About Chartwell Stables - Children's Riding School

Over 30 years of producing champions.

Primarily a children’s riding school, Chartwell Stables (established in 1987) is owned and run by Shirley Sadleir, a veterinary nurse by background, who has spent her entire life with horses in general and riding schools in particular.

There are at the moment 40 horses of whom 11 are liveries and 29 are wonderful, riding school ponies. Chartwell Stables is ideally situated in Chartwell, only 2 minutes from Broadacres Shopping Centre and 5 minutes from Fourways.

Chartwell Stables employs 2 instructors under the management of our stable manageress. We cater for all levels of riding from the complete beginner right through to advanced riders. We prepare children for all disciplines of horse riding and offer show help should your child wish to compete. We are also very happy to help your child find the right pony when the time comes.

Chartwell Stables have some very competitive children riding on their own ponies at the highest competitive level (representing their province and schools). On the other hand we also cater very much for children who JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN.

Meet the Chartwell team

Shirley Sadleir

Shirley Sadleir

Owner

My father always said that his biggest mistake was spending sixpence on a donkey ride at a fair for me and my sister, Marion Clough, when I was four years old. Of course, my life has revolved around horses ever since. We made him give up his weekend golf and he then ran the Rhodesian Horse Society for 25 years, so he certainly indulged us in our passion.

I grew up on horses in Zimbabwe and competed at a good level there in showjumping, eventing and dressage. I then went straight to work in professional yards in England when I left school in the 60’s and stayed for seven years.

I worked at the Keston Welsh Mountain Pony Stud and then under John and Jane Kidd, who were pioneer warmblood breeders and doyennes of almost every discipline. I also learnt much working for Roger Stack, an esteemed showing and horse-care professional.

Veterinary work became my professional focus and I trained a veterinary nurse and married a vet.

We moved back to Southern Africa and I have been deeply involved in equestrian matters since. I sat as chairman of showing for around five years in the late nineties – I continue to judge showing classes.

I have owned and run a children’s’ riding school for 40 years and have helped produce very many competitive riders.

I have not ridden for years but I enjoy carriage driving most days. I did compete for several years in this discipline but now drive socially and at weddings and other functions.

Whitney Deverneuil

Whitney Deverneuil

Part-time Advanced Coach

Hi, my name is Whitney, I am the part-time advanced Coach at Chartwell Stables. I am EQASA module 3 qualified; I am also a qualified A-Panel Equitation judge. I am currently competing in Show Jumping at 1.30m aspiring to jump 1.50m and the Derby in the near future. I have competed in the top level of Eventing, Showing and Equitation. I am extremely passionate and energetic and I absolutely love teaching kids. I will always be at my rider’s side when competing at shows.

My favourite quote: “Let your training be your silence and let your performance be your voice!”

Kimberleigh Hill

Kimberleigh Hill

Full-time Instructor

Hi, my name is Kim and I come from a horse-loving family with years of experience with horses having lived with and around them my whole life. I grew up in Mauritius where my mother ran a horseback trails business for several years. I was part of the team that trained and rehabilitated ex-racehorses. I then moved to South Africa where I competed mainly in show jumping and equitation. I represented my province in both disciplines through SANESA. I then moved to Botswana where my mother managed a horseback Safari company where I shadowed her and assisted in desensitising horses. With living in the bush I have developed a passion for wildlife through photography and learned to appreciate nature in its full form. I am currently studying through ETI (Equestrian training institute) doing Equine Sciences. I am very passionate about kids and horses, and I love every moment of teaching.

My favourite quote: “People rarely succeed unless they are having fun in what they are doing.”

Lara Emmett

Lara Emmett

Instructor

I was born and bred in Swaziland where my father, Peter Emmett, introduced me to the equestrian industry. I am a dressage enthusiast who is able to teach all disciplines of all levels in the riding school. I come from a family who is well known in the eventing world. I plan on using my knowledge and experience to encourage my riders to explore the beauty of eventing and all its perks.

Chat to us

Feel free to get in touch with us should you have any questions or would like to arrange a visit.