Welcome to Circles in the Sand

Circles in the Sand — A Holistic Equestrian & Leisure Venue
where serenity, quiet courage and deeper connections between nature, humans and animals can be evolved over time.

Nestled just 6 km from Phakalane, and the Phakalane Golf Estate side of Ruretse, Gaborone, Botswana, Circles in the Sand is a peaceful retreat where riders and horses can connect, gain confidence, and build trust together. Here, technical knowledge mingles with mindful horsemanship — nurtured through the core values of Honesty, Courage, Commitment, and Consistency.

Whether you are preparing for a competition, looking to build a stronger connection with your horse, seeking a quiet place to ride, or take some time out from your busy life, you will find a home here.

Our Story

Circles in the Sand is a boutique, independent stable yard affiliated to the Horse Society of Botswana (HSB) as a Graded Competition and Clinic Venue.

Founded by Debra Freeman, an FEI Level 2 Coach with a degree in Psychology, a lifelong passion for horses, and many years of life coaching, the Venue embodies a holistic philosophy — where skill and empathy coexist, and progress grows through patience, trust, honesty and mutual partnership.

Debra’s own journey — surviving three different forms of cancer (sarcoma on the optic nerve, breast cancer, and melanoma), has deepened her appreciation for the fragility, beauty and essence of life.

"Each day is a gift for me, and a chance to share my love, knowledge and life experiences with those around me. I am very blessed to be able to do what I love most in life!"

Circles in the Sand is here for everyone to enjoy - we have a son, Liam, who loves the outdoors and our friends and their families often join us for a day/night of fun, sun, fire and friendship under the stars.

Our Philosophy

At Circles in the Sand, riding is more than movement - it is mindfulness in motion. Our approach is built around three guiding values:

Courage - to face challenges with calm determination, both in and out of the saddle.
Commitment - to show up for yourself and your horse, even on the difficult days.
Consistency - the quiet rhythm that builds trust, skill, and connection over time.

Through these values, riders and horses learn together - moving from uncertainty to confidence, from tension to trust, from effort to ease.

"Courage starts the journey.
Commitment keeps you moving.
Consistency brings you home.”

Debra

Circles not Lines

The name Circles in the Sand was suggested by Debra’s Husband, Peter. Watching how time spent working with horses brings a better understanding and peace to both horse and rider, leaving patterns in the sand representing a mix between the Japanese Karesansui garden and the philosophy behind the Enso circle — a symbol of wholeness, mindfulness, and the beauty of imperfection.

The Enso is never perfectly closed; it reminds us that completion and openness coexist — that life, like riding, is a continuous journey of becoming.

Each ride, each moment of stillness, forms another circle — a rhythm of courage, commitment, and consistency that connects horse and rider in mutual trust and wellbeing.

“At Circles in the Sand, whilst striving for perfection — we always honour our progress with mindful presence, and the quiet grace of consistently returning to our circle.”

What We Offer

Family Events and Leisure Activities

In addition to Equestrian Events, we organize family-friendly activities such as mountain biking and walking, creating a welcoming environment for all horse enthusiasts and leisure seekers. Debra is a Caterer and Event Manager by profession.

Riding Lessons and Coaching

Private and group sessions tailored to each rider’s goals and their horse’s temperament. Ideal for nervous beginners and competitive riders alike.

Horse Training and Schooling

From groundwork to advanced movements, we train with kindness, clarity, and consistency to build trust, balance, confidence and a solid connection between horse and rider. We are able to adapt to suit your specific needs.

Visiting and Short-Term Stabling

Four large, comfortable brick stables are currently available inside our breezy barn for livery / short stays, and 11 shaded, outside stables are available

for visiting horses wishing to attend lessons, clinics, and local events.

Clinics and Workshops

Specialized clinics will be hosted throughout the year to enhance skills, deepen awareness, and foster community.

Keep an eye on our Events and Facebook page to see what is coming up starting from January 2026.

Outrides and Leisure Walks

Peaceful, shady countryside routes stretching for kilometres through the Botswana bushveld are available around us - ideal for endurance / rehabilitation, general fitness and cross training, relaxation, some time out from your busy schedule, and strengthening the bond between horse and rider.

Facilities

Our facilities are designed to specification, with safety, comfort and serenity in mind.

11 outside visiting stables (3.6 m² each) with access to 2 shaded, separate grass paddocks. 4 stables are under roof.
4 brick stables available for livery and short term stays in the main barn.
Visiting groom accommodation and ablution facilities.
Professionally built, separate, watered, raked and maintained sand arenas built to FEI specifications.
Catering for Dressage, Showing and Show Jumping Events.
Access to scenic outrides and open, shady jeep track type terrain.
Ablution facilities and Venue available for camping and events.
CCTV Camera surveillance.

Meet Debra

“True horsemanship is not about being in control.

It is about continuously developing the connection between the two of you, having the courage to take a breath, a short break, or to walk away on days when you know your mind is not in the right space, and things are feeling difficult or overwhelming, and to always maintain safety, integrity, respect and compassion between yourself, your horse and the sport of horse riding and equestrianism at all times.”

Debra is a lifelong Equestrian and international competitor who has represented Botswana in South Africa and Namibia in Dressage, Equitation, and Show Jumping. As an FEI Level 2 Coach, she combines her years of experience with her growing technical expertise and deep intuitive understanding to bring out the best in both horse and rider.

Debra has her Botswana Colours for Dressage, is currently competing at Small Tour on her horse Callaho Guiseppe, and collectively they are the current, Highest Ranked Dressage Rider Combination in Botswana.

Having faced and overcome Cancer on three separate occassions, as well as navigating through some other deep traumatic life altering experiences, Debra has empathy, resilience and a quiet understanding of the challenges that one faces in life. Debra enjoys sharing her life experiences through her teaching and counselling both on and off the horse. Her calm presence, immense patience, and deep insight create a holistic learning space that feels both disciplined yet supportive and nurtures those who engage with her.

Credentials & Achievements:
- Botswana Colours for Dressage
- FEI Level 2 Coach
- Horse Society of Botswana Junior Show Jumping Course Designer
- Learner Panel Dressage Judge
- Highest ridden Dressage Level - Small Tour ( Currently competing at Inter I)
- Highest Show Jumping Level - 1.20M.

Her coaching is guided by the same principles she lives by - courage to start, commitment to grow, and consistency to refine.

A Place to Grow

Circles in the Sand is more than a Stable Yard — it is a Sanctuary offering peace, tranquility, growth, self reflection, and connection.

Whether refining your performance or rediscovering joy in the simple act of riding, you will find the same principles at the heart of everything we do: Courage. Commitment. Consistency. Compassion.

These are not just values — they are the rhythm that shapes our work, our horses, and our lives.