Explore Cape Town’s equestrian world by experiencing the true joy and exhiliration of a horseback trailride. Cape Town offers two gorgeous landscapes in which to ride off into: beach and vineyard. Whether you’re an experienced rider or someone who simply wants to try something new, don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience amidst the sandy dunes or grape vines.
Cape Whale Coast adventures with Pearly Beach Horse Trails
With eight trail options, including a wine tasting trail and a sunset trail, it’s no wonder Pearly Beach Horse Trails have earned the Traveller’s Choice award by Tripadvisor since 2020.
The full range of speciality trails are all expertly guided by Sarah who has over 30 years of experience guiding trails.
Their Premium Beach Trail will take you from the farm and through dune forests where you can wonder at the diverse bird and wildlife, interesting fynbos species, and beautiful flowers. Then it’s onto the pristine stretch of coastline where you get to see first hand how Pearly Beach got its name. The long untouched beach is the perfect place to feel true freedom with an exhilirating canter or gallop. Novice or nervous riders will be well looked after, too, and can enjoy a relaxing walk or more adventurous trot. Depending on the weather and tide, you might also have the opportunity to venture into the water.
Trails are suitable for all levels of riders, and novices are very welcome and encouraged to experience a beach ride.
Details:
- Cost: From R900, depending on trail
- Location: Portion 1, Farm 321, Kleyn Hagel Kraal, Pearly Beach, Gansbaai, 7220
- Contact: Call 083 427 5674 or 079 148 4934, Whatsapp 083 427 5674, or email [email protected]
- Website: pbhorsetrails.co.za
Horse About in the Cape Winelands
Explore country roads and hidden forest paths with breathtaking mountain views in the Cape Winelands. Horse About Trails, on the R46 between Tulbagh and Wolseley offers a soul-restoring experience on horseback. Their horses are well schooled and their trails suit all levels of riders, from beginners to advanced, including children. Experienced guides will offer instruction throughout the rides so that you can enjoy the scenic experience in complete comfort and safety.
There are several exciting and incredible trails and rides to explore with Horse About. The 1.5 Hour Scenic Meander is ideal for novices and not-so-fit riders and is great for families and friends looking for a gentle introduction to trail riding. The experienced riders, comfortable at a trot and canter over varied terrain, will love the Witzenberg Trail. The trail includes exhilarating canters and breathtaking views. They also offer private trail rides tailored to any needs for a special occassion. Seasonal sunset and moonlight rides are also a popular option with both novice and experienced riders.
Children as young as six have been accommodated on trail rides, but it’s best to discuss options and disclaim all information about age and experience when booking rides for the little ones.
Details:
- Cost: From R300 per person, depending on the trail
- Location: R46, Tulbagh, 6820
- Contact: Call 082 884 9881 or email [email protected]
- Website: horseabout.co.za
Ride to Noordhoek beach with Imhoff Equestrian Centre
Amble along the tide line or splash through the shallow seasonal lagoon bordering the sand dunes; the water-loving horses at Imhoff Equestrian Centre willingly walk through the breaking waves while you look out to sea to spot passing whales, dolphins and seals. Experience one of the best guided horseback beach rides in Cape Town, leaving from Imhoff Farm, situated in Kommetjie, riding straight through the wetlands onto the beautiful Noordhoek Beachfront. Ride along the water’s edge or along the back pan towards Chapman’s Peak and back.
Since this is a walking tour (no trotting, cantering or galloping), riders of all levels are welcome, but a minimum age of 12 years and a max weight of 95 kg are applied.
Details:
- Cost: R660 per person for a 1.5 hour ride
- Location: Kommetjie Rd, Kommetjie, Cape Town, 7976
- Contact: Call 082 774 1191 or email [email protected]
- Website: horseriding.co.za
Vineyard rides in Stellenbosch with Pink Geranium
Conveniently situated between Cape Town and Stellenbosch, Pink Geranium offers meanders through the scenic vineyards for all levels of riders. There are several options for trailrides: choose between either a one-hour ride through the vineyards or a longer two-hour ride, or drink and ride responsibly with a half-day or full-day wine tour.
Vineyard riders start off with a short lesson to get the basics, then head out for a lovely stroll through the vineyards. As you ride through the beautiful Stellenbosch farmland with a spectacular view of Table Mountain, expect to see many bird species or even the occasional duiker or steenbok with specatacular views of Table Mountain. The horses are well-trained and groups are kept small so everyone gets the ride they want, be that a gentle stroll through the vineyards, or a fast-paced canter down a farm track.
The wine tours take riders across multiple farms where lunch and snacks are added to the day’s activities. These tours are not suitable for novice riders as certain parts of the outrides will include trotting, cantering, some steep climbs and optional swims.
Children from age seven and older are welcome to join the vineyard rides. Take note that a 95 kg weight limit is applied to all rides and tours.
Details:
- Cost: From R500 per person, depending on trail
- Location: Pink Geranium Nursery Corner Of N1 And R304, Muldersvlei Rd, Stellenbosch, 7600
- Contact: Call 079 962 4627 or email [email protected]
- Website: horseridingatpinkgeranium.com
West Coast exploration with Paternoster Horse Trails
Experience the serene beauty of the Cape West Coast from horseback in the spectacular fishing village of Paternoster. Paternoster Horse Trails, located on a farm just between Paternoster and Stompneusbaai, is right in the middle of the Cape West Coast, offering you a true experience of this slice of South African paradise. Horseback rides start at the farm and trail down to the beach, so you also get the chance to experience the West Coast farmlands.
These rides are suitable for children age eight and older.
Details:
- Cost: R400 per person
- Location: Swartrug Farm, Paternoster Western Cape, 7381
- Contact: Call or WhatsApp 082 748 5596
- Website: paternosterhorsetrails.co.za
Also read:
Furry, feathery and scaly animal encounters the children will love
Picture: Pexels