Gauteng Horse Society KEP Overview

Kyalami Equestrian Park (KEP) is the home of GHS and is South Africa's premier equestrian venue. KEP is ideally and centrally located in the heart of GHS's primary market.

Within this beautiful country location, which covers 21 hectares are a clubhouse and eight competition arenas for use by all disciplines, with the Bob Charter Arena the showcase for holding major events (including the South African Derby). There is a marathon driving course with professionally constructed hazards and quality dressage arenas. There are stabling facilities for visiting horses, as well as an exercise track. GHS leases part of KEP to the well-known dancing white stallions of Kyalami - the Lipizzaners.

KEP is the hub of equestrian activity in Gauteng and is the venue for many championship shows.

The properties surrounding KEP range between R1, 5 million and R2, 8 million in real estate terms - many are devoted to equestrian pursuits. A new private school with an accent on Equestrian sports has been built within this enthusiastic horse-riding community.

ARENA PERSONALITIES

Bob Charter Arena

Bob Charter is best remembered by the equestrian community for the pivotal role he played during his 20 years of service as president of the South African National Equestrian Federation (SANEF). Having enjoyed many professional and personal achievements, Bob and his wife, Nico, are highly regarded for their influence and advancement of the horse fraternity.

Described as a 'natural leader who saw the bigger picture' Bob was directly responsible for keeping South African equestrian sports internationally acceptable during the dark years of Apartheid. His relationship with the, then president of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), HRH Prince Phillip is considered key to this accomplishment. During his term, Bob spearheaded the realisation of many of SANEF's objectives including the building of synergies between the various equestrian foundations. Though initially faced with opposition, the shared vision between himself and The Horse Society (GHS) chairman, Bernard McHardy, saw the acquisition of the Kyalami Equestrian Park 20 acres of prime land in the hub of the equestrian community.

Born in 1918, Bob proved to be exceptional from an early age, excelling and mastering in every field that grabbed his attention. Bob passed away in 1993 in Natal, having enjoyed a life filled with accomplishments. As described by his friends, Bob was an impressive man in stature and knowledge, a man who earned respect. Despite all his achievements, he was devoid of arrogance.

Bernard McHardy Arena
(Top of the Bob Charter Arena)

Passionate about horses, Bernard McHardy has been praised by veterans of the equestrian community as one of the greatest chairman of GHS. Renowned for his balanced and objective view, Bernard was committed to elevating the profile of the sport as a whole without prejudice towards a particular discipline or agenda.

As the youngest chairman in the history of GHS, Bernard had vision and initiated programmes that would see the advancement of the organisation, its members and the equestrian community. Spearheading a variety of projects and activities, he led THS with the same level of professionalism, acumen and dedication that he gave to his business.

Seeing the need for specialised projects, Bernard imposed the rule that monies collated from sponsorship should not be squandered, but rather fed back into the organisation. It was also through Bernard's support of Charlotte Stubbs' project that Equitation became a recognised discipline.
His commitment to every aspect of the sport and his keen ability to identify areas that would help promote the longevity of the society established Bernard's reputation as an equestrian great. With the help of his SANEF colleague, Bob Charter, Bernard is directly attributed as being the driving force behind the acquisition of the Kyalami Equestrian Park. Having retired to his stud farm in Natal with his wife Wendy, Bernard has seen his children and grandchildren follow his passion and grow in the equestrian competitive circuit.

Peter Minnie Arena (West Arena)

Owning racehorses himself, Peter was no stranger to the equestrian arena, however it was his two son's affiliation to competitive riding that further piqued his involvement in the sport. As his interest of the discipline grew so did his reputation, and, as a result, soon became the chairman of GHS.

Described as a fair man who was extremely tolerant, Peter ran GHS with absolute control and was responsible for many developments that contributed to making the Kyalami Equestrian Park what it is today. In addition to his post of Chairman, Peter was acclaimed as an International Judge a position he maintained until he passed away.

Peter is honoured for his commitment, sacrifice and contribution to the equestrian community and GHS in particular.

May Foxcroft Arena (Big Sand Arena)

Aunty May, as she was affectionately known by her students and the riding community, enjoyed a life that was dedicated to her greatest passion - horses. Having risen to fame in the 1940's and 50's as one of South Africa's top riders May was probably best known for her partnership with her 15.3hh grey mare Kandee and together they won numerous championships and High Jump events. She was also very successful in 'Point to Points" (a form of steeple chasing). Following her competitive career, May went on to become a showing judge - a position she held for many years.

Despite her incredible achievements in the competitive arena, perhaps the most profound contribution that she made to the equestrian community was her tireless dedication to the students and horses of her riding school Glenfox Riding School. For over 40 years, Glenfox stables earned a reputation as a riding school that catered for all, where fun was the name of the game.

The students were encouraged to attempt every discipline, sampling everything from Showing, Hunting, Dressage, Racing, Gymkhana Games and Showjumping to Eventing. Excelling was great, but not the most important aim and the welfare of the horses were always paramount. Many of South Africa's riders can attribute their skill to May and her expertise.

It wasn't only the advanced riders that benefited from her teachings, thanks to her tireless commitment and patience; she touched the lives of many people in the community. She had the ability of soothing the most nervous riders, who without her encouragement and support would never have continued riding. Her unbelievable energy, sense of humour, 'no nonsense' approach to life and dedication to the equestrian world will always be remembered.

Stubbs Arena (North Arena)

David and Charlotte Stubbs have dedicated their lives to the advancement of equestrian sport in South Africa and have earned a reputation as two of the most influential members within the equestrian community. The base of their commitment stems from the true and deep respect for the sport and a genuine desire to see each discipline prosper and be made available to every person, regardless of their wealth or locality.

A versatile rider, David has filled many roles within the equestrian community including being awarded Springbok Colours for Showjumping and receiving his Provincial (Transvaal) Colours for Polo. During his career David has been actively involved in both THS, and the South African National Equestrian Federation (SANEF) as president - totaling an executive involvement that has spanned over 50 years.

In his later years, David developed a keen interest in warmblood horses, heading the Warmblood Society's National Inspection Panel in addition to becoming a national selector for dressage, showjumping and eventing teams. Currently David is a trustee for the National Horse Trust - a foundation that takes care of aged and abused horses, with proceeds from the autobiographical account of his life, In Tom's Footsteps, going directly to the organisation.

Praised for her meaningful impact on the equestrian front through the introduction of Equitation and the instructors-training programme, Charlotte has been directly responsible for permanently shaping the South African equestrian standard.

Charlotte started her illustrious career in horse racing, at 18, riding in the ladies races at Kenilworth and Durbanville. After university, she went overseas and was fortunate enough to be trained by two famous instructors who were far ahead of their time. She later married David and gave up her highly successful showjumping career.

Still fired up by all she had learnt Charlotte believed that South African was ripe for development. BP, the fuel company, agreed, offering to sponsor the program along with her trip to America to train with the legendary George Morris.

Thanks to Charlotte's sheer determination, Equitation was finally established in South Africa in the mid 1970's and has been acknowledged for the skill and style of South African riders today.

Along with her contributions to the sport, Charlotte is an international showing judge and continues her dedication to educated riding in South Africa.