Jugiong local Wes Leseberg has embarked on a journey deep into the South African wilderness to teach anti-poaching patrollers at a hidden rhino sanctuary how to ride horses.
The expedition is a significant shift from Wes’ usual duties as president of a historic battle re-enactment group in Gundagai. His knowledge of horses and military tactics led to the 7th Light Horse Gundagai Troop being asked to train mounted rangers at the Care For Wild sanctuary.
Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary has rescued more than 80 rhinos. It was always Care for Wild’s mission to rewild and release the rhino orphans under their care with the vision of securing viable black and white rhino breeding populations and thus securing the species’ future.
The success of this process relies on ensuring that the ecosystem into which they are released, is healthy and protected. The reserve on which the sanctuary is built could not be more perfect for this purpose.
Wes’ light horse troop performs World War I battle re-enactments, which involve highly technical horseriding while under fire from fake guns and cannons.
The trip is not without its dangers; despite the risks, Wes is excited about the journey and expects it to be a rewarding experience.
“For me, going out to do some anti-poaching work is something I’ve always dreamed of,” he said.
“Getting out and serving a community to help them and help an animal that we can’t afford to lose.”
He will conduct the training for three months alongside Mr Cole and Joe Roberts, a fellow member of the Gundagai troop. Wes plans to make the expedition an annual tradition for the battle re-enactment group.
Wes’ wife Danielle; though understandably a little concerned with the dangers, is thrilled with the opportunity her husband has.
“What he’s doing over there is very important; teaching them mounting drills and how to keep the horses calm in the environment, which isn’t easy when they’re hunting poachers,” Danielle said.
“A lot of the people over there that they’re trying to teach have never even ridden a horse, and then maybe even scarier is some of the horses they’re riding are unbroken, so they’re teaching the horses along with the people.
“It’s one of those things, I’m excited for him because this is something that once he found out about it he was so excited.
We’re very supportive, the kids and I will make do and survive, then when he comes back we will get to do whatever we want,” Danielle joked.
Jugiong locals know Wes’ protective nature first hand, with him serving 17 years in the police force; within that time Wes taught students at the academy weapons and tactics. Danielle says teaching has always been a part of him. “I think one of his favourite parts of being on the force was being able to teach and mould young officers, and he gets another chance to do that now in a different capacity, he loves horses, he loves teaching so for him it is the best of both worlds.
“We’ve been lucky so far, we’ve been able to speak every night because they have Wi-Fi where they are, they’ve also been posting updates on Facebook which seems to be bringing in a lot of people who are interested in the process and the work that they’re doing.”
It was far from a spare-of-the-moment thing for the 7th Light Horse Gundagai Troop; who had hoped to send a few members back in 2020 before Covid struck and it soiled the plans, finally after three years, Wes and the team are over in South Africa, making a real difference in the world.
Tully Potts
