 On our first moonlight rides of the season we were treated to a magical sight. A memory of magic from our childhood - fireflies!!
Did you know? Glow-Worms & Fireflies. Also known as Lightning bugs and 510Watt worms, Glow-worms and fireflies are in fact neither worms nor flies, but beetles. Fireflies have dedicated light organs located under their abdomens. The insects take in oxygen and, inside special cells, combine it with a substance called luciferin to produce light with almost no heat. Firefly light is usually intermittent, and flashes in patterns that are unique to each species. Each blinking pattern is an optical signal that helps fireflies find potential mates. The adults of glow-worms and fireflies do not feed, but their larvae prey on snails. Did you know that fireflies are disappearing all around the world? Human encroachment and pesticides appear to be the main causes. Considering the expanse of forest and damp terrain in our forest, we hope that “our” colony of fireflies will continue to light our way on night rides!
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This great idea was recently circulating on Facebook and we think it is a Fantastic idea... 
 We regularly take novice guests on our rides, many have never ridden a horse, while others are simply terrified of these large creatures. So many people have been told that "horses sense your fear " - this only serves to increase anxiety levels for most people.
Yes horses are very perceptive animals and do sense fear and anxiety, but most horses are kind animals and are not going to react adversely to your nervousness, particularly if the horses are with a leader they trust, be in human or equine. our guests often giggle or look at us oddly when we remind them to BREATHE! Usually as soon as we say this they exhale deeply and normal colour starts returning.. Why do we say this? Well it is best explained in a few words from the wise man, Monty Roberts - "Breathing is critically important to successfully maintaining low adrenaline levels" It is very difficult to remain tense if you focus on your breathing for just a short while - and when you are relaxed you will enjoy yourself more. Horses don't "smell fear" they react to your fearful reactions - your body gets tense, you hold the reins too tightly and most likely you cant focus on what the coach or horse are trying to tell you. So if you find yourself getting tense in any "scary" situation, focus on your breathing - and you'll be surprised how quickly everything changes! Happy and Safe Riding! from the Horse About team  My family and I went for a wonderful full moon ride with Jo and John from www.horseabout.co.za on Monday evening to experience the full moon. What we saw was so much more. Whilst riding through the dark and magical forest just before the moon came rose illuminate our way, we were treated to a display of fireflies in the veld. What a magical way to enjoy the full moon.
Sadly at 2pm the next morning we were woken by a veld fire accross the valley from us that had been started at White Bridge and can only have been started by a thoughtless smoker. Please think carefully before you throw a but out the window. For some of these special experiences in the Witzenberg valley, book into White Bridge Farm Accommodation and enjoy a ride with horse about or a zipline adventure or any of the many wonderful things to do or resturants to experience, wine to drink etc. We live in a magic place Whitebridge Farm Accommodation, Wolseley |
John & Jo
We are the owners of horseAbout Trails & Adventures in the Western Cape. “We left the premises with heart full of joy, love for these amazing horses and admiration for the lifestyle of John and his family.” Categories
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