2010 is underway, and we are full to capacity this year with 12 students. 

We have taken on one of our 2009 students, Alle Meintjies, for her to complete her SANEF Module 5.  We wish her all the luck for the new year.

It is already the second term and we are looking forward to see what this term will entail.  In the previous term, the students competed in shows almost every weekend and they are carrying the flags in all disciplines. 

The first exams are over and we are very pleased with the students results.  The students have been doing well in their preparations for the exams, as well as practicals and worksheets.  I know for the other modules we will be seeing even greater results.

Vicky Rowlands (SANEF Level 2 Instructor)  has added so much value to the academy in her time with us that she has been offered a permanent position here as instructor & lecturer.  Vicky is a well established horsewoman, she has a lucrative buisness, which she has built up over the past years of teaching and trail riding.  She has experience in all aspects of the equestrian industry, namely showing, dressage and eventing.  She qualified for Badminton horse trials in England but never rode due to a lame horse.  She rode in the Burghley Horse Trials.  Vicky also represented both the Western an Eastern Provinces in their Eventing teams.  Vicky hasn't just competed she is a recognised National Hack and Hunter judge, Provincial Equitation judge, National Arabian under sadle Judge, as well as a SANEF national Instructors Examiner.  She has also won the National Endurance race Fauresmith, at the same time winning the best conditioned horse.  We are very excited to have her on board!

Early this year we inaugerated our new 70x70 outdoor arena. We will soon be opening our all surface arena, which will mainly be used for dressage and schooling.  The international 100m x 120m arena is starting to take shape into something great.  We are looking forward to the opening of this arena, and will soon be hosting our own shows here.  We are currently building X-country jumps in the Fijnbosch.  It is a project for the students to make a few jumps and we name each jump after their group names.  The X-country track comprises of 8 jumps already, and as the year progresses we will be adding more.  They have started excavations with the new stable block.  It is quite exciting to see the other projects progressing, like the new stable blocks and the indoor.  We will soon be opening the doors to the fully equipt lecture room.

The staff have worked tirelessly to produce something that students can not only take with them from an educational perspective but also an experience that they will treasure for ever. I believe that the academy will keep going from strength to strength and 2010 will be an exceptional year for us.

Managing Principal
Plettenberg Equestrian Academy