15 Day Budget Horse Riding Holiday with Tom and Tori Horse and Heart Adventures in South Africa
South Africa Horse Riding Holiday
Welcome to TNThorseandheart – where horses, nature, and heart meet. Create your dream holiday in the heart of South Africa’s Wild Coast with TNThorseandheart! Whether you're a horse lover, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique getaway, we offer something for everyone — including families, beginners, and non-riders. Enjoy horse riding, canoeing, hiking, social volunteering, crafts, and giraffe interactions, all in small, private groups that ensure a personal and meaningful experience. Discover the wild beauty of Addo Elephant Park or join them on safari game drives to see Africa's incredible wildlife up close. From relaxing beach rides to heartwarming connections with their rescue horses, you can design your own holiday around horses, nature, and community. They offer a safe, welcoming space for everyone, where you’re free to be yourself and reconnect with what truly matters. Uplifting, adventurous, and family-friendly — TNThorseandheart is more than a vacation; it’s a journey to the soul.
Key Information
- Maximum rider weight: 90 kilograms
- Horse height range: 14 to 16 hands
- Horse breeds: Google – Thoroughbred | Snow – Percheron cross | Pablo – Nooitgedacht x Boerperd | Sabrina – Friesian
- Pepe – American Saddler
- Saddles available: English general purpose, trail riding, enduro racing, and treeless
Meet the instructors
Read more
Highlights
- Daily horse riding and horse interaction with multiple guided trail rides and skills sessions
- Early morning workout session tailored to prepare you for a day of riding
- Volunteer opportunities at Little Farm Waldorf School and Chintsa East Soup Kitchen with optional donations
- Guitar or ukulele lessons plus juggling, tightrope, and unicycle circus skills workshops
- Creative woodwork and leatherwork sessions including carving, bow-making, and making bridles and halters
- Water sports including surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and canoeing on local rivers
- Hiking along the beautiful coastline and visits to Double Mouth Nature Reserve and local cultural sites
- 14 nights' accommodation including optional camping at Emerald Vale for advanced riders
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Styles
East London Airport (US$ 51 per person)
Accommodation
Facilities
- Environmentally friendly
- Kitchen
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wireless internet
During your stay with Tom and Tori's Horse and Heart Adventures, you'll be based at their peaceful farm in Chintsa West, Eastern Cape. Here, you’ll experience the beauty of nature, the warmth of home comforts, and the joy of connecting with horses—all in one serene location.
Horse Cottage
This cosy, rustic cottage was once a schoolroom and has been lovingly converted into a charming hideaway. Surrounded by indigenous bush and with views of the Indian Ocean, it’s ideal for couples or small families.
- Sleeps: Up to 4 people
- Bedding: One double bed or two singles (with an optional third bed on request)
Facilities:
- Private shower
- Hygienic, eco-friendly compost toilet
- Kitchenette with cooker, air fryer, and fridge
- Highlights: Peaceful bush setting, ocean views, and sustainable design with a focus on water conservation
Program
About the holiday
This 15-day horse riding holiday in Chintsa West, South Africa, offers a unique combination of equestrian activities, nature immersion, and community engagement. Guests are invited to take part in daily horse care routines, training, and riding, along with a variety of optional outdoor and creative activities.
The program is ideal for riders of all levels and offers a personal, small-group experience, limited to a maximum of three riders. This ensures individual attention, meaningful interaction with the horses, and flexible scheduling to suit both guests and animals.
The horses
- Tom and Tori Horse and Heart Adventures care for five friendly and well-trained horses:
- Google: 14-year-old thoroughbred, 16 hands
- Pablo: 5-year-old Basutu pony, 14 hands
- Pepe: 16-year-old American Saddler, 15 hands
- Sabrina: 5-year-old Friesian, 15 hands
- Snow: 17-year-old Percheron cross, 15 hands
The horses are suitable for riders of various skill levels. Each guest is matched with a horse that suits their experience and goals for the holiday. With only three riders hosted at a time, Tom and Tori Horse and Heart Adventures always keep one horse in reserve and maintain a safe, balanced riding schedule.
Saddles
- Guests can choose from a selection of quality saddles to suit their comfort and riding style:
- English general-purpose saddles
- Leon Liversage trail saddles
- Endurance riding saddles
- Tressless saddle
- Each horse is equipped with the most appropriate tack for comfort and control.
Options include:
- Traditional English and Western bridles
- Hackamores and simple halters with reins
- Custom-made endurance bridles with detachable bits
Horse riding activities
- Tom and Tori Horse and Heart Adventures offer a variety of riding disciplines and experiences tailored to your interests:
- Scenic trail rides
- Beach riding along the beautiful Chintsa coastline
- Jumping
- Dressage fundamentals
- Barrel racing
- Cross-country riding
- Horse archery (introductory level)
- All rides are guided for safety and enjoyment, and riding intensity alternates with light activity and rest days to prioritise horse welfare.
