Horizon Adventures

Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, this South African ranch continues to operate as a working cattle, game and crop property and offers over 20,000 acres of superb riding country. Clear blue skies, breathtaking views and vast open spaces provide the perfect setting for a magnificent variety of riding.

In order to meet individual preferences, this ranch is not run to a set itinerary. Guidelines are offered as to what you may enjoy each day, but the daily activities are organised to meet each client’s specific requirements. Rides are organised into small groups so that experienced riders can enjoy stimulating and fast rides, whilst novice riders are brought on at a pace comfortable to them. Individual requests for private rides, flatwork coaching, cross country lessons or round pen demonstrating, can also be easily accommodated. A number of non-riding activities are always on offer for those feeling saddle weary.

Outrides

The ranch has superb riding country. The going is easy, the horses run unshod on perfect sandy soil, and though the bushveld is thick in places, most of the countryside is open and flat and perfect for extended canters. Rocky koppies provide an ideal vantage point from which to appreciate the vastness of the Waterberg plateau. Swimming the horses in one of the many dams is an excellent way to cool down after a long morning ride. Leisurely viewing of the resident hippo family, either sunbathing in the winter sun or wallowing in the dam, has proved to be a popular interlude during a ride. 

Polocrosse

An amalgam of polo and lacrosse, polocrosse is easy to learn and one of the most exhilarating sports on horseback. To guests who have never played before we introduce the game slowly, running through the basic rules and showing the tricks of the trade when it comes to stick work. Then it is - “in at the deep end” – with a full game. One chukka is usually all it takes to bring out the competitive spirit!

Cross-Country Jumping

For experienced riders only, the challenging cross-country course ranges from welcome level log piles to over 30 taxing open jumps. The ranch once hosted an annual international 3-phase event affiliated to the Transvaal Horse Society. The course was designed by South Africa’s top course builder, Johnny Perreira.

Western Games

Those interested in yet another challenge can join in the fun of western games. Barrel racing and pole bending are fun ways of schooling yourself in the art of light commands and quick responses.

The Ranch Game Viewing

Enjoy leisurely rides within the ranch’s private reserve throughout your visit. The reserve offers the opportunity of riding with plains game such as giraffe, zebra, kudu, impala, hartebeest, eland, brown hyena, caracal, bat-eared foxes, porcupine, aardvark and bushbuck and many of the smaller mammals such as duiker, steenbok and black-backed jackal, baboons, vervet monkey and warthog. As the Melk River forms the eastern boundary of the reserve, regular sightings of hippos are also likely.

2 day safari

For those wanting a more concentrated game viewing experience, we offer a two day safari. The reserve you ride into is a 4 hour ride from the ranch and boasts many species of game, including white rhino, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, ostrich and a host of antelope. Brown hyena, porcupine, anteaters and caracal are also occasionally seen.

Other Activities

When out of the saddle, there are a number of optional activities guests often enjoy, including a morning big five game drive with the chance of seeing lions and elephants from the comfort and safety of a jeep. Other excursions include visiting the orphan rhino sanctuary, elephant riding, quad bike trails, or trip into the local town of Vaalwater for some bushveld retail therapy.

Those looking for even more activity in between rides can take the opportunity to enjoy a guided bush walk or a tour of the ranch, with the owner. You are encouraged to meet the locals from the nearby village and to visit their children at the farm crèche and school. The children love to see foreign faces and they may even sing for you! Alternatively spend the afternoon playing tennis, fishing catfish and bass at sunset lake or relaxing in the sun by the beautiful pool with a good book.

Day 1

You will be met at Johannesburg Airport and transferred to the ranch (approximately 2 1/2 hours) in time for lunch. In the afternoon you will enjoy an introductory ride in the game reserve, with sundowners served at one of our hippo dams. Dinner is a 3 course evening meal at the lodge.

Day 2

A scenic ride to Sunset Lake, where guests often spot the wonderful African fish eagles,  followed by a cooling swim with your horse. After lunch, relax in the heat of the day by the pool or take a siesta.  Afternoon tea is followed by an exhilarating fast ride utilizing some of the farms many kilometers of clear sandy tracks.

