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Saddling up...

COUNTRY IS NOT WHERE YOU LIVE, IT IS WHO YOU ARE.

Welcome to Country Life - going back to basics.
Enjoying the beauty in nature God created for us.

We offer a wide range of country style items for the whole family and we also have our own tack shop for the horses.

SHOP YOUR COUNTRY STYLE

JOIN HORSE AND RIDER TRAINING PROGRAMS

HORSEMANSHIP COURSE

for the horse

NEW RIDER COURSE

for the rider

MEET THE TEAM

Wondering who we are and what we are about?
Well, meet the team - YES the human and horse team.

THE HUMANS

JESS

owner

CHARNE

trainer

KAYLA

coordinator

MIKE

co-owner

trainer

stable hand

THE HORSES

MIRANDO

JANE

EYETUNES

ATARAH

FLASH

MAVERICK

GALLERY

Relive the best moments from our qualifiers, events, and everyday life at the stables.

SHOP YOUR COUNTRY STYLE

START YOU OWN HORSE JOURNEY

Welcome to Country Life—where every horse has a story, every rider belongs, and every day is an adventure waiting to be shared.

At Country Life, horses are more than a passion—they're family.
Our days begin with the sound of hooves, the smell of fresh earth, and the peace that only life in the countryside can bring. We believe some of life's greatest lessons are learned in the saddle: patience, trust, kindness, courage, and respect.

Country Life is built on family values, a love for the outdoors, and a deep connection with our horses. Whether you're a child climbing into the saddle for the very first time, an adult returning to a lifelong dream, or someone wanting to build a better partnership with your horse, you'll always find a place here.

Our approach to training is centred on natural horsemanship, allowing both horse and rider to learn with confidence, understanding, and mutual trust. There is no pressure to rush—only the freedom to grow at your own pace, in your own space.
We believe that learning to ride and understanding your horse should be something everyone can experience. That's why we strive to make quality coaching welcoming, affordable, and accessible, without compromising on care or compassion.

Here, every ride is about more than learning a skill. It's about making memories, finding confidence, embracing the outdoors, and becoming part of a family that truly lives Country to the fullest.

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Hi, I'm Jess, the heart behind Country Life.

For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of riding horses and one day having horses of my own.
Like many dreams, life had its own timeline, and it wasn't until I was 32 years old that I climbed into the saddle for my very first riding lesson.
That first ride changed everything.

What started as a lifelong dream quickly became a passion that completely transformed my life. I fell in love not only with horses, but with the peace, freedom, and simplicity of country living.
Today, I'm incredibly grateful to share my life with six beautiful horses, each with their own unique personality and each teaching me something new every day.
My journey has shown me that you're never too old to chase a dream. Whether you're five or fifty-five, there's always time to learn, grow, and experience the incredible bond between horse and rider.

Country Life was created to share that passion with others. My goal is to provide a welcoming, encouraging space where horses are treated with kindness, riders build confidence at their own pace, and everyone feels like part of the family.
I believe that horses have a remarkable way of changing lives. They certainly changed mine, and I hope they can become part of your story too.

I can't wait to welcome you to Country Life and share this journey with you.

Meet Mike

Mike is the co-owner of Country Life, my fiancé, and living proof that sometimes the most unexpected journeys become the most meaningful ones.

Before Country Life, Mike's world looked very different. He was a city businessman, surrounded by meetings, deadlines, and the fast pace of everyday life. Horses weren't part of his story... until one ordinary day when we met at a coffee shop.
As we spent more time together, Mike naturally found himself spending weekends with me, the horses, and life in the country. Before long, I convinced him to climb into the saddle for his very first riding lesson on our gentle giant, Mirando.
That one ride changed everything.
Slowly, the city began to lose its hold on him. The designer shoes were swapped for vellies, business clothes gave way to dusty jeans, and weekends became early mornings at the stables. Instead of luxury brands, he found joy in saddling horses, fixing fences, loading trailers, and heading off to competitions.
These days, you'll usually find Mike behind the wheel of the bakkie, safely transporting our horses to every event, making sure everyone—both horse and rider—is looked after. And if you happen to peek inside that bakkie, you'll almost certainly find a bag of carrots waiting for the horses. They know exactly who's arriving.

