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Est. 1980  ·  Nelson's Wine Estate  ·  Western Cape

EvergreenStables

Where Passion Meets Excellence in Equestrian Arts

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Our Story

A Legacy Rooted in
Passion & Dedication

Evergreen Stables was founded in 1980 by Gloria Kilian in Dal Josafat — born from an unrelenting love for horses and a gift for nurturing riders of every level. For forty remarkable years the stables stood as a beacon of equestrian excellence in the Western Cape.

When the time came for a new chapter, Evergreen moved to the breathtaking Nelson's Wine Estate — where rolling vineyards meet the mountains — and rebuilt from scratch with the same heart that has defined this yard for decades.

Today, mother and daughter Gloria and Simone Kilian lead the stables together, bringing over 70 combined years of teaching experience across dressage, show jumping, equitation, mounted games, and polocrosse.

45+
Years of Legacy
70+
Years Combined Teaching
5
Disciplines Taught
Evergreen Stables Riding at Evergreen Horses
Neurodiverse Retreat at Evergreen Stables
Specialised Programme

Neurodiverse
Retreat

Our neurodiverse day and weekend retreat was created with deep care and intention. Using the powerful therapeutic presence of horses, we offer a safe and calming space for individuals who experience the world differently.

Horses are uniquely sensitive beings. Their non-judgemental nature and gentle responsiveness create an environment where participants grow in confidence, emotional regulation, and meaningful connection — all without a single word needing to be spoken.

Whether it's a single day visit or a full weekend retreat, every session is tailored with love and expertise by our experienced team right here at Evergreen Stables.

No Experience Needed Day & Weekend Formats Safe & Caring Environment All Neurodiverse Profiles Welcome Evergreen Stables
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What We Offer

Our Services

From tiny first-time riders to competitive athletes, Evergreen Stables offers a full spectrum of equestrian programmes tailored to every rider's unique journey.

Little League
Ages 3 & Up
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Little League

Our beloved tiny tots programme introduces the youngest riders to the magic of horses in a safe, nurturing and fun environment.

Riding Lessons
All Ages & Levels
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Riding Lessons

Structured lessons covering all disciplines, tailored to your individual pace, goals and confidence level — beginner to advanced.

Competition Training
SANESA · Dressage · Show Jumping
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Competition Training

Expert preparation for SANESA, graded dressage and show jumping from grassroots through to advanced competitive levels.

EquiXperience
No Riding Required
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EquiXperience

In-hand groundwork focused entirely on the human-horse relationship. No riding — just pure connection, trust and presence.

Livery
Horse Boarding
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Livery

Quality stabling at Evergreen with experienced, attentive care in a setting that is truly second to none.

Neurodiverse Retreat
Specialised Programme
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Neurodiverse Retreat

Therapeutic day and weekend retreats using the calming presence of horses to nurture confidence, connection and wellbeing.

In-Hand Groundwork

The EquiXperience

The EquiXperience is unlike anything else we offer. There is no riding. No saddle. No reins. Just you and a horse, standing together, communicating through presence, breath and intention.

This programme is built on the art and science of in-hand groundwork — understanding how horses think, how they communicate, and how we as humans can learn to truly listen. It is humbling, healing, and profoundly transformative.

Whether you're an experienced rider wanting to deepen your bond with horses, a team looking for a truly unique corporate experience, or someone who has never been near a horse before — the EquiXperience will change the way you see these magnificent animals, and perhaps yourself.

We also offer tailored team building sessions for corporate groups — using the herd dynamic and groundwork principles to teach communication, leadership, trust and collaboration in a completely unexpected and unforgettable setting.

Individual and group sessions available
Corporate team building & leadership programmes
Therapeutic and mindfulness-focused sessions
No riding — purely groundwork and in-hand connection
Suitable for complete beginners and experienced riders
Focus on trust, body language and communication
A powerful tool for personal growth and self-awareness
EquiXperience Groundwork Horse connection
Follow Our Journey

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Evergreen StablesEquiXperience
Experience the magic of connecting with a horse through groundwork and in-hand work. See what the EquiXperience is truly all about — no riding required, just pure human-horse connection.
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Evergreen StablesEquiXperience
A closer look at the powerful relationship that forms between horse and human when we slow down and truly listen. This is what the EquiXperience is all about.
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Evergreen StablesEquiXperience
Another glimpse into what makes the EquiXperience so unique and transformative — whether for personal growth, therapy, or a corporate team looking for something truly different.
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The People Behind the Yard

Meet the Team

Gloria Kilian

Gloria Kilian

Founder & Head Instructor

Gloria founded Evergreen Stables in 1980 and has dedicated her life to equestrian teaching. With 50 years of experience across dressage, show jumping, equitation, mounted games, English mounted games, and polocrosse — her depth of knowledge is truly extraordinary.

She played a pivotal role in shaping pony club culture in South Africa, serving as a Pony Club Test Coordinator. Her love for horses and riders of every ability is the beating heart of Evergreen Stables.

SANEF Level 1 Certified Instructor
50 Years of Teaching Experience
SA Pony Club Test Coordinator
Dressage · Show Jumping · Equitation · Mounted Games · Polocrosse
Simone Kilian

Simone Kilian

Co-Instructor & Dressage Judge

Simone grew up at Evergreen Stables, starting Pony Club at age five and achieving the internationally recognised A-Test — the highest level in South African Pony Club. She began teaching at 18 and has built a remarkable career as a competitive dressage rider and qualified judge.

With Open Rider status and competition experience at Prix St George level, Simone has represented the Western Cape Dressage Team at the South African National Championship multiple times. At just 16, she was selected for the SA English Mounted Games team and competed at the World Championships in Kentucky, USA.

Qualified Dressage Judge — Advanced Level
Open Status Dressage Rider · Prix St George
Pony Club A-Test — Internationally Recognised
SANEF Level 1 Instructor
SA English Mounted Games Team — World Championships, Kentucky USA
Western Cape Dressage Team — South African National Championship
20 Years of Teaching Experience
Get In Touch

We'd Love to
Hear From You

Whether you're ready to book a lesson, enquire about livery, the Neurodiverse Retreat, or simply want to know more about Evergreen Stables — we're here and happy to help.

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Email Usgloria@evergreenstables.co.za
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Call Us082 785 5868
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Find UsNelson's Wine Estate, Western Cape, South Africa

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