Other
Information
The
The
Situated an hour north of Buffalo City East London off the N2 between
Durban & Port Elizabeth.
Stunningly beautiful landscape. A magical combination of rural
Stuff you need to know!
Indemnity form, packing list, booking terms and frequently asked questions.
Descriptions of accommodation
on the
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Wild Coast Horseback Adventures Home Page |
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1 to 12 week Working Horse Riding
Holiday & Volunteer Program |
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Anglo Arabs,
Percheron, Boerperd |
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Weather Forecast | Weather
Maps |
Join us for a lifestyle experience.
¨ The
¨ Climate
¨ Clint &
Julie-Anne
¨ Accommodation on the
¨ Booking terms and
conditions
¨ Packing list
¨ Booking Notes
¨ Recreational Activity
Release and Indemnity Agreement
¨
Frequently asked questions about horse riding
holidays.
The
The "
This stretch of some
280 km of cliff faces, perfect beaches and rich tidal estuaries is between the
At the
Since Portuguese
mariners first pioneered the sea route around the
The rural people
live a life richly coloured by tribal tradition and beliefs. Brightly coloured
examples of the beadwork, together with traditional pottery and basketwork can
be bought from roadside vendors and at some trading posts. The whole region,
once known as the
It is also called
the Border. For much of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries it was the
region of conflict between the British colonists, moving ever eastwards, and
the southward moving Xhosa peoples. A simmering border
conflict of nine major wars were fought along the Great Kei river.
Climate
The Indian Ocean
creates a sub-tropical land of flora and fauna from different climates all
flourishing side by side like nowhere else in Southern Africa
The climate along the coast is nearly always warm to hot, with humidity levels
rising form December to March. The climate is temperate with warm summers and
mild winters. Soft gently falling rain occurs during the summer months (November to
March) although it can be wet it is never cold.
The winters are
perfect.
The average
minimum temp rarely goes below 10 'C and the days are around 25'C
.
The best time to
visit, fish and ride is from the end of March through to August.
During October and
November the weather is generally good but can be unpredictable as this is when
we have our spring rains!.
Fauna &
Flora
The flora rejoices in a vast array of indigenous coastal forest, prehistoric
Cycads, tree orchids, Kiepersol, Sneezewood
and Yellowwood. Lush vegetation with plentiful water, forest and fruit trees
provides a beautiful environment for over 250 species of birds. Inland, coastal
and sea birds rub shoulders and compete for sky space. Above it all, the regal
Fish Eagle can be heard to shriek his haunting cry.
Sunray Farm is
situated 22 km from the villages of Kei Mouth and
This is a unique
opportunity to walk and stalk the
The horses are
kept at the main homestead Sunray Farm which forms the base for our Gap Year
program and home for the trail horses.
We also have satellite paddocks in Kei Mouth from where we run our beach
rides around
More info on Wild
Coast Horse Trails
About Clint & Julie-Anne
Gower
We wanted to live
our dream, and that is what we have done. Each day to us is a journey and an
experience of the dream that we have created for ourselves and now share this
dream with others”
Clint
Clint has a Bsc.Agriculture. Together with Julie-Anne, they own a
cattle ranch with approx. 100 head of cattle, which is run along holistic
principles. Clint is an active conservationist and his knowledge of the African
bush is immense. He is also a deep-sea fisherman and a professional hunter,
setting examples of ethical sustainable hunting, always considering the
ecological effect of what is hunted. Even when fishing he says “we encourage
our children and visitors to tag and release and only remove what can be eaten
or that which is an exceptional trophy”. This attitude to nature, his
qualifications and his knowledge of the bush and animals makes him an
appreciated advisor and guest on local farms and reserves.
Julie-Anne
Julie-Anne was born
into the hospitality trade; her parents were hoteliers and she spent most
school holidays at the hotels that are used on trail along the
How they came to
be here.
Together with her
parents, Julie-Anne learnt the hotel trade while at the family owned Eagles Ridge
Country Hotel in Stutterheim. They were there for 8 years (1990 - 1998)
Julie-Anne did horse trails up into the forests and mountains on her string of
mountain ponies. She also had a small riding school going during this period.
It was here in
Stutterheim that Clint and Julie-Anne met. Clint was running the family cattle
farms "
When they married,
in 1995, they settled at Woodridge Farm and consequently Torstone Sport Horse
Stud was born. Clint’s love of hunting and fishing and Julie-Anne's passion for
her horses’ cumulated in their deciding to go it alone, and in April 1999 they
moved to Sunray Farm.
