Our Team

Michele Viljoen – Owner & Instructor
Michele, born before man had landed on the moon & TV was introduced to South Africa (ha ha ha).  Married to Greg Viljoen who is her childhood sweetheart and mother of 2, son Jethro who is 14 years old and daughter Jordan who is 11 years old.  Michele started riding at the age of 8 years old and still loves it today.

She traveled the world as a lingerie/sleepwear/swimwear designer and she studied aromatherapy and massage.  Her studies have influenced her view regarding alternate methods of treatment for both horses and people.

Michele believes we only live once and that love and chocolate will always make things better.  She is currently writing her exams to qualify as a riding instructor.  She also believes happy horses are safe horses and always puts horses first, the rest will fall into place.

Samantha Hardcastle – Stable Manager & Instructor
Sam started riding before she could remember and has always had a big place in her heart for all animals.  After her first riding lesson she was hooked on the sport for life.  Sam has spent the past 2 years running a riding school at Vaderlandsche Rietvlei Stables where she discovered her love for teaching. From toddlers to adults and beginners to advanced riders, she is passionate about teaching and guiding riders of all ages and levels!

Sam has currently completed her SAEQA module 1 exam and will be completing the course in the near future.  Many of her students have competed and had success in dressage and show jumping shows. She looks forward to having more victories in the future at MRS!  Sam herself has been competing on horses and ponies since she was 12 years old and has had great success in Open Showing, Open working Hunter, Novice Dressage and 1.10m Show Jumping.

 

Chelsea Menzies – Instructor
Chelsea started riding 16 years ago at Milnerton Riding School and currently stables her own horse, Air Dancer, at Milnerton Riding Club!  Chelsea has produced all of her own horses – most being young horses straight off the race track.

She mainly competes in show jumping and showing but competes in all other disciplines too.  For the last 5 years she has been backing and schooling young horses at Southcross Stud getting them ready for sales.

Chelsea is currently completing her EQASA/SANIP equine studies.  She says the best thing about teaching horse riding for her is teaching students that honestly love horses and love to ride!