30/10/2025
Dear Living Waters Family,
It is with very full hearts that we write to share some important news. After many wonderful years here in Cootehill, Living Waters Equestrian will be closing its doors. Our last day of riding lessons will be Thursday, the 13th of November, and the last day of livery will be the 30th of November.
This has been one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to make. Over the years, we have watched young riders grow from wide-eyed beginners into confident teenagers — and later into mums and dads bringing their own children to ride with us. We have shared laughter, tears, triumphs, and countless muddy boots. From summer camps and riding lessons to therapy sessions, tours, and expeditions, every single moment has meant the world to us.
We have been blessed beyond measure by the people who have come through our gates — riders, parents, volunteers, and supporters — each one leaving a mark on our hearts. We have truly loved and appreciated every smile, every pony ride, every shared cup of tea, and every latenight chat in the yard.
The reason for this decision lies in our growing international commitments in South Africa. Over the past months, our horses and riders there have begun competing at a global level, and as our equestrian operations expand, we need all hands on deck. The current (and very costly!) rhythm of traveling between South Africa and Ireland every six weeks has simply become unsustainable — especially with the upcoming competition and performance season requiring the fulltime attention of both Mieke and myself.
Please know this is not goodbye forever, and certainly not a farewell to Ireland - we are still very much continuing our Irish lives and we are not returning to South Africa fulltime — but we do need to be realistic about how to give both our Irish family and our international commitments the attention they deserve. Continuing both at once would not do justice to the wonderful people who make Living Waters what it is. We will focus and keep our equestrian ventures in South Africa and our administration and therapeutic/education focus in Ireland.
As we prepare for this next chapter, we invite everyone to enjoy these last few weeks with us. Please don’t miss your final lessons — we want to take the time to say proper goodbyes, share stories, and celebrate all we’ve built together.
We’re also pleased to share that this change brings some exciting opportunities. A number of our beautifully trained horses and ponies will be available for sale — just in time for Christmas. Among them are our beloved Lilly, our superstar cob who has been with us since the very beginning, the lovely Sally, and our two thoroughbred broodmares Agatha and Daphne, along with a few others.
Our donkeys – Peek-a-Boo, Bubbles, Betty, Stanley and Noah as well as our Mule, Mulan, are all also up for adoption (subject to homecheck by the Donkey-sanctuary) and the same goes for Covey and Dudley. Our ponies are AMAZING as you all know!
In addition, all equipment and tack — including saddles, bridles, jumping poles, wings, buckets, wheelbarrows, and everything related to running the riding school — will be up for sale. And for those who may be interested, Luke’s car, my Audi, and Mieke’s VW Beetle will also be available for purchase as we are investing in another little runner that doesn't need to pull a horsebox.
Though Living Waters Equestrian is closing, our spirit of adventure continues through E-Quest International Equestrian Expeditions. We warmly welcome anyone who would like to join us for unforgettable riding adventures in Africa. We also have a busy Equestrian competition season planned in Belgium and Western Australia over the next Summer.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you — for every memory, every lesson, every bit of love and laughter that has filled our yard over the years. You have made Living Waters so much more than a riding school; you’ve made it a family, a community, and a home.
We wish each and every one of you the very best in your continued riding journeys. May your paths always be filled with strong horses, good friends, and the same joy and courage you’ve brought to us. We look forward to seeing you all excel and shine in the years to come — and we hope our paths will cross again, whether here in Ireland or under the African sun.
Please understand that this has been a tremendously difficult decision for us to make.
We love you all.
With heartfelt love and endless gratitude.
Annemie & Mieke🌹🌷