Day 3

An introduction to Polocrosse - starting with the basics, we will soon have you addicted to this invigorating sport. After lunch, you are welcome to tag along on one of our bi-weekly shopping trips into the local town of Vaalwater, for some retail therapy bush style! You may choose to enjoy another outride or utilize the skills of our dressage expert to strengthen your seat with a flatwork lesson having enjoyed afternoon tea.

Day 4

After breakfast we embark on a 2-night wilderness safari, on the Lindani reserve, riding in search of a wide variety of game. Arriving at the tranquil stone and thatched bush camp within the reserve in time for lunch, which is followed with a siesta by the pool and afternoon tea. That afternoon enjoy a chance to take photos on a guided bush walk or game drive. Sundowners are served at a breathtaking lookout spot. Sleep overnight in a stunning bush lodge.

Day 5

A full morning of riding in the game reserve , possibly encountering white rhino, giraffe, hartebeest or zebra along the way returning to the lodge for a late lunch and a siesta by the pool, after tea its another short ride in the reserve game before returning to the lodge for sundowners and dinner around an open fire.

Day 6

After breakfast depart the lodge for the ride back arriving at the ranch in time for lunch and a well earned siesta. The afternoon then brings another chance to ride in the reserve or perhaps those saddle weary would like to visit the local craft shop where you can buy beautifully made leather goods from belts to shoes.

Day 7

After many hours in the saddle on the Wilderness trail, guests may opt to take a break and enjoy an outing and game drive to a Big 5 reserve – in the hope of close encounters with lion, elephant or buffalo. Alternatively opt for a helicopter flip over this spectacular reserve, for an aerial view of Africa. Return for lunch. After another indulgent afternoon tea enjoy an outride or try your skills over the challenging cross-country fences.

Day 8

Cattle cutting. After bringing a herd in from pasture you will take it in turns to move one cow away from the group, an activity that puts you and your horse against the herd instinct of cattle. Return to the lodge for lunch and a siesta or a chance to tour the ranch with the owner and great character Charles Baber. Followed by an afternoon ride in the game area tracking giraffe or zebra, learning the signs of the wild and medicinal values of the native bushes and trees. Alternatively those addicted can try another session of polocrosse.

Day 9

Finish off your holiday with a last ride of your choice. Depart after lunch in the garden.

Please note this is a sample itinerary and you can decide on a daily basis what activities you would like.

2012 prices: 

Prices are available per night, but we recommend a minimum of 4 nights stay. However we can quote for shorter/ longer stays - please just ask!

Lake/ Garden chalet based on 2 people sharing in high season - 4 nights £820pp (no discount for children)

Standard double based on 2 people sharing in high season - 4 nights £660pp/ child £620

Lake/ Garden chalet based on 2 people sharing in low season - 4 nights £660pp ( no discount for children)

Standard double based on 2 people sharing in low season - 4 nights £560pp/ child £520

2012 dates:

high season - 21st Feb-30th April, July 1st - Nov 9th, Dec 11th - Jan 10th

low season - 11th Jan-20th Feb, 1st May-30th June, 10th Nov-10th Dec

Spring/Summer is Sept-March with the rainy season from Nov-March. Nov & Feb are the hottest months. 

Autumn/Winter is May-Aug with little rain

Single Supplement: 20% if none if available

Includes: lodge accom with en-suite, all riding activities, meals & drinks

Not Included: Flights and Travel Insurance

Meeting Point: Johannesburg Airport. 10am transfer/ 2pm return daily

Indicative flight price: London to Johannesburg £800 - £1500pp return depending on time of year

Transfer: group transfer £65pp one way

No of hours in the saddle: Variable

Max Weight: 95kg

Group Size: Variable

Suitable for non-riders: yes

Call us on +44 (0)1225 424413 or email contact@redlandsequestrian.com to check the ride availability and dates, once we have confirmed availability you can download and fill in a booking form:

• UK Rides Booking Form
• Worldwide Rides Booking Form

Each rider in the party must also complete a riding ability questionnaire before we can complete the final confirmation of your holiday booking.