Dalene Kooper
Richard Gariseb arrived at a farm in the Omaheke region five years ago in search of employment to care for his family. He was offered a job chopping and cutting wood for a farm owner.
Something he said he has been doing all his life. Gariseb settled into his duties of chopping wood until his employer later saw the need that Gariseb could help out more around the farm.
Gariseb’s duties shifted from chopping wood to looking after horses.
His employer, Vannesa Glowania, had quite a number of horses at her farm. Glowania is an avid horse racer and trainer in the equestrian sports.
Gariseb wasted no time adapting to his new role. He cleaned the stable, bathed, groomed, and braided the horses, ensuring they were in pristine condition for performances and shows. Gariseb became fascinated with horses and became keen on learning about horse racing. His employer noticed Gariseb’s interest in horses and began taking him to shows and races. Eventually, he became his employer’s horse groomer. He learned, watched and listened when Glowania performed at shows.
“He absolutely adored horses and enjoyed riding, watching and taking care of them,” Glowania said.
She took it upon herself to train Gariseb at the farm. His discipline, dedication and effort inspired her to sign him up for a horse race in Swakopmund earlier this year. Gariseb scooped his first win.
“There was definitely talent,” Glowania said. When asked about horse racing, Gariseb said his employer gradually introduced him to the sport. “I am very happy; I got the opportunity to do this. I only knew how to look after the farm and animals and do handiwork around the farm,” Gariseb said.
He describes his love for horses as that towards a child.
“I looked after them like they were my children and developed a bond with them.”
When he sat on a horse for the first time, he felt energised like nothing else mattered to him. He thanks his employer every day for giving him such an opportunity.
Under his employer’s guidance and mentorship, he participated in another race, where he came in first place. Glowania gave one of her horses to Gariseb to continue training and participate in races. With more training, Gariseb grew in confidence. He understood more than technique and formed a connection with the sport. It became clear that Gariseb was committed to putting his heart into the sport. This past weekend at Reitverein, Swakopmund. Gariseb entered the arena for the first time, with the opportunity to ride a competitive show jumping horse, the ‘Vandia Catch me when you can’.
“He just didn’t ride, he soared. Three classes, three first finishes. A debut that speaks not only of skill but of heart, discipline and the power of being given a chance,” his employer said.
For Glowania, giving up or abandoning Gariseb is not an option. They spend their days coaching and harnessing his skills at the farm alongside his daily responsibilities.
“We are currently developing his skills, and I am supporting and teaching Gariseb. My dream is for him to participate in the FEI show jumping challenge,” Glowania said.
Glowania calls on the public at large to assist in sponsoring Gariseb and registering him with the Federation Equestre Internationale.
“It is quite an expensive sport, and I have been covering his last races. I would like companies and organisations to assist Gariseb financially in achieving his dream,” she concluded.