Spring has sprung - literally with lots of rain!

by Nicky Hoseck (Trail guide at Wild Coast Horse Trails)

Well, the weather has done it’s best to curtail our work at Wild Coast Horse Trails but we have soldiered on in pouring rain with all the enthusiasm of those who love their vocation and have the privilege to work with amazing equine companions.

Our two clients from Johannesburg, Bronwyn and Simmy, endured three days’ of rain – determined not to miss a minute’s riding during their weekend farm stay. The whole experience was quite a challenge for two ladies who had rarely ridden outside of the arena before, but they coped admirably with the difficult conditions, helped along by our sympathetic and steady horses.

Another wet few days saw Klara Webb introducing the team to Ttouch and Ride with your mind techniques. The results were astonishing and we saw some incredible improvements in our horses after just one short session. Our minds have been opened to a whole new way of approaching our work with the horses and we are looking forward to sharing this new knowledge with our clients on the Natural Horsemanship Week programme we are developing.

We are also discovering the benefits of riding in a lighter seat and encouraging the horses’ backs to come up underneath us. Doing so much fast beach work inevitably leads to our horses tending towards the forehand. This new way of riding is helping to combat that and we saw some great results, especially from Roz and Geronimo. Geronimo was a stock horse before coming to us so has never been the easiest horse in the schooling arena. However, Roz’s riding, assisted by Klara and Ttouch bandaging, brought him into a beautiful outline and had him extending through the neck and rounding his back like a dressage horse!

September saw the launch of several new trails and holidays at Wild Coast Horse Trails. Our new seven- night beach trail is a fantastic 140km adventure along the Wild Coast which Nicky lead for the first time with clients Claudia and Volker Weber. Although Volker’s shirt suffered a few casualties after trying to bundu bash our way through a small section of forest, the rest of the trail went smoothly and painlessly. Our furthest destination is the Kob Inn, situated right on the rocks overlooking the sea; this is stunning spot and proved excellent for dolphin spotting. The riding is as exciting and varied as ever and our horses gobbled up the additional kilometres without batting an eyelid. Troy proved, once again, what a solid trail horse he is despite his youth. After a long morning’s ride through to Mazeppa Bay, he had a long drink and then promptly dozed off – truly nothing unsettles this loveable boy even at his tender age of six!

Last week Nicky and Roz headed out into the rain once again with clients from Sweden, Germany and the UK. The rain did nothing to dampen spirits and the four-day beach trail proved to be an enjoyable adventure for all. The rivers were surprisingly shallow and calm which made for easy crossings for both horses and riders. Roz, however, was on Time Warp who is not always sure how many legs he has or where they are at any given time. As a result, they ended up swimming the Kobanqaba River while the smaller horses all managed to wade through quite comfortably. The dips and undulations in the river bed are not always easy to read and Time, sadly, misjudged it and ended up in a deep section, casually soaking Roz along the way! Our Swedish and German clients then headed off to Dinaka where, hopefully, the weather cleared enough to give them a wonderful game riding experience.

Torstone Tasara

Torstone Tommy

Torstone Astro

The past couple of months have been busy with the births of this years’ first crop of foals. Astro is the first foal out of Tic Tac and our first pinto baby. He’s already looking tall and strong so shows potential to follow in his grandmother’s (Tenna Sea) hoof steps as a great a trail horse. Tommy is the progeny of our Percheron stallion Bobby and has the same mischievous personality as his brother Trevor. Our filly (Tasara) is the first foal from our Anglo Arab stallion, Tashbah, and one of the few chestnuts we have produced. In her first couple of weeks, she had all the flightiness and action of her Arab bloodline but now, as she fills out, her mother’s Percheron genes are starting to show themselves. And, last but not least, is our Thoroughbred/Percheron cross colt. Born jet black with a white star, his grey hairs are already starting to come through.

Back on the farm, there has been lots of activity, as The Loft accommodation for clients on our working riding holiday programme has enjoyed something of a revamp. A deep clean and a fresh coat of paint has given it a new look, although the rain has forced us to delay repainting the exterior so we are hoping for some dry days in order to complete the project.

Ida and Phillippa, from Sweden, have just headed south to experience some of the adrenaline adventure highlights of the Eastern Cape. First stop is a skydive in Grahamstown and then they are headed down to Stormsriver to throw themselves off the Bloukrans Bridge. Crazy or adventurous – what do you think?

Over the month ahead, we are looking forward to furthering our Ttouch work and also to starting two youngster, Twain and Taitum. Both Anglo Arabs, we are really looking forward to seeing how these youngsters shape up under saddle with the intention of them joining our trail team in the years to come.

