Mental balance
Horses free to think, choose, and speak — so two-way communication stays honest.
Equine Behaviour Centre — Gordon's Bay, South Africa
We don't whisper — we let them speak.
Balance is the key to communication between horse and human. At the Ibalansi Horse Center we build mental, emotional and physical balance — at liberty, at eye-level.
“Balance is not something you find, it's something you create.”
- from Capetown
- 45 min
- Sand Indoor Arena
- 20x35m
- Land
- 1.4ha
- Languages spoken
- EN · DE · AF
Our philosophy
Balance is the key.
Our work is based on one concept: balance. We establish it through unique techniques at liberty — because as long as horses are free, unmasked two-way communication is possible.
Emotional balance
Trust built through body language and positive reinforcement, never force or fear.
Physical balance
Bodies rebalanced patiently, from backing youngsters to restarting off-track thoroughbreds.
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A safe space in any weather — fully enclosed indoor arena with viewing gallery and adjoined stable block.
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The little horse pod — a 3×6m cottage with garden and porch for retreat guests and clients travelling from afar.
Lara-Tabitha Snyman
Founder · Horse psychologist
Originally from near the Black Forest in Germany, Lara studied Animal Psychology with specialisation in horse and dog behaviour. After training in all kinds of methods, she chose to listen to the horses instead — adapting techniques from their own internal and external language, including hands-on work at liberty.
Adam
Co-founder · Guide · Farrier
South African born, Adam graduated in Tourism Management, qualified as a nature guide, and certified in the European F-balance method for barefoot trimming and shoeing. His dream: managing the farm as close to nature's equilibrium as possible.
What we offer
Rooted in trust.
From one-on-one sessions to months-long training stays — every offering starts with listening to the horse.
Training & Rehab
Rehabilitation of so-called problem horses through observation, body language and positive reinforcement — meeting every horse as the individual it is.
Backing & OTTB Restarts
Patient, tailor-made backing of youngsters with minimal stress, plus proven restarts for retired off-track thoroughbreds — mentally and physically rebalanced.
Livery
Species-friendly livery: sociable 3x4m stables, group & individual irrigated grass paddocks, 24/7 supervision, individualised feeding program.
Lessons, Workshops, Clinics & Books
Individual sessions and topic clinics – the lazy or hot horse, trailer loading, vices, bitless riding and more. Regular visits to your home yard.
Warmblood Stud
Small exquisite breeding of the finest dressage bloodlines in South Africa. We have two foals available to pre-approved homes every season. Contact us if you're interested in our exact breeding plans.
Farrier Service
Certified F-balance farrier: barefoot trimming and shoeing shaped by the hoof's own stress lines. Mobile service available on request.
Rates & payment
Grown around you.
Every horse and rider is different, so every quote is individual. Tell us what you need.
1–6 months
Training Stay
Your horse lives and trains at Ibalansi with Lara, five days a week.
- Stabling included
- Individual rehab or schooling plan
- Liberty and ridden work
- Progress updates for owners
Monthly
Horse Livery
Species-friendly full care in a natural herd environment.
- Sociable 3x4m stables
- Irrigated grass paddocks, group & individual
- 24/7 supervision
- Individualised feeding program
Per session
Lessons & Clinics
One-on-one sessions, workshops and clinics — on the farm or at your yard.
- Eye-level horsemanship
- Topic clinics on request
- Monthly travel: CPT, Knysna, Plett
- All levels welcome
All prices are 15% VAT included. Clinics are payable via YOCO card reader. Livery extras (training, clinics, farrier) on request.
Kind words
From the herd.
Notes from riders and owners who found a deeper relationship with their horses.
“The experience of grounding and connecting with my horses on a different level was fascinating and exhilarating. A must do for any equine lover.”
Nina Neeleman
21 August 2017
“Total transformation in just 3 days! From a horse who totally disregarded humans, to a horse who actively seeks out human attention.”
Louise Collier
17 June 2017
“I have never worked with a kinder trainer than Lara. Absolutely passionate about horses.”
Peta Hunter
11 December 2018
Visit us
Come breathe with us.
Please contact us to make your reservation. We reply within 24 hours.
Ibalansi Horse Center (PTY) Ltd
6 Silverstream Rd,
Gordon's Bay, Cape Town 7130, South Africa
34°08'36.0"S 18°54'24.3"E
Finding us
From Cape Town take the N2 past Somerset West toward Gordon's Bay (±45 min). Turn off the N2 towards Gordon's Bay on Sir Lowry's Pass Road, then take the first turn left into Sweetwaters Road. Follow the road until you see the Ibalansi Sign.
Safety for rider and horse comes first: balanced bitless school horses, level-matched instruction, and well-maintained tack.
Say hello.
Questions about training, livery, clinics or the farrier service? Call or write — we love talking horses.
We speak English, German and Afrikaans.