15 Day Sea Side Adventure-Horses Beaches Surfing Hiking Volunteering in South Africa
South Africa Horse Riding Holiday
You cannot help being filled with life and joy when in the presence of Horses. Flying over the ground on their strong warm backs or just smelling their sweet breath when you give them a cuddle, these noble creature will steal your heart and then heal it. Tom and Tori Horse and Heart Adventures have five beautiful horses and access to a coastal reserve with breathtaking scenery, beaches, lagoons and ancient dune forest in Chintsa West in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. You can create a holiday that suits your needs as you control the activities. Come and unwind and adventure!
Key information
- Maximum rider weight: 90kg
- Horse Height Range: 14 to 16 hands
- Horse breeds: Thoroughbred called Dollar. A Percheron cross called Snow, a Nooitgedacht cross Boerperd called Pablo, a Friesian called Sabrina, and an American Saddler called Pepe.
- Saddles: English general purpose, trail riding, enduro racing and treeless
Meet the instructors
Read more
Highlights
- 1-3 hours on horseback per day (a morning and evening session possible)
- Guitar or ukulele lessons
- Woodwork( Make your own Horse Archery Bow), leatherwork, Archery
- Water sports in nearby beaches and lagoons: surfing, canoeing, workouts, yoga, and tennis
- Volunteering with children in need
- 14 nights accommodation and kitchens for all accommodations will be fully stocked with groceries and kitchen equipment
- Self catering: dietary preferences can be discussed upon booking, all ingredients are fresh,
- Transfers to and from the airport, transport around town
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Styles
Accommodation
Tom and Tori Horse and Heart Center
All accommodations on the farm have beautiful views, comfortable furniture and kitchen equipment. There is a vast amount of nature visible directly outside, including monkeys, African birds and black pigs.
Horse cottage
This small cottage overlooks the Indian Ocean and is surrounded by indigenous bush. It can have a double bed or two singles. A family of three can be accommodated on request. It has a shower and a hygienic compost toilet. The compost toilets ensure efficient water use as they harvest rain as the primary source. It has a kitchenette with a cooker, fridge, and air fryer. There is free Wi-Fi. Can accommodate a maximum of 3 people.
The compost toilets ensure efficient water use as you are on the property and are incredibly precious. The cabin has a kitchenette with a cooker, an air-fryer, and a fridge so guests can make hot drinks and keep food fresh. For those guests who would prefer the self-catering option, the kitchen is well-equipped with the basics for cooking.
Ocean view cottage
Our accommodation is clean, peaceful, and tranquil, with the most amazing ocean view from the deck. It has two spacious bedrooms, a kitchen/lounge, a toilet, and a shower. This property has solar backup to get it through load shedding. It is well furnished, with a comfortable recliner. We also have a "snooza," which is a table that turns into a mattress if you would like your small children to sleep in your room. The kitchen is equipped with a Gas Hob, an air fryer, a microwave, and a fridge-freezer. A home help can wash laundry in the host’s washing machine. A Smart TV is available the living room with Netflix, Showmax, Amazon or Youtube. You will be provided unlimited free Wi-Fi, and you can also mirror your laptop or Wi-Fi on the Smart TV.
The beds are very comfortable. The bathroom is attached to the main bedroom and has only a shower basin and toilet. Extra bedding and towels are provided. Can accommodate a maximum of 4 people.
Guava Tree cottage
The house has a solar system, so load shedding will not be a problem. This accommodation is clean, peaceful, and tranquil, with the most amazing ocean view from the deck, living room, kitchen, and main bedroom. We've added a built-in barbecue, a solar-heated splash pool, a sauna, and a Jacuzzi on the deck so you can relax and enjoy the stunning views of the surroundings. The 60m2 covered patio is equipped with a vast wooden table seating 12 people with braai facilities, and there's a carport for shade for your car. Comfortable recliners & a sofa bed that turns into a double bed. There's also a couch bed that can be turned into a baby bed with railings. Two "snoozas" are tables turning into mattresses if you want your small children to sleep in your room. The kitchen has everything you need, including a dishwasher, washing machine, and microwave. There's an electric double oven and gas hob. We have a Smart TV in the living room, a satellite dish for DSTV and an Open view. We provide unlimited free Wi-Fi, with Netflix, Amazon, Showmax, or YouTube. You can also mirror your laptop or Wi-Fi on the Smart TV. The beds are very comfortable, and the house is accessible to people with disabilities. Can accommodate a maximum of 6 people.
