a publication for
April/May 2025
VAL DE VIE ESTATE RESIDENTS
In the Company of Horses The 2024/2025 polo season on Val de Vie Estate may
Their presence does more than add to the beauty of our
they perceive from us. Within the pages of this edition,
have drawn to a close, yet horses continue to be a part
Estate; they also instil a sense of peace with their gentle
Environmental Officer Simon Allen offers a fascinating
of our daily lives. It’s not uncommon to find yourself in a
natures. Horses act as a bridge to the great outdoors,
look at the wild horses that early European explorers
delightful ‘traffic jam’ as horses are led from their stables
enriching our connection with the natural world. Recent
encountered when they first arrived in South Africa. Living
to the paddocks in the early morning, their neighs heard
research has shown how horses can recognise and
alongside these majestic animals at Val de Vie Estate,
softly in the background. On calm autumn afternoons,
remember human facial expressions, discerning between
we find ourselves in good company, continuously
they can be seen carrying riders through the L’Huguenot
positive and negative emotions. They also communicate
deepening our understanding and appreciation.
vineyards or trotting gracefully around the polo fields.
their feelings and social dynamics through subtle micro-
Their role extends beyond recreation and sport; they
Others spend their days in the Val de Vie Equestrian Club
expressions. These findings highlight horses’ acute
are integral to our community, enhancing our daily
arena, teaching equestrians not only how to handle and
sensitivity to human emotional states, allowing them
experiences and connecting us more deeply with nature
ride them but also how to care for them.
to adjust their behaviour in response to the intentions
and ourselves.