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beautiful outrides, it’s no surprise that trying out training shows at the school. to ear when they’ve tried so hard to
the school has become popular among Three months later, the competitive do something and they get it right.”
residents. As Lindsy says, “Waterfall spirit had taken hold and – with the
Equestrian Estate is a little piece of support of her trainer – Maxine entered riding certainly assists in co-

heaven in the middle of Joburg.” sANEsA (a National Inter-school riding ordination, fitness and musculature,
competition run every year around but there’s so much more to it than

Maxine Lambrechts is just one of south Africa) in 2018 and placed third physical exercise benefits. riders learn
the many residents who attend the Nationally overall in her category. diligence, empathy and co-operation.
school. It took a single pony ride at “Being able to create a connection “It’s really scary to allow a kid onto a
a party at age 5 for Maxine to fall in with such a massive animal, to care for horse, but to watch the life lessons
love with riding. “she bugged me it and manage it, has taken Maxine’s they get out of it is incredible. The
until I took her for a few more rides, confidence and personality to a whole care and attention required teaches

and that was it - she’s just never new level,” says Melanie. Before, Maxine perseverance, patience, awareness and
stopped,” says Maxine’s mom, Melanie. wasn’t particularly competitive, so responsibility,” Melanie points out.
Maxine started with a lesson a week placing third in her first real competition

at riverpark stables in sandton, then was a huge achievement and a very It’s hard to imagine a happier, more
Farnham riding school. Now, at age 14, proud moment for her. This year, nurturing environment for children

she has found her home at Waterfall, she entered again and placed first at or horses than Waterfall Equestrian
where she rides 4 times a week. provincial Equitation – all thanks to her Centre, and you don’t have to be
great work ethic, according to Melanie. a student or a resident to enjoy a

At first, Maxine would ride just for day with the ponies. should you
the love of it, but the supportive ‘no It’s these success stories, and her love of wish to explore any of the activities
pressure’ environment at the Waterfall horses, that drive Lindsy. “The pony- on offer, you can contact Lindsy
riding school, and a tight connection child relationship is so special. There’s via email on lindsytager@gmail.com
with her chosen pony, soon had her nothing like seeing that grin from ear or WhatsApp (+27) 83 457 7291.

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