Hold Your Horses

Val de Vie Estate is a utopia for equestrian lovers and is home to two pristine facilities catering for all disciplines. Next to the Pavilion Polo Field is the Val de Vie Stables, while the Pearl Valley Equestrian Centre is located close to the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course.

Our highly-skilled grooms and the Val de Vie Equestrian Centre team ensure a carefree life for our horses and ponies and spend their days tending to, feeding and training these gentle giants.

Being around horses and ponies is a magical experience. Not only are they beautiful, but also sensitive and intelligent. Reading a horse’s body language and responding appropriately is vital in preventing accidents. It is best to be alert and cautious, mainly when approaching or riding a horse you are unfamiliar with.

It is important to remember that horses are also creatures of flight. This means that even the most well-behaved animals can become frightened and act in self-defence. With this in mind, please adhere to the following guidelines when riding or being around horses on the Estate:

Do not enter the paddocks or individual stables of any horse or pony at any time unless accompanied by a member of the Equestrian Centre team. Horses can kick and bite if provoked.

To learn more about the horses and ponies on the Estate, children and adults are welcome to arrange a riding lesson individually or within a small group. The Equestrian Centre team caters for beginners up to experienced riders with lessons. Also, it provides a safe environment to enjoy the picturesque surroundings of the Estate on horseback during outrides. Please email yard.manager@valdevie.co.za for further information.

Signage around the stables indicates the areas that are only accessible for horse owners and members of the Equestrian Centre team. Please adhere to these notices, which are in place for your safety.

Do not feed the horses unless you have permission from the horse’s owner or a member of the Equestrian Centre team. Feeding horses the wrong thing (even if they seem like healthy treats to us) can cause illnesses such as laminitis and colic which can be fatal.

The grooms and the Equestrian Centre team are renowned for their commitment, expertise and horsemanship, and together they take great care of our beloved horses and ponies. Please feel free to ask them questions, and respect and pay attention to the advice and guidance they give you.