We would like to take this opportunity to thank Karen Steytler for her 16 years of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to the care and welfare of our precious horses at the Kempton Park Quarantine Station.

Karen’s passion, compassion and years of experience have made a lasting impact and her contribution will always be valued and appreciated.

Thank you, Karen, for the care, dedication and love you have given to so many horses over the years. We wish you happiness and success!

Here’s a bit about Karen:

My love for animals began at a young age. I often drove my parents crazy by sneaking sick and injured stray animals into the house and nursing them back to health. This early passion grew into a lifelong commitment to animal care and welfare.

From 2001, I gained valuable hands-on experience as the owner of The Manor Equestrian in Kempton Park. In 2009, I further expanded my experience when I was employed as the Stable Manager at the Equine Import Quarantine Station in Kempton Park. In 2021, I qualified as an Animal Health Technician, strengthening the practical knowledge and experience I had built up over many years working with animals.

From 2009 until December 2025, the Equine Import Quarantine Station was a very important part of my life. During those years, I was responsible for the care and welfare of hundreds of horses passing through quarantine, always ensuring that their health, safety and well-being remained a priority.

Working closely with Dr Jeanne De Villiers, Dr Heleen Engelbrecht, agents, grooms and quarantine personnel was an invaluable part of my journey. My responsibilities extended far beyond the daily care of the horses. They included assisting with feeding programmes, maintenance and facility expansions, overseeing the loading and offloading of horses, training grooms, and ensuring that veterinary treatment programmes were followed through carefully and consistently.

Another significant milestone was the introduction of the first vector quarantine protocol at the Kempton Park quarantine station, marking an important chapter in its history.

Quarantine has been much more than a workplace to me. It has been a place of learning, growth, dedication and countless experiences that have shaped both my professional career and my personal life. Every horse that passed through the facility reinforced the importance of patience, compassion, responsibility and teamwork in equine care.

As I close this chapter of my life, quarantine will always hold a special place in my heart. After many years of commitment and service, I feel it is time to entrust the responsibility to a younger generation. I leave with gratitude for the experiences, the people I have worked alongside, and the opportunity to have played a part in the care and welfare of so many horses.

I wish everyone at the quarantine station every success and all the very best for the years ahead. Although I am moving on, my passion for animals and my commitment to their welfare will always remain a part of who I am.