8 Day Retreat - Beautiful Horses Canoeing Beaches Surfing Volunteering 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
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 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 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
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Highlights
- 1-4 hours of riding per day / two rides per day possible for very keen riders
- Outrides on the beaches, basic dressage, jumping, horse archery, and schooling
- Make your own horse archery bow
- Great surfing beaches, beautiful lagoons and rivers for canoeing, stand up paddle boarding and bird watching
- Riding technique development for beginners
- Airport transfers
- 7 nights accommodation with self-catering food included
- Yoga, tennis, painting, guitar, volunteering with children
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Styles
Accommodation
You can walk and ride around the farm, perhaps encountering our resident buck, the odd tortoise, some monkeys, black pigs, and porcupines. All of them, including all the birds, compete for the myriad guavas from our wild guava trees and vegetables from our gardens.
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 home is occupied by a medical doctor who can advise in an emergency and Tom, who will host your all-inclusive holiday.
There are three different accommodations available:
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.
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 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 the 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 and may need to be altered to accommodate the weather, tides and the types of 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
- 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
- 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
- Early yoga, coffee, and breakfast
- Go up to the horse for grooming, tacking up, and go on a 10 km outside
- At 11:00, visit the local Waldorf Nursery School (on the farm )
- Lunch at 1 p.m.
- Afternoon hike to the big dune
- Picnic supper on the dune and watch the sunset
DAY 5
- Get up early for yoga and breakfast
- Groom horses
- Do some groundwork and jumping exercises (depending on the level of the rider)
- A little horse archery
- Continue with activities of choice or free time
- Lunch at 13:00
- Afternoon activities of choice (game drive at the local game reserve - not included)
- Check horses and feed
- Supper at around 18:00
If the overnight camp out with horses is selected, then this is the day you will set off to camp. This is not available for beginner riders.
DAY 6
- Get up early for breakfast and a yoga session
- Groom and tack up horses
- Long outride (you'll be back by lunch)
- Afternoon on the activity of choice
- Check and feed horses
- Supper at around 18:00
- Visit Buccaneers on the beach for a drink at their bar
DAY 7
- Free day
- Horses on a rest day
- Transport is available for activities of choice (optional visiting Double Mouth Nature Reserve)
DAY 8 (Departure day)
- Breakfast and yoga
- Give horses a last big hug
- Off to the airport
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
Dollar is a 16 -year-old Thoroughbred (bright chestnut) around 14 and a half hands. He was given as a rescue horse at the age of 12, and with lots of time and love, he has turned into a fantastic horse. They've had him for five years, and he has become a real champ. He jumps well and is great to ride out.
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
- Nature walks and hikes
- Beach activities and water sports
- Horse-riding in the hills and beaches
- Camping overnight for more experienced riders
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
Tom and Tori’s horse holidays occur at a small farm in Chintsa West, 30km outside East London in the Eastern Cape. The beautiful rustic location is situated in the African bush, a mere 1.5km (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 10km long, lined with dunes and ancient dune forest and is perfect for swimming, surfing, hiking, fishing 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.
We have a very good golf course nearby (OLIVE WOOD GOLF ESTATE) and several small game reserves (INKEWNKEWZI and ARENA), where you can view wild animals and indulge in safari trips.
Food
Kitchens for all accommodations will be fully stocked with groceries and kitchen equipment. Dietary preferences can be discussed upon booking. All ingredients are fresh and organic.
Additional drinks and snacks can be purchased separately.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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)
- Hallal
- Seafood
- Whole food
Things to do (optional)
Available in the area:
- Massage
- Golf
- Safari
- Giraffe interaction
- East London Aquarium
- Lion Park
- Snake Park
- Surf club
- 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.
- Soup kitchen volunteering - donations welcome
Spa treatments
Full body massage and Spacial Dynamics consultation available.
Jacuzzi and Sauna in Guava Tree Cottage.
What's included
- 7 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
- 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 possible
What's not included
- Flights
- Visits to local businesses such as game reserves and golf courses.
- Activities that require the hiring of external contractors.e.g. powerboat rides.
- Medical insurance
- Health and travel insurance that covers horse riding
- Alcohol and additional snacks
How to get there
Recommended Airports
East London Airport
33 km
Transfer included
The local airport is King Phalo Airport / East London Airport (ELS). Airport transfers are included in the price of the package. If you are driving enter Tom and Tori into google maps to get location.
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.