Tom and Tori Horse and Heart Adventures

The incredible variety of experiences — from horseback riding on the beach, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, hiking, and camping to connecting with the local community and children to seeing giraffes and ostriches up so close. The guides, Tom and Tori, made the experience feel warm, personal, and unforgettable, and the beachfront accommodations and stunning sunrises made it even more special.

Tom & Tori have put their hearts and souls into creating a unique riding holiday retreat and it really shows. The 6 horses are clearly loved, respected and cared for. My partner was a non-rider before the holiday but left with an understanding of horse care and behaviour and was able to canter on the lovely Boytjie. Tom’s patience and intuitive coaching style enabled this to happen. I rode Google–an ex-racehorse with a big heart and gentle soul. He was perfect for helping me regain confidence after a riding accident in the UK. Our main activity was horse-riding, which we did 6 days a week -schooling lessons, off-road trekking through beautiful bush scenery and riding along stunning beaches. We also enjoyed lots of other fun activities (paddle-boarding, kayaking cycling) trips to giraffe, wildlife park & soup kitchen. (We did have time to relax too!) Tom was very flexible and the activities were tailored to suit us. Nothing was too much trouble for him. We received Tom’s expert advice on fitness and posture, which we are following at home. We stayed at Buccaneers Beach Lodge, which is run by friends of Tom. The owners were very friendly & accommodating and we were very happy with this choice. Our room had everything we needed plus a sea view. I was provided with delicious gluten-free (coeliac) meals without fuss. Overall our holiday was a delightfully unique experience, excellent value for money and a wonderful adventure. We would not hesitate to recommend.

I spent 15 days with Tom and Tori as a solo traveller and had a very memorable stay. Travelling alone, I felt safe and welcomed from the start. It’s less your typical riding holiday and more like stepping into a different pace of life with the chance to meet their family, friends and the local community, but just as easy to keep things quiet if you prefer. I stayed in private, self-catering accommodation and opted for pre-ordered handmade dinners from a local company which were convenient and easy to heat up.

As an absolute beginner, I felt supported the whole time. I rode Google, an ex-racehorse who's a little bit chunky and really rather too chilled out at times but super sweet ❤ He seemed to like being groomed and doing that routine of preparing him myself added to the experience and made me much more confident.

Riding along the beach was a major highlight. The itinerary had a relaxed and flexible pace with enough structure to guide the day but plenty of room to focus on other activities I was interested in. Tom and Tori are wholesome, encouraging people - you can see how much they care for their horses and the local community. Seeing that effort first-hand added a lovely layer to the visit.

It was a genuinely special trip for me and well worth the value for such a unique, personal experience. I'd happily visit Google and the gang again and would recommend to anyone, including family and friends.

We have been very excited about this holiday for some time and it didn't disappoint; it was everything we hoped for from the description and much more. We were a bit wary as we had read a negative review, following our experience we cannot see how that review has any basis in fact.

We stayed in a lovely cabin with a stunning sea view, set on Thomas' farm and surrounded by nature. Every amenity was there and we chose to partially self-cater, and had a choice of freshly frozen home cooked food, ideal for this experience.

Thomas matched us perfectly to our horses taking our level of skill and experience into account, and we were able to form relationships with them through grooming, feeding and horsecare; we were impressed by the standard of all the horses and how well they were cared for (I am a lifetime horse owner). Riding every day on the beautiful Chintsa Bay Beach was superb, made better by Thomas' patient and informative instruction and coaching. We also rode on the hills surrounding the Bay and through the bush, an experience we couldn't have had at home.

TomandToriHorseandHeart went above and beyond to provide a bespoke activities package including kayaking, community projects, visits and mountain biking.

Tom puts his heart into everything he does and his love for his horses and his community shines through. He is authentic, caring and nothing is too much trouble. He has given us an experience of a lifetime which is so much more than a holiday.

Tom’s meticulous attention to detail is impeccable, I travel worldwide horse riding and Tom taught me so much about riding and horse behaviour his knowledge is extensive and his explanations are easy to understand at the same time making it fun . Tom ensured I had a fantastic time was very warm and approachable, this was reflected by his horses.

I liked absolutely everything - location, beautiful endless white sand beaches, nature, dunes, horses and variety of activities on offer.

Tom is an amazing person, he loves his horses and he is one of the kindest persons I've ever met. Apart from wonderful rides we did kayaking, hiking, surfing and even swam with horses. We were planning to play tennis as well, but unfortunately I had problem with my foot and couldn't run too much in the end.

If you enjoy outdoor, nature and active holiday I can't recommend more Tom's farm. He will definitely make it happen for you as long as you know what you want.

Our expectations for our 3 week holiday were totally exceeded. Tom delivered a fun, varied and active itinerary that showcased the breathtaking beauty of the area as well as opportunities to connect and volunteer with the local community.

Enjoying daily rides, with a mix of school sessions + out rides, my riding ability and confidence noticeably improved under Tom and Tori’s highly recommended, patient and effective instruction. Riding along the stunning beach undoubtably one of the many highlights. Staying on the property with the horses casually grazing outside the front door another.

In addition to riding, surfing and archery, we explored river estuaries by kayak, went camping and hiking along the beautiful, windswept beaches, climbed dazzling sand dunes, lost track of time beach combing, and marveled at the wildlife. My son was outside every day trying different things under Tom’s engaging guidance.

Volunteering at Chintsa East DropIn Centre/Onwaba was heartwarming. The children cheeky and adorable, the founder and team formidable.

Pre-booking communication was easy and reassuring. The logistics smoothly taken care of. Our itinerary was flexible and relaxed, adapting to changes in weather, work and energy levels,

Spotless, well equipped and comfortable accommodation with strong WiFi and a breathtaking sea view.

Ever grateful for the wonderful experience with my son that Tom & Tory’s unique hospitality and good company made possible. Already planning our return

I absolutely loved my trip to Tom&Tori’s Horse and Heart. It was everything I needed and more. From beautiful nature landscapes, beaches, forests and lovely horse riding trails to fun, games, good food and excellent, clean accommodation. I would recommend this trip to anyone who needs an escape from city life and loves horses. The little nursery school next door is also an excellent way to help children in need, as well as the soup kitchen nearby. I will definitely be coming back. Thank you Tom, you gave me a once in a life time experience!

Embarking on a horse riding trip in East London with my 10-year-old son was an unforgettable experience. Despite my beginner status, our instructor expertly guided us through horse riding basics while my son, more familiar with riding, flourished under his instruction.

Tom's patience and expertise were evident as he taught us about horse behavior and riding techniques. Beyond horse riding, he offered activities like kayaking, hikes, and crafting, enriching our trip with varied experiences that kept us active and fit !

East London's pristine landscapes and stunning beaches provided a perfect backdrop. Exploring these areas on horseback or hiking, and -cherry on the cake- visiting a nearby game reserve, gave us a deeper appreciation for nature's beauty and wildlife.

Tom has been a wonderful host, generously sharing interesting bits of South African’s culture and its Xhosa people. Accommodation was perfect too ! His horses are absolutely gorgeous, with a good energy and each with their own personality. They are very safe to ride (they are also trained for horse archery).

To sum up, our horse riding trip in East London at Tom’s place exceeded expectations, blending learning with human adventure.

As a parent you always want the best possible and meaningful outing for your child especially out in nature.Thomas and Tori gave my daughter a wonderful experience on the outrides She came as a nervous young lady and left as a friend. Her riding definitely improved and she was also taught so many aspects of caring for the horses.Thomas is a good teacher and cares for his horses.I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking at sending their teenagers for an amazing interaction with nature and horses.