Richmond Horse Museum

Description

The Richmond Horse Museum is a must-see attraction for horse lovers, situated on the N1 highway between Hanover and Beaufort West in the Northern Cape. Housed in what was previously a school and boarding house in the 1800s, and subsequently a cabinet maker’s workshop, it is one of only two museums in the world dedicated to the saddle horse. The museum was established when Oom Charl van den Heever, a horse judge, purchased the building for the sum total of R300. Working alongside Bill Sieberhagen, the regional horse show organiser, he set about creating a museum for horse lovers.

The high ceilinged and wooden floored rooms are laiden with everything from saddlery and harnesses, to carriages and carts, such as the Nachtmaal Wa – a cart dating back to the mid-1800s. This cart was used by farmers as transport into town on the occasion of the Communion service at the church.

In addition, there are also fascinating fashion displays with ladies gowns and dresses from the early 1800s – 1900s, along with work and household items. Gun enthusiasts will love the weaponry display with old guns and pistols, muzzle loaders, and hunting rifles.

During the Anglo Boer War, Daan de Kock, a local resident of Richmond lost an arm in a battle with British forces near once of the blockhouses surrounding the town. His friends had a wooden arm made for him, but Daan hated it and refused to wear it. This wooden arm is also on display at the museum.

The museum provides hours of fun for horse lovers and travellers alike. Visitors could easily spend hours examining the displays and reading the riding and horse interest books available. Guided tours are available on request.