Mark Twain and Rudyard Kipling, to mention just two, have with their respective classic tales given readers of all ages decades of pleasure recounting the trials and tribulations of the likes of Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, Mowgli and Balloo.

Not only have they given generations of readers great pleasure with their written words, but their stories were given life through the advent of celluloid, bringing the characters and their tales to life. Running along similar lines as those taken by the great authors of the turn of the century, Gold Circle through its Management Information Services Department (MIS), has created its own tale, this tale being that of the FABLE STABLE.

Fable Stable is the virtual world of horses, this tale following the life and times of a thoroughbred named Takoda. The tale follows Takoda’s path as he evolves into a racehorse of distinction and gives visitors to the site a storybook adventure into his doings and an insight into his world. Meet Takoda’s friends Felipe the sheep and Dakota and Lakota, his thoroughbred companions.

The site came into being when the Board of Management of Gold Circle tasked the MIS team with giving children insight into the world of the thoroughbred. With the task at hand, the team developed ideas coming up with the concept of the Fable Stable over a year ago.

Seeking a name for the main character, a research was made into baby names, looking for a name that she felt would touch the hearts of children. The name Takoda, meaning “friend to all” was eventually selected and the main character was born. Felipe, a white sheep who befriends Takoda early in his life, had his beginnings when it was decided he needed a companion who would be at his side through thick and thin.

“I have always believed in education and I felt that this was a great opportunity to educate children about the equine industry,” said Michelle, a member of the team. “We tried to give insight through the website into what the world of the horse has to offer, from the evolving of horses to careers around horses. The site allows for interactivity and we hope to stimulate children’s interest and participation through this window.”

“Fable Stable has afforded us a unique opportunity to delve into a sphere that is not the norm for us, and it allows children to enhance their knowledge of horses in a very user friendly manner” said Herman van Bargen, team leader of the project.

Be a part of the Takoda experience and visit www.fablestable.co.za now.