Program
The little farm of 7 hectares ensures a private and peaceful stay in nature away from traffic and crowds with views over the stunning Indian Ocean
They only take one booking at a time, with a maximum of three riders per booking. This ensures that you, as an individual or private group, are guaranteed personalized attention and an itinerary that suits your riding ability and fitness level.
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced rider, they can create a safe and exciting riding experience and a bespoke menu that suits your dietary requirements. Non-riders welcome.
Tom and Tori Horse and Heart Adventures also offers several additional activities as part of the package, from craft work such as horse archery bow making to adventure activities such as canoe paddling and surfing, as well as social volunteering at our farm school or local soup kitchen.
Often overlooked by travellers, Chintsa offers visitors an opportunity to experience the unspoiled beauty of uncrowded beaches, bordered by beautiful sand dunes and ancient dune forests filled with amazing flora and incredible birds, including the mighty Fish Eagle. Every few miles, the coast is punctuated by the most stunning saltwater lagoons perfect for safe paddling and bird watching. The climate is mild with great riding conditions all year round.
Whether you are a curious but nervous newcomer to the world of horses or an experienced rider the trained and certified guides will help you develop confidence around the horses and facilitate a horse riding adventure that suits your level of experience and riding fitness.
Rider development is key to happy safe horses and the guides have the knowledge and experience to help you improve your riding technique, physical condition and horse communication skills.
Their priority is safety for the horse and rider and they encourage riders to wear body protectors or air jackets that they keep on site. The guides have level three first aid training and they have an excellent safety record. The guides who work with the horses every day will be able to match you to a suitable horse and will supervise all riding activities.
The horses mainly do trail riding but they love to practice jumping, dressage, horse archery and barrel racing. For riding enthusiasts who want to improve their technique, it is possible to ride twice a day and take part in any of the above activities.
Due to the small size of the herd, they book a maximum of three riders at a time (non-riders welcome) and each booking is private. They are dedicated to providing an experience that is tailored to your personal needs and you do not have to worry about being in a group of strangers who might have very different expectations and skill levels.
There are three different accommodation options and can quote on packages ranging from three days to three weeks with food included (menu to be discussed on booking) as well as self-catering options.
The Holidays come with a host of additional activities including surfing and paddling, craft activities, hiking and volunteering at their own farm school or local soup kitchen.
Day 1: Arrival day
- Pick up from the airport. Settle into accommodation. Meet the horses. short assessment ride to match horse and rider. Supper around 6:00 p.m.
Day 2
A short warmup follows breakfast. The horses are groomed and tacked up. A rider evaluation confirms the skill level and matches the horse to the rider. A short out ride to get a feel for the horses. Lunch at 1:00 p.m. In the afternoon, on the beach, you relax or swim to rest after your flight.
Day 3
Early breakfast and warmup before grooming and tacking up horses. A 30-minute schooling session to strengthen horses' backs and then a six-kilometer outride through farmland. Untack horses and wash them down. The rest of the morning is off. Lunch at 1:00 p.m. At 4:00 p.m., stand-up paddle boarding on the lagoon to see the beautiful Chintsa river mouth or a second ride. Supper at 6:00 p.m.
Day 4
Breakfast and warm up. Tack up the horses and ride down to the Beach. Explore the Chintsa breach and have a little canter on the sand. Lunch at 1:00 p.m. At 3:00 p.m., visit the arena to see Abby, the tame giraffe. Supper at 6:00 p.m.
Day 5
Breakfast and warmup. Groom and tack up the horses. A long outride on the beach past two beautiful lagoons and up into the farmland on the other side of the bay. A picnic lunch and a ride back to the stables. This is a 25-kilometer ride, around four hours. Afternoon off and supper at 6:00 p.m. Visit Buccaneers on the beach for a drink in the evening.
Day 6
Breakfast and warm up. It was an easy day for the horses after a long ride the day before. Feed, tack up, short lunge, and schooling session. Drive into Town for supplies and visit the Aquarium - lunch in Town and home mid-afternoon. Free time. Supper at 6:00 p.m.
