Q: I've never ridden a horse - can you accommodate beginners?
A: Definitely - Our horses are kind & well trained. All the trails are led by us, or an experienced guide, we will not send you off with a novice trail leader. Safety is our first and foremost priority in everything we do. All rides include a brief riding orientation, and we are readily available throughout the ride should you need assistance. We can take nervous riders on a lead rein until they feel more comfortable. We generally keep young children on the lead rein throughout the ride. Read our recommendations here
Q: Do you have a weight restriction?
A: Yes we do. Horses are frequently seen as invincible, strong beings, but like humans, they vary in the strength and ability. Whilst they generously carry us on their backs, it is our responsibility to ensure their comfort and our clients safety. Weight restrictions are important for rider safety too. Whilst our maximum weight limit is 85 kgs on the Scenic Trail and 80 kgs on the Witzenberg Trail, height/weight ratios are considered and the max BMI we can accommodate on the Scenic Trail is 28 and 25 on the Witzenberg Trail . We may request guests are weighed on arrival should we feel we have been given inaccurate information. We can only accommodate 2 riders above 80 kgs in a group, therefore we do request that guests complete the booking form accurately. We highly recommend you read more here
Q: How many people go out on each ride?
A: Our group sizes vary between 6 and 8 guests, usually with 2 guides for a group size over 4 riders, depending on the riding ability of the group.
Q: Can we ride out on our own, without a guide?
A: For safety reasons, all of our rides are guided at this time.
Q: Do you have helmets?
A: Yes we have a selection of helmets available at no extra cost. Children under 18 are required to wear a safety helmet. We suggest that all riders wear a safety helmet.
Q: From what age can my child join on a horse ride?
We have take children from 6 years old out on the trails, children must be able to sit unaided and be confident to sit on a horse. We lead all young children on our "schoolmasters" and they ride right next to one of us throughout the ride.
Q: Can my child ride with me on my horse?
A: Unfortunately not, this is not safe and not permitted.
Q: What should I wear?
A: We suggest wearing closed toe shoes that have a ½-inch heel and are secure to your feet simply so they won't fall off during the ride. Avoid wearing very wide boots or trainers so they don't jam in the stirrups. We also suggest long comfortable pants without zips, buttons etc on the inner leg. Long socks under your trousers can help with chafing if you are doing a longer ride. Shorts are not recommended even in the summer and open toed shoes are not allowed near the horses. Also, please keep in mind that you cannot carry anything loose or cumbersome as backpacks or handbags. We do not provide lockers. Be sure all hats, visors, caps and clothing are snug and fit securely.
Q: Can I bring my pet?
A: Unfortunately not, due to wildlife, livestock and travelling past other homesteads with their own resident dogs, we cannot accommodate any pets at the stables or on the trails.
Q: Do you offer riding instruction?
A: Yes we do! Many of our guests find that they really start enjoying the horse ride more once they have some basics in place and return for a course of instruction. We usually recommend 2 or 3 days depending on your fitness. Tuition packages include riding lessons followed by "putting it into practice" on the trail. There is plenty of accommodation available near to the paddocks so let us arrange a package for you.
Q: I am an experienced rider and do not want to just plod do you offer an 'experienced' ride?
A: Yes indeed, we cater for all levels and abilities. Our horse trail rides are very scenic and the longer trails are through some challenging scenery and we believe that much of the experience of the ride is to enjoy spectacular views and the tranquility of nature, while learning about the environment. However our longer trails include trot and canter sections, ideal for the riders who like to feel the freedom of open spaces. We always adjust the speed of the ride to the slowest guest and as you will most likely be riding with other people, please do not overestimate your riding ability. We highly recommend reading more here or asking for our booking form.
Q: What are your opening hours?
A: We are open 7 days a week throughout the year, weather permitting. Our trail times vary according to the season and we will confirm this with you at the time of booking. Please note all horse rides are by appointment.
Q: Do you have credit card facilities?
A: Unfortunately not, payment is via EFT or cash.
Q: Do you offer private rides/tours?
A: Yes we do - these are always costed on an individual basis depending on the number of participants and the final itinerary. We can arrange picnic and sunset rides or a rendezvous at a romantic spot.. just let us know and we will try to arrange it!
Q: When is the best time to visit the Witzenberg area? (Tulbagh, Wolseley, Ceres)
Due to its Mediterranean climate the Cape is a pleasure to visit throughout the year. Summer months are from December to April, keep in mind that the days can be very hot for riding between December and March, which is why we like to make an early or late start. Whilst rainy days might cancel some days riding, we love the the turn of the seasons and there is nothing quite like a sunshine winters day, the weather is cool and the country side covered in green, the spring flowers start appearing from July through to October.
