The Magic World of The Horse in Tanzania

Noble Horses Shape Equestrian History in Tanzania

By Nicole Walter

Tanzania typically conjures images of Maasai territory, the Serengeti and wildlife. Few people are aware of the existence of the pure Arabian horse in the precursor plains of the northern safari circuit. However, the presence of these horses is important to the future of horses in the country, as the current situation is dire.”

Not much fresh blood has been brought into Tanzania since the 19th century. There is a general problem of inbreeding,” says Carlos Da Silva, a horsemanship expert investing in the country and its people through the creation of a home for pure Arabian and thoroughbred horses on Arusha University’s Campus.

The relevance of Carlos Da Silva´s project, Chuo Cha Farasi, must be seen in the context of the fascinating story of the horse in Africa, and particularly in Tanzania. The English thoroughbred horse first set hoof onto the continent around 300

Incidentally, pure blood originates in the deserts of Arabia but North Africa has its own Arabian blood, the Barb, also enhancing thoroughbred bloodlines. However it was the thoroughbred rather than the Arabian horse that spread into East Africa. Kenya followed South Africa, and by 1903 the first horse race took place in Nairobi. The thoroughbred was also used for hunting until the advent of four wheel vehicles, sought after by the German army, in what was then Tanganyika

years ago. The first imports were recorded in South Africa, as colonial forces took a liking to racing and using the horses for transport and in battle.

But far from being new on the continent, the thoroughbred horse was, in a way, actually returning home. Interestingly enough, the equine of the British Isles gained its nobility through Arabian bloodlines from the Middle East and North Africa. Three pure Arabian stallions were brought to England back in the 17th and 18th centuries for crossbreeding.

One may well wonder why Arab horses didn’t dominate the scene here, considering the large presence of Arab merchants starting hundreds of years earlier, including Ibn Battuta in the 14th century.

It is hard to imagine the Sultanate of Oman once ruling Zanzibar for several decades in the 19th century without its beloved Arabians. However, there is only sketchy evidence of horses at the time on the island. A peek at the history books reveals why.

A happy horse performs willingly. It is about speaking the animal’s language, not using the whip. Horses show emotions, they cry, and equally react to a person’s energy,” explains Isaac.

There were indeed Arabians in Africa as early as 1,500 BC, but they only got as far south as Ethiopia. Across the Rift Valley, in Tse Tse fly territory, horses and Sudanese camels faced a pretty certain death from sleeping sickness. This threat remains real for any horse living in Africa today.

The Brumby, a good-willed strong horse, is the perfect example. The Australian government gifted its Tanzanian counterpart’s army hundreds of Brumbies for fieldwork because of its qualities. However, arriving unbroken they stayed wild and the majority succumbed to illnesses.

As a tribute to this breed, some managed to develop resistance to indigenous diseases and still roam areas around Arusha and coastal regions. However, modern medicine suggests there is no reason why horses shouldn’t thrive here today, as long as they are regularly vaccinated against all threats.

Proof is the pure Arabian thriving in admittedly less disease-ridden South Africa. First imported in 1820, there are now over 10,000 Arabians in the country. Tanzania has the potential to set a similar pace in East Africa, Carlos Da Silva reckons.

Currently, there are around 500 purebred horses, plus 300 horses of other breeds living in the Arusha region alone. An impetus for breeding with fresh blood could easily double the numbers in Tanzania. Quality horses can become more than just a source of enjoyment for a few – they can also contribute to the economic development of the country.

As a horse whisperer, Da Silva learned his craft back in the famous Spanish Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Since 2005 he has been sharing it here with local adolescents, who used to scrap a living on the streets.

One of them was Isaac Lazaro, who quickly discovered his love and understanding for how the horse’s mind ticks. The stories of the lives of men and horses being turned around plays itself out at Chuo Cha Farasi Tanzania Limited, founded by Carlos Da Silva and run by local boys.

Among other activities, it is a licensed school to train horses and riders in the art of performing in harmony. As Carlos puts it, “We like to think of ourselves as an embassy of equestrian art in Tanzania.” Watching horses literally dancing to the rhythm of music – live guitar evenings included – is a magical moment that experienced riders can’t resist. They bring their horses and join in.

The Arabian horse is known to be particularly sensitive in this respect. The Bedouin often shared tents with this hotblooded yet communicative and inherently affectionate animal. Once trust and respect has been developed they will follow their

owner, or rather friend, freely. It is a delight to see this animal galloping towards a person, rearing its front legs coming to a halt centimetres away, nudging gently to say hello.

The beauty and intelligence of the Arabian, as well as its endurance in unforgiving deserts, have been admired for centuries. And today these same qualities allow the Arabian to adapt to the wilderness at Chuo Cha Farasi home and continue with history inducing fresh blood into other breeds. Even the company’s location itself is steeped in history.

Based at the Arusha University Campus, by Momela road, it is flanked by Mt. Kilimanjaro on one side and Arusha National Park and Mt. Meru on the other side. Nowadays peaceful plans develop at the horse ranch. It has already produced and sold its fair share of thoroughbred foals. Ngongongare Garden, home of Chuo Cha Farasi, is on the route to Mt. Meru, so the team will take clients out on hourly horse riding, or on overnight camp trips in the wilderness.

Now it is preparing to mix the line of the English thoroughbred’s stallions and the pure Arabian mares. The ranch has some goodies in the fridge – the semen (DNA) of a Calbar stallion – and hopes to cooperate with the government and private owners to solve the general problem of inbreeding in Tanzania. “We are happy to share our breeding experience, as well as the Arabian genes with others,” Carlos Da Silva confirms. Equestrian clinics take place in Tanzania with private horseowners eager to fine-tune their riding and care taking skills. Others check in difficult horses at the ranch for some rehab ‘a la horse whisperer’. Cooperation with government administration horses, such as at Chuo Cha Polizi, is also on the menu.

Tanzanian youth may well dream of an alternative profession, horsemanship, and assist their country in becoming an exporter of an animal loved for centuries.

To book a short ride or several days safari, or to make an appointment to learn more about CCF’s breeding and general equine services, contact Chuo Cha Farasi’s headquarters in Ngongongare by email at beachstable@gmail.com

Photos courtesy of Carlos Da Silva