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A group of Tanzanian grooms recently achieved their first grooming qualifications under the auspices of the Sanef Instructors’ Plan, after successfully completing their exams.
Di Pieterse, director of the Instructors’ Plan, accompanied by Jackie Bridel, region chairman for KwaZulu-Natal, were invited to examine grooms at the equestrian academy of the Singita Grumeti Reserve in Tanzania. The equestrian centre is run by South African Alison Mundy, herself the holder of a Sanef Level 2 certificate.
"It seems as if our programme is held in high regard elsewhere in Africa as well, for we have already been to Malawi to examine candidates there and we have also been approached by Kenya as well as Mauritius to help set up an exam system based on our own," explains Di.
The programme the Tanzanians were examined on, was the Certificate for Stable Yard Skills, Module 1. Di says that they are now being trained for the Certificate of Horse Mastership.
"It was quite obvious to us that Alison has worked very hard in preparing her grooms for this exam. They really showed a good understanding of the subject matter. The standard at which she runs this establishment, despite their isolation, was phenomenal. All 14 of the candidates passed the exams comprehensively."
Achieving this qualification, Di points out, was a huge event in their community. They are the first people ever in their country to achieve this qualification.
The most suitable horses for their purpose, Alison found, were ex-polo ponies from Kenya. In addition there are also a few Warmbloods and a Friesian crossbred. The establishment has a full range of riding attire available for their guest riders.
"When we go back in August this year, we will, in addition to the next stable management certificate, do the South African National Riding Proficiency Test with them, and in future we will take them through the Tourism Trail Leader qualifications, the standards of which are currently being generated by the Equine Standards Generating Body in South Africa."
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