A: Definitely - Our horses are kind & well trained. All the trails are led by us, or an experienced guide, we will not send you off with a novice trail leader. Safety is our first and foremost priority in everything we do. All rides include a brief riding orientation, and we are readily available throughout the ride should you need assistance. We can take nervous riders on a lead rein until they feel more comfortable. We generally keep young children on the lead rein throughout the ride. Read our recommendations here
Q: Do you have a weight restriction?
A: Yes we do. Horses are frequently seen as invincible, strong beings, but like humans, they vary in the strength and ability. Whilst they generously carry us on their backs, it is our responsibility to ensure their comfort and our clients safety. Weight restrictions are important for rider safety too. Whilst our maximum weight limit is 85 kgs on the Scenic Trail and 80 kgs on the Witzenberg Trail, height/weight ratios are considered and the max BMI we can accommodate on the Scenic Trail is 28 and 25 on the Witzenberg Trail . We may request guests are weighed on arrival should we feel we have been given inaccurate information. We can only accommodate 2 riders above 80 kgs in a group, therefore we do request that guests complete the booking form accurately. We highly recommend you read more here
Q: How many people go out on each ride?
A: Our group sizes vary between 6 and 8 guests, usually with 2 guides for a group size over 4 riders, depending on the riding ability of the group.
Q: Can we ride out on our own, without a guide?
A: For safety reasons, all of our rides are guided at this time.
Q: Do you have helmets?
A: Yes we have a selection of helmets available at no extra cost. Children under 18 are required to wear a safety helmet. We suggest that all riders wear a safety helmet.
Q: From what age can my child join on a horse ride?
We have take children from 6 years old out on the trails, children must be able to sit unaided and be confident to sit on a horse. We lead all young children on our "schoolmasters" and they ride right next to one of us throughout the ride.
Q: Can my child ride with me on my horse?
A: Unfortunately not, this is not safe and not permitted.
Q: What should I wear?
A: We suggest wearing closed toe shoes that have a ½-inch heel and are secure to your feet simply so they won't fall off during the ride. Avoid wearing very wide boots or trainers so they don't jam in the stirrups. We also suggest long comfortable pants without zips, buttons etc on the inner leg. Long socks under your trousers can help with chafing if you are doing a longer ride. Shorts are not recommended even in the summer and open toed shoes are not allowed near the horses. Also, please keep in mind that you cannot carry anything loose or cumbersome as backpacks or handbags. We do not provide lockers. Be sure all hats, visors, caps and clothing are snug and fit securely.
Q: Can I bring my pet?
A: Unfortunately not, due to wildlife, livestock and travelling past other homesteads with their own resident dogs, we cannot accommodate any pets at the stables or on the trails.
Q: Do you offer riding instruction?
A: Yes we do! Many of our guests find that they really start enjoying the horse ride more once they have some basics in place and return for a course of instruction. We usually recommend 2 or 3 days depending on your fitness. Tuition packages include riding lessons followed by "putting it into practice" on the trail. There is plenty of accommodation available near to the paddocks so let us arrange a package for you.
Q: I am an experienced rider and do not want to just plod do you offer an 'experienced' ride?
A: Yes indeed, we cater for all levels and abilities. Our horse trail rides are very scenic and the longer trails are through some challenging scenery and we believe that much of the experience of the ride is to enjoy spectacular views and the tranquility of nature, while learning about the environment. However our longer trails include trot and canter sections, ideal for the riders who like to feel the freedom of open spaces. We always adjust the speed of the ride to the slowest guest and as you will most likely be riding with other people, please do not overestimate your riding ability. We highly recommend reading more here or asking for our booking form.
Q: What are your opening hours?
A: We are open 7 days a week throughout the year, weather permitting. Our trail times vary according to the season and we will confirm this with you at the time of booking. Please note all horse rides are by appointment.
Q: Do you have credit card facilities?
A: Unfortunately not, payment is via EFT or cash.
Q: Do you offer private rides/tours?
A: Yes we do - these are always costed on an individual basis depending on the number of participants and the final itinerary. We can arrange picnic and sunset rides or a rendezvous at a romantic spot.. just let us know and we will try to arrange it!
Q: When is the best time to visit the Witzenberg area? (Tulbagh, Wolseley, Ceres)
Due to its Mediterranean climate the Cape is a pleasure to visit throughout the year. Summer months are from December to April, keep in mind that the days can be very hot for riding between December and March, which is why we like to make an early or late start. Whilst rainy days might cancel some days riding, we love the the turn of the seasons and there is nothing quite like a sunshine winters day, the weather is cool and the country side covered in green, the spring flowers start appearing from July through to October.