KNYSNA NEWS - While Knysna slowly rebuilds and people find their feet, the Rademeyers of Essendale Farm near Buffalo Bay are still searching for their ponies Mila and Déjà Vu, who went missing during the June 2017 fires.
The two fillies were part of a five-pony herd that had been ushered into a neighbouring plantation as a last resort when the fire threatened their home on Wednesday 7 June 2017.
Eight other horses and ponies had already been boxed to safety at that time.
With the howling winds, fire, smoke and panicked people though, the ponies would not allow themselves to be caught, says owner Karen Rademeyer.
"With no means of communication and the fire fast approaching, a difficult decision was made. Traffic was stopped on the N2 and the ponies were herded across, into the plantation that was presumed out of the line of fire – and safe.
"In a horrific twist of fate, the gale-force winds changed direction soon thereafter and the plantation meant for refuge was soon ablaze," recalls Rademeyer.
She says it was only after four sleepless days that it was considered safe enough to enter the plantation to search for the ponies, and hours later, two sets of fresh pony tracks were found, and with this proof of life, planes, gliders, helicopters, drones, thermal drones, people on foot, on bikes, on horseback and in their cars continued searching.
Sixteen days after the fire, a pony emerged from the plantation, just 100m from his home. Residents might remember this horse, named Cody, found wandering along the N2.
Cody’s return spurred further public support to find the rest of his little herd and it was during a massive search, nine days after his return, that the remains of his sister Bella and herd leader Cheeky were discovered.
"Cody has made a wonderful recovery so far, his story making international news and winning him fans around the world," says Rademeyer.
But while Cody has his every need taken care of, his sisters are still missing and likely to be in need of medical care. The Rademeyers request that locals and visitors to the area spanning Brenton to Sedgefield, from the beaches to the N2, remain vigilant for any signs of the ponies.
This includes any droppings and prints found in areas not usually frequented by horses.
Déjà Vu and Mila went missing during the June 2017 fires and could be anywhere between Brenton and Sedgefield. Photos: Supplied
A special request is made to any flying enthusiasts to please be on the lookout when flying over these areas.
According to Rademeyer, her lost horses are not those recently spotted in and around the Simola and Blaricum Heights areas of Knysna.
Please report any sightings or information to Karen Rademeyer on 065 925 7469 or Dave Rademeyer on 081 360 7279.
Have you seen them?
Please report any sightings or information to Karen Rademeyer on 065 925 7469 or Dave Rademeyer on 081 360 7279. Sending a WhatsApp “pin” for the sharing of a location is ideal, says Rademeyer.
Read a related article: Questions remain about mystery horses
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