Guests who wish to join our rides must be of an intermediate-to-experienced level of riding. There will be long days in the saddle (4-7 hours daily) and you will need to feel confident about keeping up with the group, capable of riding at all paces, rising to the trot, and controlling your horse at the canter.
Riders need to be over 12 years old and riding fit. There is a weight limit of 95kgs (in full riding gear) for each rider; heavier experienced riders over this limit may be accepted (at the discretion of the company) and may be required to pay for a second horse on which to alternate for the duration of the safari.
In most of the rides, South African trail saddles and English saddles are used; these have been shown to be more comfortable over long distances, and are also kinder on our horses’ backs.
Categorisation is as follows:
- Experienced: confident at all paces on almost any horse; competes or hunts seriously. Ride regularly.
- Intermediate: has ridden for several years; able to control fit horses at all paces.
- Competent: able to control a quiet horse at all paces and feels confident on such a horse; balanced in the saddle and able to rise/post to the trot.
It is strongly recommended that you spend some hours in the saddle prior to joining us on either of these tours if you are not riding regularly. The company will use its discretion as to whether less experienced riders will be permitted to ride, and this will be determined by the pace of the rest of the group. Ride Leaders reserve the right to dismount any guest should we feel they do not fulfil levels as detailed above.
Most insurance companies will only cover you when wearing a hard hat or safety helmet whilst in the saddle. We do not supply hard hats and it is therefore your responsibility to provide your own properly fitted hard hat or safety helmet. We cannot accept any liability whatsoever for injuries sustained due to failure to wear a hard hat. You must be insured to ride with us: please ensure your policy covers you for horse riding and includes medical evacuation cover.
You must be fully aware and understand that there are risks involved around horses, in riding, and in visiting remote wilderness areas in Africa. For these reasons you will be required to sign an indemnity form before commencing the safari.