Day 7: Rest day
- Rest your tired legs and give the horses a chance to recover. Go on a game drive or hike for bird watching or surfing in the fantastic ocean.
Day 8: Rest day
Visit Acacia Tree Nursery School in the morning to meet the teacher and kids, participate in activities, paint a mug, or relax. In the afternoon, visit Hey Clay to paint a mug or just relax.
Day 9
Early breakfast and warm up. Pack and prepare for the two-day horse camp. Ride out to Emerald Valley campsite, which is also a farm and Brewery. This is around a four-hour ride. Have a picnic lunch while riding. Set up camp and enjoy the beautiful nature there. There is a dam and lots of birds. Cook on the fire and sleep well.
Day 10
Up early, breakfast, and take down camp. Ride back to the home stables, tired but happy. Afternoon off to recover or go to the beach to swim or surf to wash the dust out of your hair. Supper at 6:00 p.m.
Day 11: Rest day
- After the ride to Emerald Valley, you and the horses will need a day's rest. Thomas Muller can arrange an outing or a craft project for this day.
Day 12
Breakfast and warmup are at 7:00 a.m. Afterward, feed the horses and ride to the Beach and the Cefani River mouth. This ride takes about three hours. Lunch is at 1:00 p.m. In the afternoon, go canoeing on the Kwalega River. Supper at 6:00 p.m.
Day 13
It is a leisurely morning: breakfast at a.m. and warmup. The horses will be tired from the Emerald Valleyle ride, so take a nap, take a quiet ride to the Beach, play in the lagoon, and let the horses roll in the sand. Let them graze at Buccaneers on the beach, then back to the stable, and have lunch and supper.
Day 14
Breakfast at 7:00 a.m. and warm up. Tack up horses and do some jumping. Walk down to the beach for a surf swim or canoe. Lunch at 11:00 pm. In the afternoon, lunge and jump the horses again - this is a short session. Finish any craft projects that have been started earlier in the week. Supper at 6:00 p.m.
Day 15: Departure day
Sadly, it is time to pack up and leave for the airport. One last kiss for the horses, and you will be on your way. If your departure time is in the afternoon, you may want to take a short ride. Airport transfer is included in the price.
About the retreat
Guests are invited to participate in all aspects of caring for the horses, such as feeding, grooming, trimming feet, training, and riding.
Packages include transfers to and from the airport / bus station, all meals, accommodation and a range of activities with and without the horses. Only one group of riders is booked at a time, so the riding activities and itinerary can be tailored to your fitness level and experience. Up to three riders at a time can be accommodated. This means one for each guest, one for the guide and one as backup if a horse cannot be ridden. However, non-riders are also welcome who may want to enjoy the area or are willing to take turns with the horses.
Part of the farm is the little NPO nursery school, Acacia Tree Nursery School, a Waldorf Kindergarten catering to local children. Guests who want to volunteer on this project are most welcome and will be well received by children and teachers alike.
Please note that the maximum rider weight is 95 kg. \
Horse riding
The main activity is working with the horses. This includes riding, groundwork, and grooming. Horses of different ages and levels of development are available and, therefore, have to train each horse differently. They love out rides into the local environment but also practice jumping, basic dressage, barrel racing, and horse archery.
Camping with the horses is also an option, on a farm called 'Emerald Vale' about 15 km away. This is a beautiful farm that has its own brewery and restaurant. The campsite is extremely basic but is in a beautiful spot near a dam.
NOTE: The camp-out option is only available to INTERMEDIATE OR ADVANCED riders.
Thomas Muller trims the horse's feet himself and is happy to teach the basics of this.
Rider development
In general, in horse riding, Thomas Muller places a lot of emphasis on the behaviour problems of the horse, and of course, a well-trained horse is essential. However, a well-trained rider who understands the principles of horse training and the "language" of riding is equally crucial, if not more so. You could say there is no such thing as a problem horse. He has developed techniques to help the beginner rider understand what the horse is trying to" say" and fast-track the development of a healthy and safe riding technique.
There is always a risk when mounting a horse, but in the end, the rider's skill will significantly affect the outcome of any situation.
For this reason, he created a 14-night package for beginners. This package will teach beginners the basics of horse care, riding techniques, horse training, and rider conditioning, giving them a solid foundation for entering the sport.
He prioritizes keeping the intermediate riders as safe as possible while helping them improve their riding posture and technique.