Till next time.....

http://www.wildcoasthorsebackadventures.com

Wild Coast Holidays

Wonders of the Wild Coast - a unique family destination

Published: May 30, 2012 by Nicky Hoseck

See all 2 photos

The Kobanqaba River on the Wild Coast

Meeting the needs of all the family

So your eldest daughter can think of nothing but horses, your husband’s dream holiday is combining a great golf experience with some deep-sea fishing, your younger daughter is at that age so simply wants to listen to tunes on her iPod while getting a tan that will make her schoolmates green with jealousy while your son wants to risk his life bungee jumping or wrestling with wild animals. And you? Well, being a mum means keeping the peace so you’ll probably turn a hand to all of the above and maybe, just maybe, squeeze in some valuable ‘you-time’ in the spa.

Activities and attractions on the Wild Coast

The problem is, where in the world can you go and ensure the perfect family holiday that meets all your family members’ needs?The Wild Coast of South Africa is a little-known area of incredible natural beauty, located in the malaria-free, self-proclaimed adventure province of the Eastern Cape. Within a 60km radius of East London, your family will discover everything their hearts’ desire – from some of the best beach riding in the world to pristine golf courses and incredible wildlife experiences.

There are a number of game reserves situated within spitting distance of East London, giving your family the opportunity to experience most of the Big Five either on horseback, by safari vehicle or by quad bike. Some reserves also offer elephant-back safaris and elephant interactions meaning your son can satisfy his desire for adventure while your daughter can experience a whole new horseback experience.

The Wild Coast of South Africa also has a number of small but beautifully appointed golf courses, some of which are located in wildlife areas, meaning your husband can practise his shots while enjoying stunning views of the coast and familiarising himself with some of Africa’s numerous antelope species.

The golden beaches of the Wild Coast are some of the most pristine in the world so, whether you wish to walk, swim, fish or simply soak up the sun, this is an ideal destination for the perfect family holiday. Situated on the eastern coast of South Africa, the seas of the Wild Coast are teeming with fish and there are a number of operators that will take you out to try your hand at deep-sea fishing and help you find the best locations for catching that dream fish.

In and around East London, the majority of game reserves and hotels are aimed specifically at providing the best family holiday. There are plenty of activities on offer, as well as in-house spa treatments at very reasonable rates. Whether it is a facial, a massage or a pedicure that makes you feel special and spoiled, you will find what you are looking for.

With so much to offer, the Wild Coast is a great destination to consider for a family holiday. Whether it is adventure, relaxation, sport or beach that appeals, the Wild Coast has something for everyone and ensures that you, as the family holiday planner, makes the right decision for every member of your family.

A sunset canter on Qolora beach

Source: Wild Coast Horse Trails

Wild Coast Horseback Safaris

• Wild Coast Horseback Safaris

Horse Riding weekends for the family

Quality family time on a horse-riding weekend

Published: May 31, 2012  by Nicky Hoseck

Most reputable companies have mounts to suit all ages and abilities

Source: Wild Coast Horse Trails

Horse-riding weekends for the family

Horse-riding weekends have much to offer – not only is a great way to enjoy a rural retreat, it also gives families the opportunity to spend some quality time together while sharing a love of the outdoors and discovering the joys of horse-back riding.

In current times of financial pressures, many families struggle to find ways to enjoy time together in a relaxed and healthy environment without breaking the bank. Horse-riding weekends offer a cost-effective way to escape the pressures of a busy life and hectic home and enjoy a rural retreat.

Many companies offering riding lessons or trails will also offer short-term breaks for adults and families alike. Some companies have accommodation available on their farm, meaning you can live and breathe horses and absorb the rural life for a few days – returning home refreshed and rejuvenated.

The accommodation is usually provided as part of the horse-riding weekend package and is generally affordable and comfortable. Some will provide rooms within the farm house so guests really get to feel like a part of the family for the duration of their stay. Some meals are usually included in the package, reducing the cost of extras, and giving guests the chance to enjoy simple, home-cooked meals on the farm.

With a range of different horses and ponies available, these professional companies will ensure the safety of even the most nervous of riders. The amount of riding you do is usually up to you, giving you the scope to customise your trip to suit the needs of all your family. After a morning in the saddle, you may decide to unwind at the beach in the afternoon or take a hike into the countryside. Of course, you may get hooked and find you want to spend every available moment with your new equine companion.

The health benefits of a horse-riding weekend are self-explanatory – lots of fresh air and exercise will ensure even the most active of people will also benefit from a good night’s sleep. The experience of bonding with a horse and exploring the countryside will also help relieve stress and give your mind a break from the strains of work and home.

When choosing the perfect destination for a horse-riding weekend, make sure you opt for a professional organisation that specifically caters for riders of all ages and abilities. Be honest about your expectations and your fitness so as to ensure you don’t return home feeling exhausted rather than refreshed.

As with any holiday, location is vital. Choose a riding facility that has lots of scope in terms of where and when you can ride. A few lesson a with a qualified and experienced instructor will be useful in terms of getting you started, while the opportunity to ride with non-dangerous game or to canter along a golden beach will make your stay truly unforgettable.

