upon receiving the good news, Gideon Katjiuomukuao Muvangua, the horse commander of Epukiro district, welcomed the deputy minister’s move and thanked her.

“This is a good gesture by the deputy minister, and we appreciate it a lot. We need these types of motivations, as most horse owners or riders are unemployed and struggle to pay for their horses,” he said.

Muvangua added that the role of horses in cultural events has come a long way, and more emphasis must be put on horses.

“The horses are precious and special animals that need attention. We have to organise ourselves and create funds to take care of our horses in many aspects, such as transportation and feeding,” said the commander.

Smith Tjerivanga, the Ovambanderu horse commander of Aminuis constituency, said the boost from Kröhne will encourage more riders to join the Aminuis Commando. 

“This is a complimentary gesture, and we appreciate the offer wholeheartedly. We have riders with horses but struggle to participate in the events,” he said.

Tjerivanga stated that the Ondjiripumua Commando will work tirelessly to recruit more riders and contribute to preserving the Ovambanderu tradition by participating in drill activities. 

The horse commander thanked Uello Tjitemisa, Kaupasaneua Tjozongoro and Heendino Tjitunga for their assistance in transporting horses from various parts of the country to the centenary commemoration in Aminuis. 

“Your support really made the difference. Through your support, the deputy minister saw the importance of the drill horses, of which she offered to cover costs at the next event,” said the commander.

Muvangua said plans are already underway for the establishment of such funds in Epukiro.

“This is a noble idea, as we have to stand on our feet. The sponsorship must find us on the way. We know the challenges, but horses are part of our cultural activities,” he said.

The horse commanders said the face challenges of uniform and a lack of understanding of the troop rules. 

Muvangua and Tjerivanga shared that more awareness needs to be made with regard to enlightening the rules to the riders.  They added that uniforms for riders is a challenge, as the manufacturers are few and most riders struggle to get proper attire.

“We are part of the entertainment at the events, but if we are not dressed accordingly, the audience would not take us seriously. The other issue is the discipline of the riders. We have to be presentable and avoid indiscipline all the time,” said Muvangua. 

The next Ovambanderu event where horses are expected to participate is in January 2026 at Ezorongondo settlement, which is the tribute of the late Chief Munjuku II Nguvauva. 

–zngaruka@yahoo.com