Horse care and learning
- Guests are actively involved in horse care and farm routines, including:
- Feeding and grooming
- Lunging and schooling
- Learning basic barefoot hoof trimming
- This hands-on approach provides a well-rounded equestrian experience beyond just riding.
Wellness and fitness
Guests can participate in optional early-morning fitness sessions led by your host, an experienced sports enthusiast. These sessions are tailored to support strength and flexibility for better riding.
Creative and recreational activities (optional)
When not riding, guests can enjoy a wide range of optional activities, including:
- Leatherwork (for example, making halters or bridles)
- Woodwork (for example, carving or bow making)
- Surfing and stand-up paddleboarding
- Canoeing on the local rivers
- Hiking along coastal trails
- Tennis
- Guitar or ukulele lessons
- Circus arts (juggling, tightrope, unicycle)
- Visit to Double Mouth Nature Reserve
Volunteering and community engagement
Guests have the opportunity to participate in meaningful community outreach through:
- Acacia Tree Nursery School – a Waldorf-based preschool for local children
- Chintsa East Soup Kitchen – a grassroots project providing meals for children in need
Participation is optional, but always welcome. While not required, donations (of any amount) are appreciated and help support these initiatives.
Safety and group size
- A maximum of three riders per group
- All rides are guided
- Non-riders are welcome to join and take part in other activities or alternate turns with riders
- Schedules are flexible and adapted to the weather, tides, horse health, and guest preferences
Itinerary
15-day horse riding and cultural experience in Coastal South Africa. Airport transfers can be arranged upon request (not included in the price).
Day 1: Arrival and orientation
- 14:00 – Guest arrival and check-in at the farm accommodation
- 16:30 – Visit the stables, meet the horses, and assist with grooming
- 17:30 – Short introductory ride or guided beach walk
- 18:00 – Orientation meeting with your guide to review the itinerary, weather, and personal preferences
- 19:00 – Dinner
Day 2: Rider assessment and introductory outride
- 07:45 – Breakfast
- 08:30 – Warm-up, grooming, and tacking up
- 09:30 – Rider evaluation session and horse pairing
- 10:30 – 6 km trail ride
- 13:00 – Lunch
- 15:30 – Free time or swimming at the beach
- 19:00 – Dinner
Day 3: Schooling and lagoon activity
- 07:45 – Breakfast
- 08:30 – Basic schooling session (30 minutes)
- 09:30 – Outride through farmland (6 km)
- 11:00 – Horse care and rest
- 13:00 – Lunch
- 16:00 – Stand-up paddleboarding on the Chintsa lagoon or an optional second ride
- 19:00 – Dinner
Day 4: Beach ride and wildlife interaction
- 07:45 – Breakfast and warm-up
- 08:30 – Ride to Chintsa Beach, beach exploration and light cantering
- 13:00 – Lunch
- 15:00 – Visit Abby, a tame giraffe housed in the arena
- 19:00 – Dinner
Day 5: Extended trail ride and local social outing
- 07:45 – Breakfast and preparation
- 09:00 – 25 km ride through scenic countryside (approximately 4 hours)
- 13:00 – Picnic lunch during the ride
- 15:30 – Return to the farm and rest
- 18:00 – Dinner
- 19:30 – Optional evening at Buccaneers Lodge
Day 6: Light horse work and town visit
- 07:45 – Breakfast
- 09:00 – Horse feeding, lunging, and a short schooling session
- 11:00 – Drive into town for a cultural outing and aquarium visit
- 13:00 – Lunch in town
- 15:00 – Free time or relaxation
- 19:00 – Dinner
Day 7: Rest and optional activities
- Rest day with the option to sleep in or take part in a yoga session
- Optional activities include hiking, a game drive, or beach time
- 19:00 – Dinner
Day 8: Volunteering and art activity
- 07:45 – Breakfast
- 09:00 – Visit Acacia Tree Nursery School (Waldorf-style kindergarten) to engage with local children and staff
- 13:00 – Lunch
- 15:00 – Pottery painting at Hey Clay or free time
- 19:00 – Dinner
Day 9: Overnight horse trek to Emerald Vale
- 07:00 – Breakfast
- 08:30 – Pack and tack up for overnight camp
- 09:00 – Ride to Emerald Vale (approx. 4 hours)
- 13:00 – Picnic lunch en route
- 16:00 – Set up camp near the dam
- 18:30 – Campfire cooking and relaxation
- Overnight – Rustic camp accommodation
Day 10: Return from horse camp
- 07:00 – Camp breakfast
- 08:30 – Return ride to the farm
- 13:00 – Lunch
- 15:00 – Free time for the beach, rest, or personal exploration
- 19:00 – Dinner
Day 11: Rest and crafts
- 07:45 – Breakfast
- Free day to relax or continue working on a craft project, such as leatherwork or wood carving
- An optional guided excursion available
- 19:00 – Dinner
Day 12: River ride and canoeing
- 07:45 – Breakfast and warm-up
- 08:30 – Ride to Cefani River mouth (approx. 3 hours)
- 13:00 – Lunch
