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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
South Africa
Intro to South Africa
The Cape Waterberg Waterberg/Mashatu Wild Coast
Africa Overview
Botswana
Mozambique
Namibia
Zambia
Zimbabwe
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Southern Cape Treks
The Cape
South Africa
Hidden Trails is happy to offer a great coastal horse trek just outside of bustling and beautiful Cape Town (110 miles), in the Western Cape’s stunning, unspoiled Overberg region! The lovely 4-star luxurious country inn offers horse trails the travel through the local national parks, nature reserves, the Walker Bay Conservancy and some of the earliest routes forged by historical settlers. You will ride along miles beautiful beach, climb rugged mountainous terrain, wander through indigenous forest, cross private farms and vineyards, and even swim with your horse in the dam lakes filled with the purest mountain water. An astounding array of unique fynbos flora (the region is a renowned for being the Cape Floral Kingdom - a World Heritage site), partially endemic bird life, and the Southern Right Whales await you! Galloping along the shores of the pristine Walker Bay at any time of the year is exhilarating, but between July and December, you will likely see the whales breaching and playing in the ocean - less than 100 meters away!
By far the best way to discover its richness and diversity is by horseback through this extraordinary botanical wilderness! The horses here are local South African cross-breeds (Arabian and Boerperd blood). Surefooted, enduring and fully adapted to the environment with regard to grazing, climate and terrain, they are the key to a most fulfilling opportunity to ride through the wondrous nature of the region. The horses roam freely as a herd in the reserve of the farm, part of the Walker Bay Conservancy, and live and function in a fully natural state, moving from pasture to pasture nibbling from the natural growing wild shrubs and adding essential ingredients to their diet. What applies to them, applies to the entire operation: “In company of horses, in balance with nature.” You could not ask for a more ideal partner and friend for the trail days ahead in not only a truly breath taking part of South Africa, but a magical place in the world.
The cuisine prepared for you on this special Cape riding vacation will always have strong local flavors and a high organic content, coupled very nicely by a glass of one of the splendid regional wines. After all, this area is the newest wine region of South Africa: the Agulhas Wine Region! Blessed with excellent soil conditions and cooling evening sea breezes, the Agulhas Wine Region produces award winning products!
Highlights...
- Vast stretches of pristine nature, untouched by man
- Ever changing landscapes of the Cape Floral Kingdom
- Long beach canters and rides through white dunes
- Riding over fynbos covered mountains, through vineyards and farms lands
- Swimming with your horse in the sea or in a dam
- Whales in Walker Bay (July – December)
- Walker Bay Nature Reserve and other (private) reserves of the Walker Bay Conservancy
- Traversing old pioneer wagon routes
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Progressive Ride (no camping) Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Gansbaai
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Airport:
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Cape Town
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Transfer:
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Gansbaai
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
8 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates include:
Accommodations in 4 star country house, all meals, riding program.
| | 2013 | 5 day Getaway, AP - 3 riding days | 5d / 4n | R0 | $0 |
Trhese trips are available any time during the year with 2+ riders - on request.
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Rates do not include:
Alcoholic beverages.
HORSE TRAILS | 6 NIGHT ITINERARY
5 days riding – 6 nights accommodation
Day 1: Transfer to the 4* country inn and farm
Arrival at early afternoon, dinner first included meal.
Day 2: Ride to Baviaansfontyn (Bodhi Khaya) | 3-4 hours
A shortish day through the fynbos mountains along the Kraaibosch dam, through lower valley, a large valley filled with indigenous forests and is a UNESCO supported project for sustainable fynbos harvesting and education. Overnight at Bodhi Khaya.
Day 3: Baviaansfontyn Meander | 2-3 hours
This ride is a circular route around Baviaansfontyn and includes walking along mountain streams, passing by and through Milkwood and Afro-Montane forest on the way to climbing Mount Dyer for breathtaking views of the ocean. Ride can be done morning or afternoon. The remainder of the day is spent lounging, reading and eating in the wonderful valley of Bodhi Khaya. Or treat yourself to a massage or Shiatsu. Here there is no mobile phone reception and the stillness is all encompassing! Overnight at Bodhi Khaya.