South Africa has many choice destinations for families and individuals seeking a horse-riding weekend so it’s worth exploring all the options before setting off on your trip.

Wild Coast Horse Trails, Safaris and Riding Holidays

More like a mad gallop!

Goodness! Cantering about on the Wild Coast was more like a stage coach ride the past few months :-)
Wow, we have had such a wonderful beginning to 2011.
14 trails in 20 weeks with over 50 riders experiencing horse riding along the Wild Coast - it has been awesome. Thank you everyone who has been with us, we have had a great time too!!

So you ask - what exactly have we been up to?

Its all been a bit of a blur actually;  one month has rolled into the next..............

At the beginning of April I took 10 days off to go to the SA International Endurance Challenge.  Ashley was riding the 120km and I was groom for Laura Seegers who rode for the SA Endurance team.  The Perseverance Endurance Horses are wonderful - ridden barefoot they are turning heads on the endurance circuit!  It was a great week of camping, horses and visiting friends.  Go to www.endurancehorse.co.za for the full results and more info on barefoot riding! Perseverance Endurance Horses on Facebook!

Our journey home was an endurance marathon in itself! 24 hours on the road.........Truck, horse trailers & back up vehicle.......
We were packed up and going shortly after 6am when the first vehicle issue happened.   The Masterson's horse box wheel fell off - fortunately this happened in the middle of town and no one or horses were hurt!  But this whole episode took ages to sort out and fix and we were on the road again shortly after 11am.   It was steady driving the rest of the day - I drove through Pretoria/Johannesburg for the first time!! Oh my, so glad I dont live up there - no wonder you guys are all so stressed?  We stopped and had a bite to eat just out side of Bloemfontein, unloaded the horses to stretch their legs and were on our way again.  There had been a lot of road works coming up with stops and go's so we decided to take a back road (thank goodness) to Graaf Rienet via Jaggersfontein.  Well about 50km out of the little Free State town horrific sounds engulfed us and my Mahindra ground to a hault....... it was after 8pm at night, in the middle of now where & raining. All I can say is thank God we had cell phone signal - and managed to stop the convoy of horse boxes and trucks to turn around and come and save us (Bob really is our hero).  And Lucy magically managed to get hold of a loan garage who would help us on a Saturday night...... so off we go to Jaggersfontein - The big truck towing the horse trailer and behind all that; me being towed !!!!
Well to cut a long story short, we had to leave my car, unpack all my camping equipment into the truck and set off again to Graaf Rienet.  Lucy & I kept Bob awake with "transparent questions" and chatter.... it will be a trip that non of us forget.

I set off the next day back home in a borrowed car with Ashley who had a few days off.

So now my Mahindra is stuck 600km away (6 weeks later its still there!)  Then to add to my woes, I used Clint's double cab to go get horse food in East London the following week - and it too broke down - no oil in the engine - (5 weeks later its still at a friends house!)  OK, so we are down to the Landi - guess what - 4 weeks later its still parked in the drive way with a broken wheel hub.....................and I have a hire bakkie which is costing the earth................. oh well, I am not quite sure what the lesson is here, but hell,  to say that I am not having any luck with vehicles at the moment is an understatement.  Maybe something will be fixed by the end of this week???? ??????????????PLEASE?????????
Enough of my car drama...

To top it all I am having a run of lame horses. Three full brothers Time Warp, Tassenburg & Tanu are all lame, Kingston is still not well, but seems to be improving all be it painfully slowly and now Top Deck is lame :-(

The over night trails have been hectically busy, 5 weeks back to back has been hard work (especially without vehicles!!) I just have to say thank you, thank you to Nicky and Amanda - well done - you are both awesome :-)  I am sure that Collin at Peas on Earth will be glad to have his beloved wife back!!

Harry Brouwer rode with us again over Easter together with his friends from Holland.  It was lovely to have Harry ride with again - this is the third time that he has been on trail with us.  And he always brings the most decadent Belgium chocolates for me - who could not love someone who does that :-)

Clint has been away most of the time during all of this - he has been taking clients out hunting & fishing - we are going to need some serious together time after all this - ha ha! (after he has got all the vehicles fixed!!)

Shunter is really training Tashbah hard for the next endurance ride.  I am down to one horse available who is registered Torstone Tambourine - a real sweaty or I could take Tara to do a 30km and see how she does :-)

So finally we have slowed down to a nice hack - time to catch up, fix, clean and prepare for the next great horse riding adventure.  We start to fill up with our Gap Year rides from the middle of June onwards.  - there are still a couple of places available in July/August - so if you have been thinking about riding with us, go to the web site Wild Coast Horseback Adventures fill in an enquiry form and we will find a space for you!

Our 7 night Wild Coast Horse Safari has turn out to be very popular and we have places available on most of the dates that are on the web site - more info on our horse safari

till next time
Happy riding.