The beautiful horses:
Sabrina.
A four-year-old Friesian is just going through the first stages of being backed and doing groundwork. She can only be ridden by experienced riders interested in teaching a young horse.
Pablo
Max rider weight: 85 kg
Five years old, he is solid and safe to ride. He is around 14 hands and a dark bay. The breed is unknown, but it was born on the farm next door. It is probably an Arab cross, Nooitgedacht cross, and Thoroughbred. A hardy little monster going through his horsy teens, he is fast and very comfortable to ride.
Dollar
- Max rider weight: 95 kg
Google is a 14-year-old Thoroughbred (black) around 16 hands. He is our gentle giant.
Snow
Max rider weight: 90 kg
He has been with us for one year., an ex-bush racer and a rescue horse. Percheron cross something. He is very powerful and fit, and although a little wary of humans on the ground, he is an exciting and safe mount. The dentist estimates him at around 17 years old. He is an outstanding champion. If you point him at it, he will go over it.
Pepe
- Max rider weight 90 kg
Pepe is a very well-schooled gelding, around 17 years old. He is very forward-moving and suits a confident intermediate or advanced rider. He is very fast but listens well.
Included excursions
- Hiking along the beautiful coast
- Visit Double Mouth Nature Reserve
- Stand-up paddle boarding on the local lagoons or in the sea
- Paddling on the local Lagoons
- Surfing
- Bird watching
- Camping
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
The tour will take place in South Africa. Tom and Tori’s horse holidays occur at a small farm in Chintsa West, 30 kilometers outside East London in the Eastern Cape. The beautiful rustic location is situated in the African bush, a mere 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) from the beach, and overlooks the Indian Ocean. The Xhosa word Chintsa is the name of the River that flows into the sea at this location. The Chintsa River has a tidal lagoon. At times, it is linked to the open ocean; at other times, it is closed off with a sand bar, creating a unique saltwater environment.
The lagoon has many living creatures, from mud prawns and crabs to Kingfishers and Fish eagles. As is customary in this area, the land surrounding the river banks is given the river's name. In this case, it is Chintsa West and Chintsa East (historically Cintsa). The lagoon opens onto a sandy beach over 10 kilometers long, lined with dunes and ancient dune forests, and is perfect for swimming, surfing, hiking, and kitesurfing.
If one walks or rides along this beach towards the northeast, you will encounter three more lagoons, each one more pristine than the last, until you reach the rocks before Haga Haga. A coastal natural reserve protects the coastal dunes and beaches. They have a very good golf course nearby (Olivewood Golf Estate) and several small game reserves (INKEWNKEWZI and ARENA), where you can view wild animals.
Food
The option to include all meals is available; alternatively, you can choose the self-cater option. The menu is decided in consultation with our guests so that you can choose food that you love. Thomas Muller will do the shopping and the kitchen will be fully stocked. Meals are prepared by Thomas Muller but guests are encouraged to take part in the meal preparation. Additional drinks and snacks can be purchased separately.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Seafood
- Whole food
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.
What's included
- 14 nights accommodation
- All transfers to and from the airport or bus station
- All transport in and around East London for activities
- All visits to charitable organisations
- Three meals a day (menu to be discussed on booking) or self-cater
- Horse riding and horse interaction + horse archery
- Volunteer at the little farm Waldorf School (note: it is customary to make a donation to NPO organizations 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 organization feeds children that would otherwise not eat (donation appreciated)
- An early morning work out session that is tailored to your specific needs to prepare for a day of horse riding
- Guitar or ukulele lessons
- Woodwork such as wood carving or bow making
- Leather work: Making bridles and halters
- Tennis
- Surfing and stand up paddle boarding
- Canoeing
- Beach visits
- Hiking along the beautiful coast
- Visit to Double Mouth Nature Reserve with a possible over night camp.
What's not included
- Airfare
- Alcohol
- Visits to local game reserves
- Powerboat rides
- Golf
- Any activity that requires Thomas Muller to hire an outside provider
- All riders must carry health or travel insurance covering horse riding
How to get there
Recommended Airports
East London Airport
33 km
Transfer included
Driving directions
Look up Tom and Tori Hoers and Heart in Google Maps. Once you are on London RD, going to Chintsa West, they have a sign on the left side of the road. They also have a wooden gate.
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.