The past years
have been spent intensively building their knowledge and experience in the
hospitality trade. Clint has built a regular clientele base of fishermen who
return each season to fish deep sea, and his hunting clients return time and
again during the hunting season. Clint’s reputation as an ethical hunter and
expert marksman is renowned. He is regularly asked to be the professional
Hunter at many safari and local hunting operations. The horse stud has produced
some outstanding stock, some of which is used on trail. The years of trailing
in the mountains and forests and producing horses professionally has paid
dividend as now Julie-Anne can claim to be a seasoned horsewoman & trail
guide. Clint and Julie-Anne have two sons Branden and Ashley.
Accommodation in Kei Mouth and
along the
Accommodation
along the South African Wild Coast is in typically
Sunray Farm
The guest room in the main farm house is spacious and comfortable with its own private
bathroom. It has two single beds or we can put a double bed in if
requested. Tea and Coffee making
facilities are provided. Meals are taken
around our large farm house dining table.
We use the guest room on the first night of trail should there be only
one or two riders. It is also available
for travellers requiring overnight Bed & Breakfast accommodation.
The Loft at
Sunray Farm
We have renovated the original old farm house (it had been store rooms for
years) to create a comfy cottage that is home for our riders on our Gap Year
Program. Dormitory type backpacker
accommodation is provided and is also available to overnight travellers. The
cottage has the best views and the sitting room with big picture window and
French doors open onto a patio with stunning views of the country side and
Mitford Lodge
Set on the very
edge of the ocean looking onto the magnificent cliffs of
Trennery’s Hotel
The rooms are
simple but comfortable and the hotel has a decidedly “colonial” feel. The food is
old fashioned “Table de Holt” and on Saturday night you will experience the
traditional
Trennery’s is one
of the first hotels along the coast, and we stay here on our shorter trails,
and it is used for two nights on our 6 night Wild Coast Horse Trail.
Seagulls Beach
Hotel
A laid back beach hotel, the accommodation is bright and comfortable,
We like to stop here on our way home and have our pub lunch here on the
way back from Wavecrest to Kei Mouth.
Wavecrest Hotel
Stunningly
situated on the banks of the
We stay at
Wavecrest for 1 or 2 nights on many of our different trail itineraries.
The Cock Inn
This is always our
last resting place after a adventurous horse
trail. It is an indulgent finish to a
wonderful horse riding holiday.
Slightly inland
the Cock Inn Guest house is where resplendent luxury envelops you. Tammy, the
owner of this private guesthouse, will spoil you with her personal charm and
attentiveness. Each en suit bedroom is individually decorated to a special
theme and your every need pampered to. You will wine and dine surrounded
by antiques and family air looms that have been collected and past down the generations.
This sumptuous home is the perfect end to your adventure in African.
Mazeppa Bay
Hotel
Mazeppa Bay Hotel has a very relaxed
atmosphere, where guests can be comfortable to walk around without shoes and
leave the stresses of everyday life behind.
Nestled in a beautiful setting
of palms and tropical plants, above the broad beach,
Mazeppa is one of the stop-overs on our Castaway trails
Kob Inn
3 star hotel
The setting is right on the sea
front with the furthest accommodation a maximum distance of 100m from the sea.
Rooms are spacious, comfortable with either double or family sized layouts,
each with its own en-suite bathroom. This is a 3 star resort and very smart.
Kob Inn is used
for one or two nights on our Custom made Castaway Trails.
Dwesa Log Cabins
Falls under the Eastern
Cape Parks, the primary
purpose of the Dwesa reserve is the conservation of the unique biodiversity of
the coastal forests, the southern sourveld grassland type and the Marine
Protected Area. It also provides a critical habitat to the survival of a number
of collapsed fish stocks. Dwesa is the ideal destination for
the person who wants to spend a holiday in pristine nature away from the
madding crowds. We to stay in a simple
wooden chalet and cook on an open fire with the horses teathered nearby.
Inkwenkwezi
Private Game Reserve
Extra night can be
added on at the end of the trail.
Your holiday can
be extended to include a game viewing safari at a nearby private game reserve.
The seclude bush camp is luxurious, the safari tents are tucked away in the
trees and you become part of African the bush. View elephant, rhino, lion,
giraffe, zebra, and many other game species.
All meals & drinks, game drives, horse back game viewing (on reserve
horses; typical trekking ponies!) included. Transfers from the coastal resorts
and back to the Airport included
More information on Morgan Bay and Kei
Mouth>>>>
Booking Terms and Conditions
Booking form
Emailed booking forms are regarded as properly signed.
Group booking
One person is responsible for the correspondence and collection
and payment of any out standing trail fees. Each person in the group is
required to complete the riders’ details and sign an indemnity form.
Payment
If the full price of your confirmed holiday has not been paid 30 days
before the departure date Wild Coast Horse Trails/ Sunray Farm/Sunray Lodge can
treat your booking as cancelled in which case the deposit is forfeited.
