It’s sitting on my mantelpiece all silver and shiny. It has pride of place for a very good reason. I recently got back in the saddle and rode to victory at a horse show in Kenya. I have to give the trophy back at some stage, but the memories will live forever. So how did I fulfil a childhood dream, in East Africa of all places?

Well, the answer lies a short drive from the centre of Kampala along the Gayaza Road. You would never guess it was there, these things are usually found deep in European countryside. But as you head towards the main entrance it opens out in all its glory, an equestrian centre, that’s fast becoming one of the most popular attractions outside of the city, Flametree Stables.

Built on 20 acres of breathtaking woodland, the site is home to dozens of magnificent Flametrees which have given the stables their name. It’s a paradise for any horse mad enthusiast young and old alike.

Now I have to declare a vested interest. Flametree Stables is owned and run by my sister Miranda Bowser. What she’s achieved in the African countryside is remarkable. Don’t take my word for it, go and see for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.

If you like me have ever ridden in England you’ll have experienced the riding school nag who wouldn’t move if a bomb had been detonated. By contrast the first thing that strikes you is the quality of the ponies and horses. Pendragon, Purdey and Pinocchio, are alert and athletic. This is a 5 star establishment and it shows in their glossy coats and bright eyes.

It’s a busy place, alive to the sound of children laughing and imploring Miranda, Robin and Jardial to let them stay in the saddle, just a little bit longer. They always say yes, as they are soft like that. The children genuinely love them, and lessons are great fun. Whether its beginners learning in the sand arena for the first time or more experienced riders trying their hand at dressage or show jumping, there’s something for everyone. Riding round the cross country course was a particular highlight for me, but if you want to just explore the beautiful countryside a leisurely hack might suit you better.

The stables have been open for a year now and continue to go from strength to strength. The Flametree staff are in demand with as many as 60 children and 30 adults riding regularly. Many arrive not knowing one end of a horse from another, but develop quickly into accomplished riders.

It’s gone so well, that several riders from Flametree are now making a name for themselves competing in Kenya. Several times a year they make the long journey to Nairobi or Nanyuki to take on the best in East Africa, and more than often come out on top.

Katie Bowser is one such rising star. She may be my niece and I’m slightly biased, but her silverware proves just how good she is. At the ‘Horse of the Year Show’ in December she won 15 trophies and became the first child ever to be crowned overall ‘Grand Champion Under Saddle’. It was a tremendous accolade both for her and the work done at Flametree Stables. But she’s not alone. Other young riders from Uganda like Liam Walker and his sister Kayleigh, regularly waltz off with the top prizes on their horses Cochise and Flying Fox along with their friends Geoff, Charlie and Nina Morley. Too modest to admit it, but Miranda has also won her fair share of rosettes of late on her horse Geronimo.

It’s not so long ago that there were no horses in Uganda at all. Miranda with businessman and friend Sudhir Ruparelia were the first to bring them back into the country 14 years ago at Sudhir’s stables at Munyonyo. Miranda’s vision at Gayaza has simply taken it to the next level.

It’s a total gem. Go on, head out to Gayaza and live the dream, just like me.

For more information, please contact:-
Flametree Stables
Kijabiijo Village, Gayaza Road, Kampala
Mobile: +256 776 700696 / +256 776 700697.
Email: flametreestables@gmail.com