A day in the life of Suzelle Barendse

Suzelle Barendse is the Proprietor of Mount Rozier Horseback Rides & Stables. She lives and breathes horses – to put it quite simply, horses are her life! Suzelle is a consummate horsewoman with many years spent in various aspects of the equestrian industry, and she wants Mount Rozier to be a place where the love of horses comes first.

What would you say a day in your life consists of?

I start my mornings by taking care of the horses. Depending on the appointments for the day, I will then later either give horse-riding lessons or go on an outride. The rest of my time is taken up by farm maintenance – for example checking on watering spots for the horses, making sure that fences are in tact, etc.

What is the best thing about the work that you do?

There are so many! Being in nature, working with animals, meeting nice people. The fact that I live so close to work – no commuting for me! Seeing the pleasure horse-riding gives children – being able to give them something to do other than hanging out in the Mall. Seeing the therapeutic effect horses can have on people. Horse-riding at Mount Rozier is more about the pleasure of interacting with the horses than about horse-riding as a competitive sport.

And the worst? (if there is one!)

The amount of maintenance that goes into running the stables – lots of physically hard work! I’m also not a great person for routine.

What makes you passionate about your work and projects?

My love of nature and animals. The pleasure of seeing that you make a difference is very rewarding.

Who inspires you?

My belief in and love for our Creator. It is a gift from God to be living in this amazing place doing the work that I love.

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to be involved in your line of work?

You must be willing to work very hard and getting dirty should not bother you! It has to be your passion – this is not something that will make you rich. Other than that you need to be determined and get relevant experience in working with horses.