Day 4: Baviaansfontyn to Stanford River Lodge | 5 hours
We will pass through Grootbos Fynbos Nature Reserve, famous as a botanical hotspot. Before we reach De Kelders (Gansbaai - a fishing village and known as "Great White Shark Capital") we will head west through the coastal shrubland and traverse the vast magical, almost surreal, sand drifts (Grys Dunes) of die Plaat. The mysterious landscape will give way to the beach and we ride through the Walker Bay Nature Reserve to the unspoilt white sand of the Walker Bay whale sanctuary. This is arguably the best land based area in the world to watch Southern Right whales (June to December)! Admire these magnificent creatures and their ‘aquabatic’ displays, splashing, crashing and blowing, breaching, lob tailing, spy hopping and sailing close to shore. Even if the whales are not nearby, enjoy the thrill of beach gallops on your horse! Halfway to Hermanus, we turn into the Dunes and head for the Kleinriver and the oasis of Stanford. Overnight at Stanford River Lodge with time to swim and canoe in the river.
Day 5: Beach ride to lagoon mouth | 3-4 hours
A day of some leisure. Fast paced half day ride coming back to laze on the rivers edge, eat and replenish. Overnight at Stanford River Lodge.
Day 6: Stanford River lodge to 4* country inn and farm | 6-7 hours
This is the longest day! A full 35km takes us back along the beach, through dunes and over 2 mountain ranges. Arriving back at the farm we ease the aches with a final evening of comfort, good food and drink.
Day 7: Departure back to Cape Town!
Good byes after breakfast!
--details subject to change as necessary!
Trail itineraries are also available for shorter stays! Please inquire!
Meeting:
Gansbaai
Airport:
Cape Town
Transfer:
Gansbaai
Distance:
120 miles
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Tack:
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English bridle with snaffle and endurance saddles (Mclellan types)
Riding caps are provided.
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Horses:
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Boereperd, Arabian, South African crosses and Friesian crosses.
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Pace:
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4 - 7 hrs per day - moderate walk, trot and canter according to riding level.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
70
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
8 riders
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The Power of Freedom
The southern Overberg region is blessed with space. This space allows us to have
horses roaming on 450 acres of farmland, in a natural herd, moving freely while
grazing and browsing over the indigenous vegetation.
It is this freedom that allows them to explore and learn what is around
them. Following the lead mare, the herd moves as one, finding security in
numbers and strong social bonds. There is a very organized hierarchical
structure, with each horse knowing its place in the herd. This in turn breeds a
trust which is transferred by the horse to its rider, who is then able to
experience what it is like to be part of such a collective.
The Trails
The trails are focused on traveling by horse from one destination to
another, over rugged terrain, becoming aware of moving close to nature and
sensing what is the most efficient way to cover a distance. In our frenetic
modern day world we whizz by things, but journeying by horse and being freed
from having to feel at the ground beneath us, you have a chance to absorb the nature,
listen to its sounds and gaze endlessly upon the views. Our trails go through varying terrain. Distances of up to 45km a day will include beach, dune, rugged mountain, streams and wetlands. Through fields of fynbos, up rocky slopes or galloping on the beach, our horses need to be sure footed, fleet and enduring.
The Horses
The horses range as a natural herd over the amazing 800 hectares of the farm with
an intimate and instinctive knowledge and of the local shrubs, herbs and grasses.
Neither corralled nor stabled, they are alert and in tune with their environment
and free of stress, thereby ideally suited for the type of trails that we
undertake. The type of horse is the key to this natural horse management and
journeying. The South African crossbreeds are well adapted to their environment.
Hardy and agile, they move over all terrain and remain outdoors through all
seasons, using their natural inner mechanisms to deal with the changes in weather.