His love for horses grew so deeply that it wasn't long before he bought his very first horse—Maverick, our beautiful palomino Quarter Horse × Boerperd cross. Maverick has a heart of gold, a willing nature, and together they are learning, growing, and enjoying every step of the journey.
Watching Mike discover this way of life has been one of the greatest joys of my own journey. He has learned that happiness isn't found in expensive things—it's found in open fields, dusty boots, good company, and the quiet moments shared with a horse.
Today, he wouldn't trade country life for anything.

He is the first to lend a hand, the last to leave the stables, and always there to support every lesson, every competition, every dream, and every horse. His steady presence, kind heart, and willingness to embrace a completely different life have helped shape Country Life into the family it is today.
Mike often says he came for me...
But I think the horses had other plans.

Now, he loves this life just as much as the rest of us, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Meet Charné

For Charné, horses have never simply been a hobby—they've been a way of life.

She has been riding since she was just four years old, almost as soon as she was able to get around on her own. Her love for horses began at home, where her mom's passion for horses inspired her from a young age, while her dad worked hard to make that dream possible.
Together, they gave Charné the priceless gift of growing up alongside horses.

Over the years, that childhood passion grew into a lifelong calling.
Today, Charné is a dedicated horse trainer with a special love for natural horsemanship. She believes that every horse deserves to be understood, respected, and given the opportunity to learn through patience, trust, and clear communication. Her calm, compassionate approach helps build confident horses and riders, creating partnerships based on mutual respect rather than fear or force.

Whether she's working with a young horse, helping to solve behavioural challenges, or teaching a new rider, Charné's goal is always the same—to bring out the very best in both horse and human.
At Country Life, we're incredibly proud to have Charné sharing her knowledge, experience, and genuine love for horses with every rider who walks through our gates.

Meet Kayla

Kayla's journey with Country Life began behind a desk as our administrator, but it wasn't long before the horses captured her heart too.

Being surrounded by horses every day sparked a passion she never expected. She began taking riding lessons and quickly discovered that horses offered so much more than just a new hobby—they brought healing, purpose, and a deep sense of connection.

Working alongside the horses has become especially meaningful to Kayla because it keeps her close to the memory of her late dad, who also trained horses. Every lesson, every ride, and every moment spent in the stable reminds her of the love and knowledge he shared, allowing his legacy to live on through her own journey.

Today, as our Senior Coordinator, Kayla plays an important role in keeping Country Life running smoothly while also supporting our riders, caring for our horses, and welcoming every visitor with warmth and kindness.

Her story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the things we never planned for become the greatest blessings, and that horses have a remarkable way of healing hearts while bringing people together.

Meet Our New Trainer

Story and photo coming soon!

Meet Our Stable Hand

Story and photo coming soon!

Meet Mirando

Every dream has a beginning, and for Country Life, that beginning was Mirando.
Mirando was my very first horse. Before becoming part of our family, he was a racehorse known as Samuel Salt—a magnificent 17-hand gelding with a big stride, an even bigger personality, and a reputation for not being suitable for beginner riders.

Almost everyone told me not to buy him.

But there was something about him that I couldn't ignore.
I soon discovered that Mirando was born on the very same day my dad passed away. In that moment, I felt in my heart that he had been sent into my life for a reason. What had always been one of the saddest dates in my life became the beginning of something beautiful. Mirando turned a painful memory into one filled with hope, healing, and purpose, and every time I look at him, I'm reminded that my dad is still watching over me.

