Riding Ability Required for Trail Rides.

We take novice, intermediate and advanced riders on the longer trail rides. Beginners are welcome to do our one-hour rides. We reserve the right to assess the riding ability of all our clients and to make them dismount if we consider them to be a danger to themselves, the other riders or the horses. Please be honest about your riding ability. It is better to understate your ability as you will then not be over-horsed and will be able to have a relaxed and enjoyable ride.

We use mostly English saddles and the riding style is Classical. Our rider weight limit is 95 kilograms (209 pounds). Numbers of riders may be limited by the number of horses available for the riders particular riding abilities.

Definitions

Beginner: Has limited or no experience, cannot post to the trot and does not canter.

Novice: Can mount and dismount unassisted, can apply the basic aids, is comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting trots and short canters.

Intermediate: Has a firm seat and is confident and in control at all paces, but does not ride regularly.

Strong Intermediate: An intermediate rider who rides regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for long hours.

Advanced: The same as the strong intermediate rider, but has an independent seat, soft hands and can handle a spirited horse on the roads and in open country.

What to Bring on a Trail Ride

As well as all your usual holiday clothing and equipment, such as cameras, you will need to bring the following for the trail rides:

• Personal riding helmet (We recommend that you wear one, but it remains your choice to do so or not to do so)
• Comfortable riding clothes (we recommend jodhpurs, half-chaps and a long-sleeve shirt)
• Sturdy, comfortable walking/riding boots with a rubber sole (some of the rides will involve leading the horses over the more difficult rocky terrain)
• Riding gloves (light-weight ones to keep the sun off on warmer days, and warmer ones for the colder days)
• Warm, windproof and waterproof jackets (Winter and Spring days in Namaqualand can occasionally be cold and damp, though the days are usually sunny even when they are very cold)
• Sunscreen lotion (The clear, dry air of Namaqualand allows for good star gazing and easily getting sunburned)