ABOUT THE RIDING

Style of Riding: Most horses can be neck reined and can therefore be ridden English or relaxed American style with loose reins. The only exception is the racehorses used for the beach ride at Noordhoek, which have to be ridden with contact.

Type of Riding: Trail Ride. The terrain varies every day - from beach and wetland to huge rolling wheat fields; from the semi desert of the Karoo to the mountains. The pace varies according to the terrain but there are ample opportunities for plenty of canters and the occasional gallop.

Type of Tack: Mclellan's, Western and English GPs are all used - dependent on the stable. At Noordhoek 'race training' saddles are used. These are much smaller and flater than a standard GP.

Hours in the Saddle: 4 to 7 hours per day.

Riding Ability Required: Intermediate Upwards. Riders must be proficient in rising trot and canter and should have some outride experience. Riders will always have the choice to retire after lunch making their way back with the support vehicle, while their horse is ridden back by one of the grooms. This ensures that not so fit riders can also enjoy this horse trail.

Maximum Weight: 95kgs (15st)

Number of Guides per Ride: 1 increasing to 1 plus groom for groups of 3 or more.

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

Looking after the horse: Guests are not expected to groom or tack up but you may assist at lunchtime and in the evening if you wish.

ABOUT THE HORSES

The four different stables used on this ride have a minimum of 14 and up to a maximum of 24 horses stabled. The breeds vary from stable to stable in tune with the specific terrain you will have to cover and range from TB to American Saddlebreds and from Arab/Warmblood crosses to tough South African Boerperds.