He didn't just teach me how to ride—he gave me the courage to believe in myself and the confidence to chase a dream I had carried for so many years.
With patience, trust, and natural horsemanship, Mirando has transformed into the gentle giant everyone loves today. The horse that many believed was too much for a beginner has become a calm, kind partner who now carries riders of all ages and experience levels with quiet confidence.
Mirando is living proof that every horse deserves someone who believes in them, and sometimes the greatest partnerships are the ones that others never imagined possible.

He will always be the horse that started it all.

Meet Jane

Jane is the youngest Thoroughbred in our herd, my second mare, and without a doubt, the baby of the family.

I never intended to buy two horses.

When I went to meet Eyetunes, I was only looking for one. But standing beside her was Jane—Eyetunes' half-sister. Everywhere one went, the other followed. They were inseparable, as if they were quietly telling me that they belonged together. The decision was made before I even realised it. I couldn't take one and leave the other behind.
So, they both came home.

Jane is the horse I am learning Western Mounted Games (WMG) with. She has the least riding experience of all our horses, and as the youngest, she's the one many people would describe as the "spooky" or unpredictable youngster. As she has grown into a beautiful 17-hand mare, I've had no shortage of people telling me she's the kind of horse a beginner shouldn't own.
But Jane has never read that rulebook.

From the very beginning, she seemed to understand that I was learning too. Instead of fighting against each other, we've learned alongside one another. Every ride, every challenge, and every small victory has strengthened a bond built on patience, trust, and mutual understanding.
We're not perfect—but we're growing together.
Around me, Jane becomes something different. She is affectionate, gentle, and always ready to remind me that trust is something built one day at a time. She has never failed to show me kindness, even on the days when we're both figuring things out.

People often see her size, her age, and her Thoroughbred spirit. I see a horse with an incredible heart.
Together, we're simply Team Jess & Jane—learning, growing, making mistakes, celebrating victories, and proving that sometimes the strongest partnerships are the ones nobody expects.
Jane isn't just my horse.

She's my teammate, my greatest teacher, and a daily reminder that when two hearts trust each other completely, anything is possible.

Meet Eyetunes

Eyetunes will always hold a special place in my heart as my very first mare.
Before she came to Country Life, she had spent most of her life as a broodmare, bringing beautiful foals into the world. But the moment I saw her gentle eyes and beautiful face, I knew she belonged with me.
Sometimes, a horse simply finds its way into your heart—and that's exactly what Eyetunes did.

She has a personality that's impossible to forget. She's fiery yet gentle, full of spirit, incredibly intelligent, and never afraid to let you know exactly what she's thinking.
Somewhere along her journey, Eytunes lost her trust in people. She became cautious, guarded, and slow to let anyone into her world. But beneath that tough exterior was a horse with an enormous heart, just waiting for someone to be patient enough to understand her.

And then there's her speed.

When Eyetunes runs, she flies. Her athleticism, agility, and determination have helped her become one of our standout Western Mounted Games (WMG) horses. She has the speed to turn heads, the looks to steal hearts, and just enough attitude to keep everyone on their toes.
Eyetunes doesn't hand out her trust easily.
She makes you earn every step, every moment, and every connection. But when she finally chooses to trust you, it's one of the most rewarding partnerships you could ever experience, like the one she now has with her rider and trainer - Charne. They are great together - both fearless with heart.

She reminds us that some of the strongest horses are the ones who have had to learn to believe again.
With patience, kindness, and understanding, Eyetunes continues to show us that trust isn't given—it is built. And once you've earned hers, you'll never forget it.

Meet Atarah

If there is one horse that truly represents the heart of Country Life, it is Atarah.
Atarah is a beautiful 16-hand Thoroughbred mare with the sweetest little heart-shaped marking on her forehead—a reminder that sometimes the strongest hearts wear their story where everyone can see it.

Before she found her way to us, Atarah had endured more than any horse should. She was involved in a terrible accident and, in our opinion, had not always been given the care, patience, or understanding she deserved.

