8 Day Budget Horse Riding Adventure in Wild Coast, South Africa
Horse Riding Holiday in South Africa
This listing has one of the 10 most popular offers available in South Africa
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 guided horse rides and hands-on horse care activities
- Ground transport provided for all activities and local outings
- Volunteering opportunities at a local Waldorf school and soup kitchen
- Optional early morning fitness sessions to enhance riding performance
- Creative workshops including leatherwork, woodwork, guitar, and circus skills
- Outdoor adventures such as surfing, paddle boarding, canoeing, and hiking
- Visit to Double Mouth Nature Reserve showcasing stunning natural beauty
- Seven nights’ farm-style accommodation with airport transfers included
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Styles
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
This eight-day budget horse holiday in Chintsa West, South Africa, offers a down-to-earth and unforgettable equestrian adventure. With a focus on hands-on horse care, scenic trail rides, and relaxed living, it is perfect for riders of all levels who want a meaningful, immersive experience without the frills.
With a maximum of three riders per group, each guest receives personalised attention, flexible scheduling, and plenty of time to bond with the horses and nature. Non-riders are also welcome to join and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and creative activities.
The horses
- Tom and Tori Horse and Heart Adventures care for five well-loved and versatile horses, suited for different experience levels:
- Google – fourteen-year-old Thoroughbred, sixteen hands
- Pablo – five-year-old Basuto pony, fourteen hands
- Pepe – sixteen-year-old American Saddler, fifteen hands
- Sabrina – five-year-old Friesian, fifteen hands
- Snow – seventeen-year-old Percheron cross, fifteen hands
- Each rider is carefully matched with a horse based on their ability and goals. Riding days are rotated to ensure the horses stay happy and healthy.
Saddles and tack
Tom and Tori Horse and Heart Adventures offer a variety of comfortable saddles to suit your style:
- English general-purpose saddles
- Trail and endurance saddles
- Treeless options for a closer ride
Bridles range from classic English and Western to hackamores and bitless options.
Horse riding activities
This eight-day experience includes:
- Scenic outrides through farmland and coastal trails
- Beach riding with splashing and optional light cantering
- Light groundwork, schooling, or lunging sessions
- Optional jumping or barrel racing sessions for interested riders
All riding is guided and paced to suit your comfort and fitness level.
Horse care and learning
You will take part in daily horse routines such as:
- Feeding, grooming, and tacking up
- Lunging and light schooling
- Learning about natural horsemanship and hoof care basics
This hands-on approach deepens the connection between rider and horse.
Optional extras and local exploration
To complement your riding holiday, Tom and Tori Horse and Heart Adventures offer optional activities at little to no extra cost:
- Hiking along the coastal trails
- Beach time or swimming
- Stand-up paddleboarding or canoeing (weather dependent)
- Leather or wood craft projects
- Visit to the local giraffe friend, Abby
- Community outreach visit to a local school or soup kitchen
Accommodation and meals
- Guests stay in simple but comfortable farm-style accommodation. All meals are included and shared around the table—nourishing, hearty food prepared with care.
Safety and group size
- Maximum of three riders per group
- Guided rides only
- Non-riders welcome
- Schedules are flexible and adapt to the weather, tides, horse wellbeing, and guest preferences
Eight-day sample itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival and welcome
- Arrival after 14.00
- Meet the horses and explore the farm
- Light sunset ride or beach walk
- Orientation and dinner
Day 2 – Rider pairing and trail ride
- Breakfast and warm-up
- Rider evaluation and horse pairing
- Six-kilometre farm trail ride
- Free time or beach visit
Day 3 – Schooling and lagoon activity
- Morning ride or groundwork session
- Horse care and lunch
- Optional stand-up paddleboarding
Day 4 – Beach ride and wildlife interaction
- Ride to Chintsa Beach
- Meet Abby the giraffe
- Relaxation and free time
Day 5 – Long scenic ride
- Twenty to twenty-five kilometre countryside ride
- Picnic lunch en route
- Optional local outing in the evening
Day 6 – Light horsework and town visit
- Morning lunging or grooming
- Trip into town for local culture or shopping
- Optional aquarium visit
Day 7 – Optional rest day
- Sleep in, join yoga, or go hiking
- Optional volunteering or crafts
- Farewell group dinner
Day 8 – Departure
- Breakfast and final horse cuddles
- Depart by 11.00
- Airport transfers available on request (not included)
Note: all activities are flexible and can be tailored to your interests and energy levels. Riding schedules prioritise horse welfare and are adapted based on the weather and the needs of both guests and animals.
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.
What's included
- 7 nights’ farm-style accommodation
- Airport transfers are included in the price
- Daily guided rides, horse care involvement, lunging, groundwork, and optional light schooling.
- Ground transport to and from activities and local outings within East London and surrounding areas.
- Visit and assist at the Little Farm Waldorf School (customary donation appreciated; any amount is welcome as a sign of support).
- Participate in a visit to the Chintsa East Soup Kitchen, a grassroots organisation feeding local children (donations also appreciated).
- Optional early morning fitness sessions: tailored to improve strength and flexibility for better riding performance.
- Creative and skill-based activities (all optional and included in your stay):
- Leatherwork – make your own halter or bridle
- Woodwork – try your hand at carving or traditional bow-making
- Guitar or ukulele lessons – beginner-friendly and fun
- Circus skills – learn juggling, unicycle basics, or balance on a tightrope
- Tennis – enjoy a casual hit on the court
- Outdoor adventures (weather permitting):
- Surfing and stand-up paddle boarding
- Canoeing on scenic local rivers
- Hiking along coastal paths and into nearby hills
- Visit to Double Mouth Nature Reserve, known for its natural beauty and unique geology
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 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
33 km
Transfer included
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 15% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 6 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookHorseRidingHolidays.com. All major credit cards supported.