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 45 horses of whom 15 are liveries and 30 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

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.

Kelly Pretorius

Stable Manager

I grew up in KZN at a yard similar to Chartwell Stables and I have been teaching for many years. I attended a HORSEMASTERSHIP course which was recognized by the BRITISH HORSE SOCIETY and received my certification in all things Stable Management, Teaching and Riding related. I love kids and ponies so this is the perfect place for me.

Rianke Slingerland

Instructor

I started with the Chartwell Team in October after having completed my module 3 SANEF qualification at Beaulieu College.

I enjoy teaching all ages of riders and love being able to watch the little ones improve and succeed.

I love all aspects of riding school life, especially the lovely ponies we have here at our yard.

I am keen to start attending shows with our competitive riders and love being involved in all the “horsey” events that we host at our stables.

Chat to us

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