Then Charné found her.
Where others saw a broken horse, Charné saw hope. She brought Atarah home, gave her the time she needed, patiently helped her heal, and never asked her to be anything other than herself. Day by day, Atarah began to trust again.
When I met her, I saw exactly what Charné had seen from the very beginning.
I didn't see a horse defined by her past. I saw a horse with incredible courage, an unbreakable spirit, and a heart that simply wanted someone to believe in her.

As she recovered, she naturally became part of our herd. She formed beautiful friendships with our other horses, and before long, it was obvious that she wasn't just visiting—she belonged. She had found her family, and we had found ours.
Yes, Atarah carries scars.

But those scars tell a story of survival, resilience, and hope—not weakness.
Today, she is healed both inside and out. She has an incredible desire to please her rider and gives everything she has to the person on her back. She doesn't dwell on where she has been; she focuses on where she is going.

Atarah reminds us every single day that your past does not define your future.
She is living proof that with patience, kindness, understanding, and time, healing is possible. We believe every horse deserves the chance to be understood before they are judged, because behaviour always has a reason. And man is she strong and fast .

At Country Life, we don't give up on horses.
We listen. We learn. We heal. We believe.
Atarah is the horse that reminds us why.
She isn't just part of our family—she is our heart horse, and every day she teaches us that love, patience, and second chances can change a life.

Meet Flash

Every little rider deserves a first pony, and for our family, that pony is Flash.
Flash joined Country Life as the very first pony we bought for my son to begin his riding journey. He came from a farm where he had been the trusted companion of a young boy who had outgrown him and was ready for a bigger horse. It was time for Flash to start a new adventure—and we were lucky enough to become part of it.

From the moment he arrived, Flash lived up to his name.
He has a big personality packed into a little body. With his confident attitude and cowboy swagger, he carries himself as though he owns the place. He's bold, brave, and always ready for the next adventure.

And when it comes to Western Mounted Games, ask him to run a barrel... and hold on! Flash is quick on his feet, fearless around the course, and gives everything he has. He may be small, but he has the heart of a champion.
Under saddle, however, Flash has a completely different side. He listens carefully to his rider, tries his best, and takes his job seriously. He knows when it's time to have fun and when it's time to look after the little person in the saddle.

Like every horse that joins a new family, Flash has had to adjust to a different environment, different routines, and different people. We soon realised that while he was a wonderful riding pony, his groundwork foundation needed a little extra attention. Rather than seeing it as a problem, we saw it as another opportunity to build trust and understanding.
Every day we work together, helping Flash settle into his new life and become the very best version of himself. Watching him grow in confidence has been one of the most rewarding parts of his journey with us.

At Country Life, we know that change isn't always easy—for people or for horses. Sometimes all they need is consistency, patience, and someone willing to believe in them.
Flash has become so much more than our son's first pony.
He's a beloved member of our family, full of character, courage, and heart, and we can't imagine Country Life without our little cowboy by our side.

Meet Maverick

Maverick is a striking palomino Quarter Horse cross with a heart as golden as his coat. Before joining the Country Life family, he lived the tough but rewarding farm life, where he became strong, sure-footed and dependable.
He is Mike's very first horse, making him even more special. From the moment they met, Maverick proved to be the perfect partner—calm, kind and incredibly easy-going. Around the yard, he is often the horse everyone describes as "the gentleman." Nothing seems to faze him, and he happily takes life one step at a time.
But don't let his relaxed personality fool you.
When it's time for the Western Mounted Games, Maverick has another side. The quiet farm horse transforms into a powerful athlete, running with determination, strength and purpose.
He knows exactly what his job is and has surprised everyone by giving even the speedy Thoroughbreds a run for their money. He may not look like the fastest horse standing in the arena, but once the timer starts, he proves that power, heart and confidence can be just as important as speed.

Although farm life made him tough and resilient, Maverick quickly discovered that he quite enjoys the comforts of stable life too. A clean stable, a good meal, plenty of attention and, of course, a few carrots from Mike have made him feel right at home.
Gentle, reliable and always willing to give his best, Maverick is proof that true champions don't always have the loudest personalities—they simply let their actions speak for themselves.