About
Meet Melanie & Paul Taljaard
Willow & Withers Stables is owned and operated by Paul and Melanie Taljaard.
Nestled in the picturesque Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, our horse boarding barn offers an idyllic retreat for your equine companions. Surrounded by wide open spaces and stunning views of North Mountain, this facility emphasizes comfort and safety. Our clean, up-to-date amenities include a spacious outdoor arena and a bright indoor riding arena, perfect for training and enjoyment year-round. With open stalls accommodating up to 25 horses, we provide a welcoming environment where horses can thrive and riders can enjoy their passion amidst breathtaking scenery. Experience the perfect blend of nature and equine care at our premier horse boarding facility.
Melanie and Paul Taljaard
Melanie and Paul Taljaard are the passionate owners of Willow & Withers, a premier horse boarding facility in the breathtaking Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. With over a decade of experience in horse boarding, they are dedicated horse owners who understand the intricacies of equine care and the importance of meeting the diverse needs of both horses and their owners.
As seasoned business professionals, Melanie and Paul have seamlessly blended their entrepreneurial expertise with their love for horses to create a nurturing environment at Willow & Withers. They take immense pride in the upkeep of the facility, ensuring that every aspect reflects their commitment to excellence. Since taking over the facility a few years ago, they have implemented numerous upgrades, including enhanced mud control, a round pen, adding shelters to all paddocks, improved lighting both inside and outside, upgraded fencing, and the addition of video surveillance for the safety and comfort of the horses.
Our Background
Despite their demanding full-time careers, Melanie and Paul devote significant time to the care of the horses on their property, showcasing their dedication to bringing their vision for Willow & Withers to life. Their unwavering commitment to the well-being of both horses and their owners is the cornerstone of the exceptional experience they provide, making Willow & Withers not just a stable, but a true home for every horse and rider.
Melanie was born and raised in Nova Scotia and never spent any significant amount of time in a saddle until her daughter Madison wanted to take up riding lessons at the age of 8. Together these two navigated riding lessons, leasing a horse and finally buying a small property to accommodate 3 horses in Fall River, Nova Scotia. Since that first beginner riding lesson more than a decade ago, Melanie has been making up for late start with horses.
Paul hails from South Africa where he spent his first 25 years and then left to travel Europe and ultimately followed Melanie back to Nova Scotia. While Paul enjoys the presence of horses, he has racked up significantly more time on the tractor than in the saddle. Paul is also a favourite of the horses as he is truly the ‘hay guy’ who shows up with hay and feed and never asks much of the horses.
Beyond the saddle, Melanie runs a small Digital Marketing Agency and Paul is the Branch Manager of Berg Industrial.