Strong and forward going, they are enjoyable to ride. Secure in the herd dynamics, the horses are gentle and even tempered,
well-equipped to deal with the noises and movements around them as they ride
through valley, mountain or beach. Ranging from 15.2 to 16.2 hands, they will carry a weight up to 95kg
over the wild terrain. There are 16 working horses with varying temperaments and
speed. to choose from. and the horses are available for beginners up to advanced riders. New
trail horses are always recruited from the farm's free roaming herd. Once they are strong and
developed enough, foals start to accompany their mothers on out-rides and learn
the trade “on the job”. Temperament varies from bombproof to lively, allowing for proper matching
of rider skill to horse. This makes for a rewarding experience without pushing
boundaries of safety. Horses and humans have been partners for thousands of years. It is this
relationship that gives respect to the horse for its capabilities and its
willingness to carry us, remembering that its instinctive nature is as a plains
animal and not as a domesticated one.
The Tack and Attire
We are equipped with general English Style tack. Saddles used are: General Purpose
English, Australian Stock, Universal Military and Trail Riders. No Western
available - sorry! Horses are ridden with snaffle bits. Hard Hats are provided for as well as saddlebags, water containers, cooking equipment.
The Guides
Guides are local residents with good knowledge of the area,its flora and fauna. Guides are experienced riders and are trained in first aid.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure required by all nationals referred to in the chart.Passport NotePassport must have at least two blank pages for entry stamp. Th. more
The region enjoys a temperate and pleasant climate, with sunny days most of the year. The summer season, and especially the months of December and January, is the main time frame when people flock to the beaches of the Cape; it is cooler the rest of the year around, with mild days and cool nights in Spring and Autumn, and beginning of June to the end of September is when you can expect cold conditions and the most rain in the Western Cape. The coastal winds can be very strong at times during the year; try and remember to look closely at how the trees on the coast grown bent over from mother's nature's force!
Summer - mid October to mid February
Autumn - February to April
Winter - May to July
Spring - August to October
Personal Clothing and Equipment to Bring:
* Flashlight
* Two sets of suitable clothing, one for day one for night
* Remember weather fluctuates along the coast, always have something warm at hand
* Rain and sun protection - do not forget a cap or hat!
* Warm Jacket
* Chaps or half chaps (half chaps can be rented on request).
* Jodphurs (if desired)
* Gloves (if desired)
* Good Boot or Shoe - preferably with a heel!
* Swimsuit for summer trails!
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Overnights will be at the Farm 215, at a retreat in Bodhi Kahaya and at the Stanford River Lodge. Food is prepared will always have a strong local flavor and high organic
content and will always provide the opportunity to meet the local people over a
meal and a glass of one of the splendid local wines.

Farm215
The guesthouse of farm 215 is an intimate operation. The total of only six
guest-units in combination with various in- and out-door spaces guarantee ample
personal space and privacy. Farm 215 has a high level of luxury and detail and
has been graded with 4 stars in the Country House category by the Tourism
Grading Council of South Africa and is a laid back and relaxed place. The
guest-units have king-size or twin-beds in a king frame. A set of goose down
filled duvets and cotton blankets cater for all surprises of the Western Cape
weather. Two continental and four standard-size goose-down filled pillows per
king size bed cater for all desired sleeping positions. Linen is 100%
cotton-percale. All units of the guesthouse have a deck, balcony or terrace and a bathroom
en-suite with bath and separate shower as well as a fireplace or a woodstove.
Soap, shampoo, body-wash and lotions are made from ingredients of fynbos-plants,
the dominant vegetation-type in the Overberg and the Western Cape. There is wireless internet connection in every unit and there is a computer in
the lounge which is available for guest-use.

The guesthouse offers three accommodation-types:
* The fynbos-suite (of which there are three) is the most luxurious
accommodation of farm 215. The freestanding fynbos-suites are spaced out along a
meandering path to ensure privacy and undisturbed views. Built in 2006, the
suites are contemporary and very spacious and consist of three inter-connected
spaces: lounge, sleeping area and bath-area. A covered deck stretches out over
the whole length of the suite.
