ABOUT THE RIDING

Style of Riding: English.

Type of Riding: Safari/Trail-Ride - Ride speed is dictated by the riders but most days include long periods of trot and canter and some opportunities to jump. The going is mostly soft and sandy, with some areas of rocky lave flow. There are a great variety of ecosystems, from the vast open space of flat savannah plains, to acacia forests and then the hills themselves, which run for about 40 miles and have thick mist forests on the top.

Type of Tack: The horses are ridden in snaffle bridles and Wintec GP saddles. Some South African trail rider saddles, a hybrid between English and western, are also available.

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

Riding Ability Required: Novice upwards. You should be comfortable at all paces and be able to sit to a horse shying. Although you are riding in big game country, the game is quite unaccustomed to people so it tends to move away. You should be fit enough to ride between 4 and 6 hours a day.

Maximum Weight: 95kgs (14st7lbs)

Number of Guides per Ride: 2.

Minimum/Maximum number of riders in group: 2/8.

Looking after the horse: You are not expected to groom or tack up but may assist with the grooming if you would like to.

ABOUT THE HORSES

The herd of 20 includes South African Boerpeds, thoroughbreds, TB crosses and Somali ponies. Most of the horses are around 15hh or over but there are four ponies for those who prefer something smaller. All of the horses are well trained and very used to wildlife. Here are a few of the horses you might meet.

Unconditional - 16hh, 15 yearold TB mare. Unconditional is a forward going and responsive horse, with a great jump and lovely paces. Suits experienced riders as she is an athletic and powerful horse. Good mouth and is great for dressage, show jumping and safaris.

Maya - 16hh, 8 yearold TB mare. A dark bay mare, Maya is an extremely attractive horse. She is forward going with a lovely mouth, and enjoys jumping. She suits an experienced rider and is very comfortable and responsive

Leeward - 16.1hh, 20 year old TB mare. Leeward is a forward going ex-race horse with active paces. She is a nice dressage horse and show jumper, who does really well as an advanced riders hack. She does not often go on safari as she finds it hard to keep weight on under duress.

Birthday Boy - 16 hh TB x Polo pony. BB is a three year old gelding who is just coming into his own. Extremely sensible and relaxed, he has fantastic paces and is a lovely ride. Due to his age he needs an experienced rider who gives him his head and does not get in his way. He has just started to learn to jump

Zulu - 5 yearold Boerped gelding. Often used as Patrick's guide horse, Zulu is a scopey, athletic horse. He enjoys being near the front of the ride and is extremely confident over jumps and around game. He needs an experienced rider to really enjoy his full range of potential.

Mshale - 15.2hh, 6 year old Boerped gelding. A very handsome horse, Mshale is well suited to intermediate or advanced riders. He has a wonderfully comfortable canter and a very sensible and kind temperament. A perfect safari horse.

Mashushu - 16.3hh, grey, homebred American saddler x Anglo Arab. Mashushu is very chilled, and riding him has been described as floating on an Egrets feather. Very smoothed gaited he prefers to be ridden with hardly any contact. Our best swimmer, a real water baby being born to it.

Mawingu - 15hh, 4 yearold Boerped gelding. Mawingu is a very sweet and straight forward horse who suits intermediate to advanced ladies. He has small paces but a lovely way of going and a soft mouth. He has a good jump and a great temperament

Mwezi - 15.2hh, 5 year old Boerped gelding. Often used as Nicola's guide horse, Mwezi is an extremely capable and comfortable horse. He has fabulous paces and does not mind being at the back or the front. He prefers to be ridden on a loose rein and likes a sensitive rider who does not pull him around too much.

Shaba - 15.1hh, 4 yearold Boerped gelding. Fast becoming a favourite here, Shaba is a lovely ride for intermediate and advanced riders. He is very easy-going and likes to be ridden on a loose rein. A great temperament and forward going paces.