ABOUT THE RIDING

Style of Riding: The horses are well schooled in English riding and responsive. Most of the horses are able to neck rein.

Type of Riding: Safari/Trail-Ride - You can expect very little trotting because of the saddles used. There are plenty of slow to half pace canters and at least one flat out gallop. The elephants create a number of natural fences so expect plenty of jumping over logs and ditches. The terrain is very varied, up and down steep river banks, across sandy open plains and through thick bushveld.

Type of Tack: South African Mclellens or Australian stock saddles.

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

Riding Ability Required: Intermediate upwards. It is also an advantage if you are riding fit and used to long hours in the saddle. This is Big Game country and fast, evasive action may be required. Please note, that no novices can be taken and you will be dismounted if your riding ability is not sufficient or a threat to the rest of the group

Maximum Weight: 95kg (14st 7lbs)

Number of Guides per Ride: 2 guides per ride.

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

Looking after the horse: Guests are not expected to groom, feed and tack up their horse but are welcome to assist.

ABOUT THE HORSES

The horses used on safari have been individually chosen for their temperament and suitability. The herd of 35 includes Shire x TB, Registered Boerperds and South African and Namibian warmbloods. They range in height from 15hh to 17hh. Here are a few of those you might meet.

Ajax - 15.2hh and 5 years old he is a forward going horse who will jump anything, very bold across country but can be a bit strong.

Rambo - 15.1hh and 7 years old he is a registered Appaloosa. Very smooth and quite laid back; he has a good pop in him though.

Albany - 15 hh and 5 years old he is a registered Boerpherd. He is a gentle and very honest horse and will always try to please you.

Bantu - 16.1hh and 8 years old, he is a very comfortable and laid back horse. Having been a lead horse he is happy to hang out wherever you want.

Mercury - 16hh and 10 years old, possibly part Morgan, has a very soft mouth and long floaty stride. This would make a show horse of note.

Selous - 15.1hh and 8 years old, is a little TB cross and technically the best jumper in the barn if you can ride him. He is very sensitive and ticklish too.

Big John - 15.1hh and 6 years old. A real character - he is known for squealing on the way down banks and is a very talented jumper with a long stride.

Mercedes - 15hh and 7 years old, a registered Boerpherd. Known as the pocket rocket! Very sensitive mouth, likes to work with weight aids and leg aids.

Coolmore - 16.2hh and 7 years old, he is Louise's pride and joy. Having mastered flying changes this year Louise is desperate to compete with him.