Chartwell Stables makes sure the horses are happy during lockdown

Community members who ride the 36 horses at Chartwell Stables do not have to worry about how the horses are doing: They are very happy and well taken care of.

Stable manager, Shannon Sayers has been taking photos of the horses every day and sending them to clients, as we know there is nothing a horse rider misses more than their horse.

The horses are well fed, lunged and schooled so they are as fit as they normally are. The nine grooms who live on the property see to the horses’ every need along with Sayers and Chartwell Stables owner, Shirley Sadleir.

Sadleir also keeps the riders as appeased as they can be away from the horses with fun quizzes, games and articles, all horse related.

“We only had three days to prepare for the lockdown so we bought paint and supplies and have done a lot of spring cleaning, washing the place, washing ponies and cementing. The place looks good,” Sadleir said.

“Thankfully the hay is delivered as an essential service so the horses are fed well. We also spent a lot on sanitiser.”

She explained that in the period just before the lockdown, staff and riders were diligent in sanitising all tack used between every lesson. She said even after the lockdown is over, they would still have to be mindful of hygiene and the nature of many businesses, not just riding, would change.

“I have also been walking the carriage a couple times a week so those horses get their exercise. We will keep all the horses in shape and make up for all the lessons missed by our clients after the lockdown.”

Details: Chartwell Stables cstables@netactive.co.za; 083 500 0103; 073 952 8572.