* The two guest-rooms on the first floor in the homestead are divided by a hall.
With large sash-windows, the spacious rooms are light and airy yet have a more
traditional feel than the suites. Both rooms have a spacious balcony. The
homestead is the highest-lying accommodation of the retreat and the homestead
rooms have the widest and furthest of views.
* The suite on the ground floor of the homestead is a large unit with two
divided spaces: the sleeping area with a study desk and the lounge with a
leather sofa and chair, fireplace and big sash windows. The bathroom opens onto
a covered terrace and a private garden, filled with birds in the morning. It has
a separate toilet.

Outside the private quarters, the accommodation offers various inside- and
outside- places where privacy can be enjoyed, either in the shade of the
courtyard behind the homestead or in a deck-chair on the shaded- or sun-deck
next to the 25 m heated lap-pool. A wooden boardwalk connects the pool-area to
the terraces in front of the bar- and dining-area. The terrace in front of the
homestead is the best place to enjoy dramatic sunsets over the ocean in summer
and over the mountains behind Gansbaai in winter.
The separate building housing the bar- and dining area is open the whole day.
Folding doors open the whole front side of the building to the wooden terrace in
front. All meals of the day are served on farm 215 (breakfast and dinner as a
matter of routine, lunch by prior arrangement) and in between meals you can help
yourself to whatever you would like to drink. In spite of the large glass doors,
two fire-places make it a very comfortable place in winter as well.
Semi-wild indigenous gardens surround the accommodation which smoothly change
into the wild and pristine nature of the Overberg fynbos.
There is no television, neither in the rooms, nor in any of the lounges. Farm
215 is not a place for televisions. There is, however, an large book-collection
on many subjects, but with a certain bias to nature and conservation as well as
a "...remarkable music collection that extends from Bach to Siouxsie and the
Banshees" (as was once written in an article in the Green Issue of Elle-decor
about farm 215).
The guesthouse and all guest-units itself enjoy spectacular views over a
remarkable area of South Africa. Look down from the guest house to the west and
you'll see the blue water of the large Kraaiboschdam in stark contrast with the
green of the surrounding vineyards. Look to the South and you'll see the white
sandy shoreline and the ocean beyond the Agulhas plains. Look to the North and
you'll see repeating rows of hills and mountains (a feature the Southern
Overberg is famous for). With all that visual violence out there, the place is
gracefully peaceful and without clutter. yet nothing is missing.

Stanford River Lodge
Situated right on the exquisite natural beauty of the Klein River; 21 hectares,
north facing with uninterrupted views of the Klein River mountains that run
parallel to the river. Rooms have en suite bathrooms and covered patios with BBQ
facilities - all have views of the river. The upstairs honeymoon suite boasts
stunning views both from the bed and bath. The rooms offer DSTV, fans for
summer, underfloor heating for winter, heated towel rails, pure cotton linen,
pool, use of canoes.

Bodhi Khaya
Bodhi Khaya is a sanctuary where you will escape stresses of everyday living and
renew your perspectives. In this tranquil natural environment guests can unwind
and explore possibility. All food grown at Bodhi Khaya is organic including
fruit, vegetables and herbs with waste kept to a minimum and recycled.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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English bridle with snaffle and endurance saddles (Mclellan types)
Riding caps are provided.
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Boereperd, Arabian, South African crosses and Friesian crosses.
|
|
Pace:
|
|
4 - 7 hrs per day - moderate walk, trot and canter according to riding level.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
70
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Weight:
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|
Max
220 lbs
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|
Riders:
|
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Min
2 riders
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Max
8 riders
|
|
The Power of Freedom
The southern Overberg region is blessed with space. This space allows us to have
horses roaming on 450 acres of farmland, in a natural herd, moving freely while
grazing and browsing over the indigenous vegetation.
