To the stables . . .

Lee Currie explores a glorious destination, a slice of heaven in the midst of the city of Durban . . . Mount Edgecombe Stables.

Picture a vast expanse of verdant bush, with glossy horses grazing in paddocks, a rider galloping past, scattering a hen and her chicks. It could easily be a postcard from the Midlands or the Drakensberg. Not even close. This is an everyday scene in Mount Edgecombe, quite literally minutes away from the M14 and less than a kilometre from Gateway.

While many residents are unaware of Mount Edgecombe Stables’ existence, the land, just off Flanders Drive, has been home to donkeys and horses since the early 1900s.

“We still use the barn that used to house the donkeys which pulled the carts of sugar cane,” says resident Claire Bolstridge, who runs the stables with Sarah Kennedy. “When the donkeys were replaced, Tongaat Hulett, which owns the land, allowed horse owners to stable their horses and ponies here and it became known as the Mount Edgecombe Equestrian Centre.”

Security measures

Tongaat Hulett managed the stables until 2004 when Claire and Sarah took over the lease of the seven hectare property. They created more paddock and added security measures like electric fencing and gates.

Now called Mount Edgecombe Stables, the premises are home to 40 horses and ponies, a comprehensive riding school and the Mount Edgecombe Pony Club, an international organisation for young riders. Most afternoons you’ll see a hub of activity here as adults and children gather at the clubhouse for riding lessons or to practice for show events and competitions, or just to spend time with their horses.

Claire is keen to point out that you don’t have to own a horse to be part of the “horsey” crowd. “Anyone is welcome to join. We give riding lessons every afternoon to children and adults at all levels, even complete beginners.”

At weekends there’s The Flying Donkey, a children’s party venue offering pony rides and themed entertainment.

The stables also provide employment and accommodation for nine grooms and their families who live on the premises. “They are all dedicated to their work and have formed special bonds with the horses,” says Claire. “One of the grooms, Tarrara Kwitshindonga, has become an accomplished rider over the past two years. He has the most amazing natural balance and works incredibly hard at perfecting his riding skills. Some of our generous members have offered him their horses, allowing him the opportunity to practice and to compete in shows. Another very kind sponsor supplied the necessary equipment needed for the shows.”

Alternative

On the horizon are plans for the site to be developed into a massive “mixed use” housing project. Claire admits she tries not to think about this. She has been offered some hope though. “Tongaat Hulett has said it would like to keep horses in the Cornubia area and might offer us alternative land if we have to move. We will really need the new stable yard to be built in advance because you can’t keep horses ‘in storage’.”

The stables are clearly a labour of love for Claire and Sarah, who battle constantly to meet the expenses. “It costs thousands of rands every month to maintain horses and the premises. But if you ask anyone here what they would most love, it would be to see Tarrara realise his dream of having his own horse and a sponsor for its upkeep. We would also like to be able to introduce the sport to children, who are unable to afford this, by appealing to businesses willing to sponsor them.

“I was lucky. I grew up among horses, being responsible for cleaning their stables and grooming them. They’re such healing beings and to form a bond with and be responsible for these animals is a privilege. In today’s cyber world, horses bring back good old-fashioned dirt, exercise and fun!”   R

Useful info: Phone Claire at 083 679 1870