4 Day Retreat - Beautiful Horses Canoeing Beaches Surfing Volunteering in Wild Coast, South Africa
South Africa Horse Riding Holiday
This listing has the most popular offer available in South Africa
You cannot help but be filled with life and joy in the presence of horses. Flying over the ground on their strong warm backs or just smelling their sweet breath when you cuddle them, these noble creatures 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 on the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape Provence 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: 90 kg
- Horse Height Range: 14 to 16 hands
- Horse breeds: Thoroughbred called Google. 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
- 3 days of horse riding, 1-4 hours of riding per day / two rides per day are possible for very keen riders
- Outrides on the beaches, basic dressage, jumping, horse archery, and schooling
- Make your own horse archery bow
- Yoga, tennis, painting, guitar, and volunteering with children
- Riding technique development for beginners
- Great surfing beaches, beautiful lagoons, and rivers for canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, and bird watching
- Airport transfers
- 4 nights accommodation with self-catering food included
Skill level
- Beginner
Styles
Accommodation
Horse cottage
They have a beautiful little cottage overlooking the Indian Ocean and surrounded by indigenous bush. It was initially a school room but has been converted into a double room. 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 and well-designed compost toilet.
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.
Can accommodate a maximum of 3 people.
Ocean view cottage
The accommodation is a clean, peaceful, and tranquil place with the most amazing ocean view from the deck, main bedroom, and living quarters. This property has solar backup to get it through load shedding. Safety is a priority, with a discreet electric fence and four other properties on the small farm, invisible from the house but near enough for safety. One house is occupied by a medical doctor who can advise in case of emergency, as well as Tom, who will host your all-inclusive holiday.
You can walk and ride around the farm, perhaps encountering the resident buck, the odd tortoise, some monkeys, black pigs, and porcupines. All of them, including all the birds, compete for the myriad of guavas from the wild guava trees, as well as vegetables from the gardens. The cottage is well-furnished with a comfortable recliner. They have a "snooza" which is a table-turning 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, and a microwave as well as a fridge freezer.
Laundry can be washed in the host’s washing machine by a home help. They have a smart TV in the living room. They provide unlimited free Wi-Fi, which means you can watch Netflix, Showmax, or YouTube if you are subscribed. You can also mirror your laptop or Wi-Fi on the smart TV if you have the know-how. As they have solar heating, you are not subjected to load shedding. The beds are very comfortable. The bathroom is a suite to the main bedroom and has only a shower basin and toilet. There are extra bedding and towels provided.
Can accommodate a maximum of 4 people.
Guava tree cottage
The house has its own solar system so load shedding will not be a problem. The accommodation is a clean, peaceful, and tranquil place with the most amazing ocean view from the deck, living room, kitchen, and main bedroom. They have 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 deck is equipped with a huge wooden table seating 12 people with braai facilities, and there is a carport for shade for your car.
Safety is a priority, with a discreet electric fence and four other properties on the small farm, invisible from the house but near enough for safety. One house is occupied by a medical doctor who can advise in case of emergency, as well as Tom, who will host your holiday. You can walk and ride around the farm, perhaps encountering the resident buck, the odd tortoise, some monkeys, black pigs, and porcupines. All of them, including all the birds, compete for the myriad of guavas from wild guava trees, as well as vegetables from gardens.
Guava tree cottage is well furnished with comfortable recliners and a sofa bed that turns into a double bed. There is also a couch bed that can be turned into a baby bed with railings. Two "snoozas" are tables turning into mattresses if you would like your small children to sleep in your room. The kitchen is well equipped with everything you need, including a dishwasher, washing machine, and microwave. There is an electrical double oven and gas hob. They have a smart TV in the living room with a satellite dish for DSTV and an open view.
They provide unlimited free Wi-Fi, which means you can watch Netflix, Showmax, or YouTube if you are subscribed. You can also mirror your laptop or Wi-Fi on the smart TV if you have the know-how. As they have solar heating, you are not subjected to load shedding. The beds are very comfortable, and the house is accessible to people with disabilities. The couch bed in the living room is adjustable and can be wheeled onto the deck if someone is disabled.
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 offer 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.
What's included:
- Daily horse interactions and rides: Whether you're a beginner or an advanced rider, they have the perfect horse and adventure for you. Enjoy daily rides, horse archery and even an overnight horse campout.
- Beach and nature activities: dive into a range of activities including around the beach, river and lagoons such as surfing, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, and bird watching.
- Craft activities: get creative with leatherwork (bridles, halters, etc.), woodwork, bow making, and sewing (saddle bags and horse riding gear). They also offer painting, guitar lessons, and yoga sessions.
- Local social initiatives: participate in volunteering opportunities at the farm school, Acacia Tree Nursery School, nearby Soup Kitchen, and give back to the local community.
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 itinerary below is an example only and may be changed due to the guest's requests or to accommodate the weather, tides and additional activities chosen.
Please note that the maximum rider weight is 95 kg.
Day 1 (Arrival day)
- Airport pick up and settle into accommodation
- Meet the horses and groom, possibly a short ride or trip to the beach
- Check and feed horses
- Supper at around 18:00
Day 2
- Early coffee and yoga (optional) followed by a light breakfast
- At 8:00, go up to the horses for grooming, tack up, and assessment ride and a glorious two hour beach outride.
- Followed by free time, a craft activity or an outing.
- Lunch at around 13:00.
- Afternoon horse work or activity of choice, such as hiking, surfing, or continuing crafts
- Check and feed horses
- Supper at around 18:00.
Day 3
- Early workout and coffee followed by a light breakfast
- Go up to the horses by 8:00 for grooming, tacking up, and schooling, followed by horse archery practice, jumping practice or a three-hour beach outride past three glorious coastal lagoons.
- Rest and lunch at 13:00
- Afternoon activity of choice, continue craft, or canoeing, etc.
- Check and feed horses
- Supper at around 18:00
Day 4
- Departure day: Breakfast and then depending on the travel arrangements there may be time for a last ride. Give the horses a big hug and set off for the airport. No rush to be out at a certain time so relax and enjoy your last day.
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 holiday 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, one and a half 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 an excellent golf course nearby (OLIVE WOOD GOLF ESTATE) and several small game reserves (INKEWNKEWZI and ARENA), where you can view wild animals.
Distances
- Beach, 1.5 kilometers
- Supermarket, 15 kilometers
- East London, 30 kilometers
Food
You will be served daily meals, tea, and coffee included in the price. You drink filtered rainwater, but bottled water is available on request. The menu will be created in consultation with guests to suit various possible needs. For those guests who would prefer to choose the self-catering option, there is a simple but adequate kitchen in Horse Cottage, with a gas hob, an air fryer, and a fridge freezer. For those without transport, Thomas Muller will help you access the local shops.
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
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Seafood
- Other dietary requirements on request
Things to do (optional)
- Outsourced activities such as power boat rides and game drives
What's included
- 3 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 organizations
- Three meals a day (menu to be discussed on booking)
- Horse riding and horse interaction up to two sessions per day of between 1 and three hours.
- Volunteer at the Little Farm Waldorf School (note: it is customary to donate 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 workout session that is 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 with an overnight camp
What's not included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- Outsourced activities
- All riders must carry health or travel insurance covering horse riding
How to get there
Recommended Airports
East London Airport
33 km
Transfer included
Airport Transfers are arranged free of charge.
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.