Horses have never just been a hobby for me - they’ve always been the centre of everything.
Like most horse girls, I started out completely obsessed… spending every spare second at the yard, happily doing all the not-so-glamorous jobs just to be around them. That phase never really ended - it just turned into a career.
Since then, I’ve built four riding schools from scratch - two near the Kruger National Park, and two right here in Plettenberg Bay. The goal has always been to create the kind of space I wish I had growing up - a place for horse-obsessed people to be themselves, have fun, and feel at home around ponies, even if they don’t have one of their own.
Along the way, I’ve backed up the hands-on side with formal training, completing my EQUSA Modules 1–3, as well as a course in Stable and Stud Farm Management through Plettenberg Equestrian Academy.
I also worked for a 5★ eventer in Ireland, where I was lucky enough to be exposed to a really high level of riding — sitting in on lessons and clinics with top riders and coaches, including those involved with the British Dressage Olympic team. It gave me a completely different perspective as an instructor, especially when it comes to the small details, problem-solving, and helping riders really understand the “why” behind what they’re doing.
For me, it’s never just been about learning to ride - it’s about learning how to become a true horseman.
It’s about the experience:
the good rides, the chaotic ones, the small wins, and the moments that make you quietly think, “okay… I love this.”
Breed: Thoroughbred | Height: 15.3hh
Meet Rare (also known as Rare Bear)
The class clown and everyone’s favourite weirdo.
Full of personality (and always up to something), Rare keeps things interesting at the yard and has a way of making everyone laugh, whether she means to or not. She’s also got plenty of talent to go with the antics, and when she decides to focus, she really shines.
Affectionate, quirky, and impossible not to love, Rare is equal parts chaos and brilliance - and we wouldn’t have her any other way.
Breed: Boerperd X (with lots of crosses) | Height: 14hh
Meet Disco (aka The Disco Donkey or Disco Biscuit)
Our OG pony and the reason Bay Riding Club exists at all.
Before finding her way to us, Disco had a rough start in bush racing, until our vet rescued her and just knew she belonged at Bay Riding Club.
Disco has two speeds: really fast and really slow. But once you figure her out, she’ll give you everything - and jump the moon for you without a second thought.
She’s taught more riders than we can count, built confidence, tested patience, and kept things interesting along the way. Equal parts chaos and brilliance, Disco is one of those ponies you don’t forget.
Breed: Thoroughbred | Height: 15.2hh
Meet Cardi (aka Cardi Bee)
Our golden oldie and the definition of been there, done that.
She’s as safe as houses and takes care of her riders like a total pro, making her a firm favourite for building confidence and just enjoying the ride.
Cardi likes to pretend she’s a bit grumpy (it’s mostly for show), but if you take the time, you’ll quickly discover she secretly loves a good cuddle.
Steady, kind, and completely unbothered, Cardi is the kind of horse that quietly builds your confidence without you even noticing
Meet Marhmellow
Don't let his tiny size fool you – Marshmellow is definitely one of the biggest personalities in the yard.
As Bay Riding Club's unofficial mascot, self-appointed lunchbox inspector, and full-time menace, Marshmellow keeps everyone on their toes.
Carrots aren't a suggestion—they're a requirement. Forget to bring one, and you might get a cheeky nip on the bum as a reminder.
Whether he's causing chaos, supervising lessons he wasn't invited to, or trying to convince unsuspecting visitors that he's starving, Marshmellow is always in the middle of the action.
Breed: Boerperd X | Height: 14.1hh
Meet Scout
Our newest addition, who decided to ditch polo and take up jumping like it was no big deal… and wow, is he good at it.
He’s talented, willing, and actually a bit of a softy - the kind that just wants to be your best friend (with a little bit of sass thrown in).
He’s also a big fan of a post-lesson swim, followed by cuddles, carrots, and quietly inserting himself into whatever you’re doing.
Michael is the glue that holds Bay Riding Club together. As our groom and right-hand man, he's always the first to lend a hand, whether it's looking after the horses, helping our riders get ready in time, or keeping the rest of us vaguely organised.
Michael completed his EQASA modules through the South African Lipizzaners' Student Programme and is a favourite among both horses and riders. A great horseman, patient, kind, and usually the voice of reason when the rest of us are busy creating chaos, we'd be completely lost without him.