The HQ team have decided to relocate to the Cape and move our ponies to Deltacrest. Check this place out! 
Tell us about your yard.
Deltacrest Stables has the one of the most beautiful settings in the Cape Winelands with a 360 degree backdrop of dramatic mountain scenery surrounded by orchards, vineyards, natural fynbos and the Berg River.
We have 30 large, well-designed stables looking into a charming central courtyard. The lay out and stable construction are perfectly arranged to keep our horses relaxed and comfortable. The windows allow for cooling summer breezes and cosy winter spaces. The bedding is generous and the water and feeding troughs are well thought out. Each horse has a dedicated paddock although shared paddocks can be arranged. Our happy and healthy equines are testament to this horse-friendly yard-design.
Deltacrest offers top quality facilities to discerning equestrians. There is a 75x55m arena with a newly-laid fibre and rubber chip surface. The space is generally separated into a jumping section and a dressage arena complete with letters. My assistant manager Bobby and myself compete in both show-jumping and dressage as well as coaching all the main disciplines.
As enthusiastic jumpers we are continually building new courses, as well as jumping exercises. Trotting poles and cavaletti are available and our multi-coloured jumps are superbly maintained. We also offer a dedicated lunging ring that can be used for children’s lessons. There is a state-of-the-art wash bay for horses complete with hot and cold water and overheard hosing. It is roomy, safe and a wonderful space for washing, shampooing and a general pamper. Behind the scenes we have a huge and well-organised area for storing feed and supplements. There is secure parking and space for a horse boxes.
The tack room is a cool space with two lockers per horse owner and allowances for boxes housing extra tack. Tack cleaning is included as a free service along with hoof oil. Washing of blankets and numnahs is easily organised.
In case you have a lunch date in the Winelands there are luxurious showers and lockers in the rider’s change room.
Our friendly and highly experienced grooms are well-looked after with a lounge, kitchen and dedicated bathroom facilities.
The horses are fed twice a day with plentiful roughage in the paddocks. Lunch can be arranged if required. All of our horses have a bespoke feeding programme that is flexible according to their needs. Our system of adding supplements works well and gives the owners full control. The best farriers in the Western Cape are at the yard weekly as well as physiotherapists and our on-site equine sports masseuse. We also arrange visits by Jan Still, equine acupuncturist and other leaders in equine health and wellbeing.
We allow outside instructors by arrangement and some of the Western Cape’s top coaches are at the yard almost every week. Bobby and myself are both multi-disciplinary coaches teaching all levels of riders. Ride ’n Go shows and clinics are also regular features. Before lockdown we had planned a dressage ride ’n go with Laura Kotze judging and Taco Oudewortel coaching. It was going to be a fantastic learning experience and we will certainly re-schedule. Also lined-up was a clinic with “Ride-with-your-mind” coach, Ashleigh Sanderson who travels the world teaching and training. This too will be on our list of events to reschedule.
The outrides from Deltacrest afford hours of varied hacking through vineyards, orchards, fynbos and along tree-lined river paths. The going allows for long trots, canters and even the opportunity to jump some natural obstacles. There are river-crossings and dams to splash in and all of this is on your doorstep. There are no roads to cross and access to the outrides is simply out of the yard gate and into the farmlands.
The clubhouse is the hub of Deltacrest’s social scene. It has floor to ceiling glass doors opening up to lawns that lead to the two arenas so it is the perfect setting to enjoy some tea or sundowners from the honour bar. There is also a winter lounge complete with an enormous fireplace where you can cosy up with hot chocolate or red wine for a post-ride low-down.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My 9th birthday present was riding lessons and this well and truly launched my passion for horses. When I turned 12 I got my first horse and since then I have worked my way through all the riding mile stones. Jumping is my first love and I am an avid show-jumper having competed in the open grades on a number of horses. I have also recently started competing in dressage and have thoroughly enjoyed it.
My own horse Tchutara Oberon is an 11 year old home-bred stallion from my stud, Tchutara Stud. He competes in jumping at 130cm, in Elementary Medium dressage, is an Open Show horse and was in the Western Cape Showing team last year.
I have produced a lot of young horses up through the grades and absolutely love the sense of satisfaction in seeing a young horse grow, develop and succeed. Coaching is another passion of mine and I teach jumping, dressage and general riding to all levels of riders. I enjoy the challenge of coaching and seeing my pupils progress.
I have a well-stocked online tack shop with a wide range of goods for both horse and rider. One of my most exciting projects is a new clothing brand, BonBon Equestrian. Locally made and designed, the collection features sporty riding tops in stylish prints. A lot of work has gone into creating a comfortable and flattering fit and my customers are loving them!
Who would most enjoy your yard?
The joy of Deltacrest is that it appeals to all types of riders for its friendliness, super-versatile facilities and the accessible and varied outrides. At any one time you are likely to find all categories of equestrians in residence…from those competing in dressage and jumping to happy hackers, pony clubbers or simply riders who are looking to learn more. Their shared passion for horses and equestrian sport creates a common bond and a sharing community. And there is never a shortage of hacking buddies or someone willing to share a cup of tea or something stronger with, while gazing over beautiful horses at work in the spectacularly-set arenas.
How are you keeping yourselves busy during lockdown?
We find ourselves very busy with a yard full of horses to lunge and exercise for our owners. Bobby and I feel really lucky to still be riding and enjoying the horses and the sunshine. We miss our clients though and all the happy social interaction along with having competitions goals for our pupils and ourselves.
We are looking forward to seeing all the horse owners again as soon as possible. In the meanwhile the best horse-fix we can give them is WhatsApp videos of their precious equines who are looking happy, healthy and furry!
Contact details
Emily Pfaff-Ehlers
083 788 1749
