ABOUT THE RIDING

Style of Riding: English.

Type of Riding: Safari/Trail-Ride - Long trots and canters. May include small jumps and river crossings. Because you are riding in Big Game country you may need to gallop out of danger.

Type of Tack: Good quality English and Western style trail saddles, each with their own water bottle.

Hours in the Saddle: 4 to 6 hours a day.

Riding Ability Required: Intermediate upwards. You will need to feel competent about keeping up with the group, capable of riding at all paces; rising to the trot and controlling your horse at the canter. You may be required to gallop out of trouble. It will be at the discretion of the company whether you will be permitted to ride, taking into consideration your safety and enjoyment and that of the group as a whole

Maximum Weight: 95kgs (14st7lbs)

Number of Guides per Ride: Up to 3 per ride.

Minimum/Maximum number of riders in group: 2/7.

Looking after the horse: Grooms look after the horses, although you may get more involved at fly-camp.

ABOUT THE HORSES

A variety of Thoroughbreds, Namibian Hanoverians, Arabs and Kalahari-Arabs crosses, ranging from 14 - 16.2 hands. Here are just a few that you might meet.

Ambos - Somewhat a legend, Ambos is the longest serving horse in full time work. He joined AHS in 1996 at Macateer Camp from Namibia and from a showjumping background. Ambos has been an incredible all rounder - lead horse, back up horse and a favourite of male clients - particularly those who hunt and event. At 16.1hh with classic Hanovarian build he's still a forward going horse at 20 with no sign of him retiring yet!

Delta - Never has a horse been more aptly named! This horse loves the water and as he was hand reared in Namibia also loves to play! After 8 years at Macatoo, he is now mainly a lead horse and powers through the floodwaters. A Hanovarian, but lighter in build so almost TB-like, Delta has incredible spirit but is still a baby at heart despite being 18 now.

Ebony - Ebony is the baby. At only 5 and still growing into his Hanovarian frame, he's already 16.2hh. Gradually being brought into work, Ebony mainly does the gentler evening rides with more experienced guests. He enjoys a gentle touch and is coming along beautifully - he loves to please and is tipped to be a real favourite for male and female riders alike. .

Hoopoe - A hard one to catch standing still! This busy little chestnut is named after the bird, the African Hoopoe, because of his colouring and funky uncontrollable mane! Hoopoe came from Zimbabwe in 2001 and was originally trained as a polocrosse pony. With his nimble footwork and ability to turn on a fivepence, he is a very useful TB cross. He's particularly popular with more experienced ladies who are happy to be closer to the front of the ride!

Khwai - Possibly the most popular ride for the girls! This flashy looking, yet incredibly responsive Anglo Arab joined AHS from Gaborone, Botswana in 2003. He came from an endurance competition background and is surprisingly strong for his 15.1hh frame. A natural model and athlete - Khwai is just about the perfect ride.

Kukama - One of our interestingly coloured paints - Kukuma (meaning oryx/gemsbok in Tswana) joined AHS from an area called the Haineveld near Maun. Very nervous to begin with, Kukama has gone from strength to strength and although he has retained his spirit, he's a very surefooted and gentle type who knows his job and is enjoyed by less confident riders.

Kwalata - Kwalata was rescued from Soweto in Johannesburg pulling carts for a living when he was 11 years old. Spotted by a former horse manager of AHS in the sales, AHS jumped at the chance to take on this honest, hardworking dun paint who has been with them since 1999. He is named after the roan antelope for his colouring and is a versatile ride of indeterminate breeding. He is a solid type at 15.3hh who is enjoyed by strong intermediate male guests in particular.

Moko - A naturally beautiful mover with his Trakehner/Arab breeding, Moko (short for Mokolwane, the palm nut from the real fan palm tree) is a classic lady's ride. Not the bravest of souls but certainly one that has tremendous presence with his exuberant paces and comfortable gaits. At 15.2hh and now in his mid teens - Moko is a true professional - keenly aware of all that goes on but a sensible sort with an even temperament.

Motopi - A gentle giant who looks after his riders like no other. At a strong 15.2hh and only 11 years old, this stunning paint came to AHS from Lesotho in 2003 with his half brother Zambezi. Motopi inspires confidence and with his comfortable gaits and relaxed nature, he is a natural for horse safaris.

Tshumo - Tshumo is AHS's smallest horse and the only stallion. His broad white blaze earned him this name and he is the least complicated little horse you could come across. At only 14.2hh he rides like a horse (and, indeed, thinks he is) and is a completely reliable and calm ride - nothing phases him. Before arriving ar AHS in 2005, he worked cattle on a cattlepost in Botswana and was found by Mod, the assistant Horse Manager.