It is this freedom that allows them to explore and learn what is around
them. Following the lead mare, the herd moves as one, finding security in
numbers and strong social bonds. There is a very organized hierarchical
structure, with each horse knowing its place in the herd. This in turn breeds a
trust which is transferred by the horse to its rider, who is then able to
experience what it is like to be part of such a collective.
The Trails
The trails are focused on traveling by horse from one destination to
another, over rugged terrain, becoming aware of moving close to nature and
sensing what is the most efficient way to cover a distance. In our frenetic
modern day world we whizz by things, but journeying by horse and being freed
from having to feel at the ground beneath us, you have a chance to absorb the nature,
listen to its sounds and gaze endlessly upon the views. Our trails go through varying terrain. Distances of up to 45km a day will include beach, dune, rugged mountain, streams and wetlands. Through fields of fynbos, up rocky slopes or galloping on the beach, our horses need to be sure footed, fleet and enduring.
The Horses
The horses range as a natural herd over the amazing 800 hectares of the farm with
an intimate and instinctive knowledge and of the local shrubs, herbs and grasses.
Neither corralled nor stabled, they are alert and in tune with their environment
and free of stress, thereby ideally suited for the type of trails that we
undertake. The type of horse is the key to this natural horse management and
journeying. The South African crossbreeds are well adapted to their environment.
Hardy and agile, they move over all terrain and remain outdoors through all
seasons, using their natural inner mechanisms to deal with the changes in weather.
Strong and forward going, they are enjoyable to ride. Secure in the herd dynamics, the horses are gentle and even tempered,
well-equipped to deal with the noises and movements around them as they ride
through valley, mountain or beach. Ranging from 15.2 to 16.2 hands, they will carry a weight up to 95kg
over the wild terrain. There are 16 working horses with varying temperaments and
speed. to choose from. and the horses are available for beginners up to advanced riders. New
trail horses are always recruited from the farm's free roaming herd. Once they are strong and
developed enough, foals start to accompany their mothers on out-rides and learn
the trade “on the job”. Temperament varies from bombproof to lively, allowing for proper matching
of rider skill to horse. This makes for a rewarding experience without pushing
boundaries of safety. Horses and humans have been partners for thousands of years. It is this
relationship that gives respect to the horse for its capabilities and its
willingness to carry us, remembering that its instinctive nature is as a plains
animal and not as a domesticated one.
The Tack and Attire
We are equipped with general English Style tack. Saddles used are: General Purpose
English, Australian Stock, Universal Military and Trail Riders. No Western
available - sorry! Horses are ridden with snaffle bits. Hard Hats are provided for as well as saddlebags, water containers, cooking equipment.
The Guides
Guides are local residents with good knowledge of the area,its flora and fauna. Guides are experienced riders and are trained in first aid.
Passports
Passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Passport Note
Passport must have at least two blank pages for entry stamp. This cannot include the 'endorsement' page at the back. Passengers who also require a visa must have a passport with two blank facing pages, one for the visa and one for their entry stamp. Anyone attempting to enter South Africa without the required pages will be returned to their country of origin.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days for business and tourist purposes, except:
1. nationals of Cyprus, Hungary, Poland and Slovak Republic who may stay for up to 30 days, and nationals of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Slovenia who do require a visa, unless transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport (advance notice of overnight stay is required).
Visa Note
(a) Proof of financial means may be required. (b) Unaccompanied children under the age of 18 years must hold written consent from their parents when travelling alone. (c) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses). (d) After entry, extensions of stay may be sought from the Department of Home Affairs.
Types of Visa and Cost
Visa fee: £35. UK nationals are exempt from visa fees.
Validity
Dependent on length of stay requested. Permits may be extended if done so 30 days prior to expiry of original permit.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Contact Addresses. Applicants in countries where South Africa is not represented may send their applications to the embassy in the nearest country.
Working Days Required
Five to 10 days.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
Some |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Southern Cape Treks
Tour Code:
IT-SASROV
5 days /
4 nights
~$0.00
Dates :
Available all Year
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner  | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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