Meet The Team
OWNER & HEAD TRAINER
ANDY TAYLOR
Andy’s passion for horses has taken him all over the world - from the racetracks of Dubai to polo fields in England, and finally back home to Zimbabwe. With years of hands-on experience, Andy now leads the training programme at African HoofBeatz, where he retrains ex-racehorses for new careers in polocrosse, polo, and showjumping.
He believes in thoughtful, tailored horsemanship—where no one method fits all, and every horse is treated as an individual. Whether he’s backing young horses, helping riders build confidence, or coaching on the polocrosse field, Andy is deeply committed to nurturing the bond between horse and rider.
KAREN TAYLOR
OFFICE MANAGER
Karen is the organisational force behind African Hoofbeatz. As Andy’s wife and co-founder, she manages the business side of the programme — coordinating bookings, overseeing logistics, and ensuring every safari and guest stay runs seamlessly.
From arranging horse safaris in the Matobo Hills to handling the finer details of international arrivals, Karen keeps everything on track with care, precision, and a great sense of humour.
ELVIS
HEAD GROOM
Elvis is a dedicated member of the African Hoofbeatz team, known for his quiet reliability and deep care for the horses. He lives on-site with his wife Wanani – who also works on the yard – along with their family, chickens, and some vocal turkeys. Whether it's feeding time, riding out, or lending a hand with stable upkeep, Elvis is an integral part of daily life at the yard.
DONALD
HORSE CARE & GROOM
Donald is a kind and steady presence on the African Hoofbeatz yard. As one of our grooms, he plays an important role in the day-to-day care of the horses — from feeding and grooming to assisting with exercise routines. He’s also a competent rider and regularly joins the team on hacks and fitness rides.
Always willing to pitch in, Donald brings a calm energy to the yard and is a key part of the supportive, hands-on environment that makes African Hoofbeatz special.
WANANI
CHIEF OF YARD
Wanani is a quick learner with a natural affinity for horses and a growing depth of horsemanship knowledge. She brings with her a wealth of traditional African remedies and is often the first to notice when a horse needs a little extra care. Beyond the stables, she plays a key role in keeping the yard running smoothly — always organised, always one step ahead, and not afraid to keep the rest of the team in line when needed!
GABRIELE & CHUKKA
RESIDENT DOGGOS
Chukka is our loyal mixed breed who’s never far from the action snoozing in the sun by the stables. Gabriele, our junior golden retriever, adds some playful charm to the yard with her friendly energy and curious nature. Together, they’re a much-loved part of the African Hoofbeatz team and always ready to greet you with a wagging tail.
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