ABOUT THE RIDING

Style of Riding: English style with loose rein - the horses respond to leg aids and neck reining.

Type of Riding: Centre-based/Safari/Expedition. Due to the mountainous and rugged terrain the pace is mainly walking and trotting but it is challenging riding. There are extended periods of standing up in the saddle climbing the ancient elephant paths to the top of mountains and lots of river crossings. Flat and faster riding can be arranged on request at Siya Farm (the Varden's base) approx 8km from camp.

Type of Tack: Mainly English GPs and Australian stock saddles although there are also some Mclellan and Trailmasters

Hours in the Saddle:5 to 7 hours per day on the itinerary shown - but this is dependent on your requirements.

Riding Ability Required: Intermediate upward. Beginner and Novice riders can be accommodated at Kopje Tops and go on shorter rides from the lodge.

Maximum Weight: 95kgs (15st) if experienced, 80kgs (13st) if novice.

Number of Guides per Ride: 1 professional guide and 1 groom. On our wilderness ride the guide carries a rifle and a satellite phone.

Minimum/Maximum number of riders in group: 2/6

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

ABOUT THE HORSES

The herd of 37 includes TBs and TB crosses, Boerperds and farm bred polocrosse ponies. They range in size from 14.3hh to 16hh.

Cody - Chestnut gelding, 15.2hh. An energetic, enthusiastic, willing to please horse, Cody loves to be in the front leading the way. Superb mount for experienced riders

Champion - Bay mare 15hh. Suitable for intermediate to experienced riders.

Jomo - Dark bay gelding, TBx, 16.1hh. A good looking youngster who is turning out to be a nice ride.

Fortress - Grey gelding. Fortress loves cross country events and playing polocrosse. Full of beans and eager to go.

Fdundgwe - Grey gelding, 15.2hh, TBx. Bred by one of Zimbabwe's top polocrosse players Fdundgwe never got to play due to the resettlement program in Zimbabwe. Broken in as a 2 year old, he spent the next 3 years languishing in a paddock until he came to Varden safaris as a green 5 year old. He has a lovely temperament and is an ideal character for a safari horse.

Watersport - Grey, 15.2hh TB. Very self assured, Watersport is extremely competitive and likes to lead the ride. He is often used by the guide on safaris.

John - 15hh. Rescued off a farm during the resettlements, very little of John's history is known. He is a nice, steady and reliable ride and ideal for novice or nervous riders.