When the heart is freed, dreams can come true.

Equitherapy - healing one child at a time.

About Dare 2 Dream

The Dare 2 Dream Program is a horse-assisted therapy program for vulnerable, neglected and abused children.

The Program was founded in 2004 by Brenda de Klerk and Lynn Wheatly and was based on the rehabilitation of neglected and abused horses who, when healed and rehabilitated, make an invaluable contribution to the children’s healing.

Rehabilitation can take up to two years before the horses are emotionally and physically stable enough to be integrated into the program to help in the children’s healing process. These horses make an invaluable contribution, and positive results can be seen from as early as the first interaction.

In the past, Dare 2 Dream has worked with Abraham Kriel, St. Nicholas, Don Matara, St. George’s (All children’s homes & places of safety), the Twilight Children’s Street Shelter and Cotlands. These programs were designed to address PTSD, sexual abuse, substance abuse as well as mental, physical and emotional developmental issues resulting from various toxic home situations.

Due to COVID and a variety of factors affecting the economic situation in South Africa, Dare 2 Dream has had to scale back, and we currently support a much smaller group of children directly from families. With your support, we can rekindle the program and again begin making a positive impact for those who would never have the opportunity to encounter the wonder and healing power of equines.

Meet Our Healing Herd

  • Nevada

    Rescued from a trail ride operation 2002 with her mother. She is a feisty lady & the program participants absolutely adore her.

  • Red

    Ex racing horse, rescued from private owner 2003. He is a gentle soul and loves working with our kids.

  • Porky (Retired)

    Ex-riding school horse, rescued in 2003. Even though he is big, his soft heart draws many of the smaller participants to work with him. He has since retired with us.

  • Harley (Retired)

    Ex riding school pony, rescued in 2002. She is a lovely little mare who has overcome a lot in her life. She was a favourite in the program but has since retired with us.

  • Neddy (Retired)

    Ex riding school pony - rescued in 2002. Due to his small size, and quirky nature, he was a smash hit with our little kids. He has since retired with us.

  • Zaro (Retired)

    Rescued from a breeding facility in 2003. Zaro was very fearful when he came to us, and overcame a lot of triggers. He worked in our program for many years, and still works privately with 1 participant.

  • Storm

    Acquired from a private owner in 2021 from a riding school. This gentle girl has recently been rehabilitated and started working with our participants. She is absolutely thriving in her new ‘job’.

  • Bear

    Adopted from horse rescue centre in 2021. This massive horse has a heart to match. The sweetest, most gentle nature. He has recently been rehabilitated and started working with our participants, and loves every minute.

  • Bo

    Acquired from a private owner in 2021. He has a need to be loved, and we obliged. This young man will follow you anywhere, and just adored being worked with.

  • Peppa

    Pepper was acquired from a private owner in 2011. He is a superstar with our smaller participants, and likes to be the center of attention.

  • Lodenwijk

    Privately owned, and used in the program for certain cases. This gentle giant is an amazing protector and everyone loves his quirky nature.

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Testimonials