- 15:00 – Canoeing session on the Kwalega River
- 19:00 – Dinner
- Day 13: Beach grazing and light riding
- 08:00 – Breakfast
- 09:00 – Easy beach ride with time for horse grazing near the lagoon
- 13:00 – Lunch
- 15:00 – Free time
- 19:00 – Dinner
Day 14: Riding techniques and final activities
- 07:45 – Breakfast
- 09:00 – Jumping or riding technique session
- 11:00 – Optional canoeing or beach swimming
- 13:00 – Lunch
- 15:00 – Finish leather or wood projects, light horse work
- 19:00 – Farewell dinner
Day 15: Departure
- 08:00 – Breakfast
- 10:00 – Final goodbyes and packing
- 11:00 – Departure
- Airport transfers available on request (not included)
Instructors
Thomas Muller
Thomas Muller is a Certified Adventure Guide with a scope in Horse Riding and Hiking. A retired Waldorf School teacher and Trained Spacial Dynamics Therapist Tom has 25 years of experience in teaching and sports coaching with adults and children. He now brings his lifelong passion for Horses and Nature to Tom and Tori Horse and Heart Adventures providing expert technical coaching in horseriding and facilitating all adventure and craft activities. Tom and Tori his son and right-hand man strive daily to build a loving relationship with their horses and share this dream with their guests.
Location
This horse riding holiday takes place in Chintsa, a hidden gem along South Africa’s Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape. The retreat is based on a tranquil 7-hectare farm perched above the Indian Ocean, offering panoramic views, unspoiled beaches, forested dunes, and wide-open farmland.
Chintsa is known for its stunning natural beauty, mild year-round climate, and rich biodiversity—including birds of prey, giraffes, monkeys, and buck. The peaceful coastal environment makes it ideal for both trail riding and relaxation.
Riders will explore a variety of terrains, including:
- Remote sandy beaches with endless space for cantering
- Lush coastal forest paths and farmland tracks
- River mouths, lagoons, and scenic lookout points
The location also offers easy access to exciting non-riding activities such as:
- Surfing and swimming in the Indian Ocean
- Stand-up paddleboarding on the lagoon
- Canoeing along the Kwalega River
- Hiking, birdwatching, and visiting local wildlife
- Volunteering at nearby nursery schools and community projects
Just 45 minutes from the city of East London, Chintsa feels like a world away from busy life—perfect for riders looking to reconnect with nature, horses, and themselves.
Food
Self-catering: Meals can be bought separately as needed.
Things to do (optional)
- Golf
- Game drives
- Giraffe interaction
- East London Aquarium
- Lion Park
- Snake Park
Thomas Muller also has a small farm school, Acaciatree Nursery School, and guests are welcome to spend as much time as they like at the school. Meet the kids and help the teachers. There are other social initiatives in the area and they are happy to transport you to visit them such as a surf club and a soup kitchen.
Spa treatments
Massage is available. Not included.
What's included
- 14 nights' accommodation (including one or two nights camping at Emerald Vale campsite - this is optional and only available to advanced riders)
- All transport in and around East London for activities
- All visits to charitable organisations
- Horse riding and horse interaction
- Volunteer at the Little Farm Waldorf School (note: it is customary to donate to nonprofit organisations when one visits. The amount of money does not matter, but the gesture of support is always appreciated)
- Visit Chintsa East Soup Kitchen - this community-based organisation feeds children who would otherwise not eat (donation appreciated)
- An early morning workout session tailored to your specific needs to prepare for a day of horse riding
- Guitar or ukulele lessons
- Juggling and other circus skills, including tightrope and unicycling
- Woodwork such as wood carving or bow-making
- Leather work: making bridles and halters
- Tennis
- Surfing and stand-up paddle boarding
- Canoeing
- Hiking along the beautiful coast
- Visit to Double Mouth Nature Reserve
What's not included
- Airfare
- Alcohol
- Airport transfers
- Visits to local game reserves
- Powerboat rides
- Golf
- Any activity that requires Thomas Muller to hire an outside provider
- All guests must have their own horse riding insurance
- Food { meals can be arranged at extra cost}
How to get there
Recommended Airports
East London Airport
34 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 51 per person
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 21% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 7 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookHorseRidingHolidays.com. All major credit cards supported.