A non refundable
booking deposit is payable within 7 days to confirm your holiday.
Cancellation by
client
Restitution before departure: No refunds
will be made on any deposits paid. Full
payment is required 30 days before the start of your stay with us. No refunds will be made should a client
leave before the end of their intended booking.
Seasonal booking
variations
Prices quoted for holiday arrangements assume a minimum of two clients. If the
minimum is not reached 6 weeks before the commencement of the holiday, we
reserve the right to offer you any of the following alternatives:
Postponement
of the holiday to a date suited by both parties.
Continuation
with the original date, converting the ride to a private ride on payment of a
single supplement. Please see our prices page for full
details
If you change your
booking
Should you wish to make any changes to your holiday after it has been
confirmed, you are required to advise us by phone or email .We will try to
accommodate your wishes as best as we can, but can not guarantee this.
The cost of your
holiday
Wild Coast Horse Trails/ Sunray Farm/Sunray Lodge reserves the right to
increase or decrease the prices previously quoted for holiday arrangements
before a booking is confirmed. External factors beyond our control may affect
the holiday costs such as accommodation tariff increases, taxes (e.g. VAT),
exchange rate fluctuations etc.
Insurance
Riding horses, hunting and fishing always represents
an amount of risk. Therefore for your own benefit and ours we have made
participation in our adventures & safaris subject to you taking out a
suitable travel insurance covering you for medical expenses, injury, evacuation
and liability for the entire duration of your trip. When booking you confirm
that such insurance will be in place. Please make sure that no exclusion
clauses limit protection for the type of activities included in your holiday.
Please note: In the unlikely event of you having to go
to hospital during your stay with us, the local private hospitals do not accept
overseas medical insurance. You will be
required to pay a deposit within 24 hours or be transferred to a government
facility. Please ensure that you travel
with a valid credit card – this is the most effective way of paying for your
treatment, and it is easy for your family/insurance to transfer money to cover
your medical treatment. It also gives your insurance company time to contact
the hospital and guarantee payments ect.
Liability
Whilst
riding or in the vicinity of horses in the care of the operator or guide of
your trip you must comply with the instructions of that person. You accept that
the aforementioned operator or guide is entitled to require you to dismount or
to refuse to allow you to ride if for any reason they consider that you may
endanger the safety or welfare of any person or horses. If so required you have
no claim and will not be entitled to any compensation or refund.
You understand and
accept that you will be required to sign our standard “liability waiver” on
arrival. A copy of our indemnity form is found further down on this page or we
can send you one by email.
Domicile executandi
All possible disputes arising from our terms and
conditions are subject to South African Law and any hearing of cases will take
place in a South African Court of Law.
PACKING LIST
Suitable gear for the great African outdoors:
Jodhpurs or riding pants.
Riding chaps or long boots
Own hard hat.
Shorts for walking and hiking.
Walking shoes or boots to ride in.
Slip slops or sandals.
A couple of light long sleeved shirts with collars
to protect you from the sun while riding.
T shirts and tops.
Light long trousers. Jeans will do.
Smart outfit to change for dinner at the hotels.
Also bring :
Warm clothing 1 X jersey (jumper/fleece).to ride in and a nice one for
the evenings!
A good warm rain
proof coat.
Light weight rain jacket/wind breaker that will be
tied to your saddle.
Sun hat (that stays on) and sun block.
Swimming costume and swimming towel.
A torch (Flashlight) each.
A camera, film and binoculars. (battery charger) & adaptor!
Other items of a personal nature.
A valid credit card for any unforeseen emergency!
For the Horses – a special treat if you have space in your suitcase! 1 bag of Mr. Johnson's Equiglo
Treats. A delicious herby snack for horses and ponies
ITEMS AVAILABLE
TO BUY
We have a selection of Wild Coast Horse Trail clothing to buy.
Peak caps
Collards short sleeve golf/polo shirts
Warm Fleece tops
Light weight rain jacket with hood designed for riding in!
BOOKING NOTES
¨
Prices quoted exclude flights to and from
¨
There are no ATM machines in our area;
cash must be drawn in
¨
Unless otherwise stated includes road
transfers from the airport to and from the wild coast resorts.
¨
Unless otherwise stated includes all meals,
accommodation, horse riding and equipment, the service of a experienced guide,
and a back up vehicle to transfer your luggage from point to point,
¨
Drinks and alcoholic beverages are to be
paid separately; we do however provide water bottles for the saddle bags.
¨
Our clients on overnight trails do not
lift a finger. Unless of course they choose to; we provide a full service to
our riders.
¨
Beginner and novice riders can be
catered for by prior arrangement and on separate dates unless booking as a
single group. We welcome family groups and riders with non riding partners.
¨
The riding is paced according to the
rider’s abilities. Generally walking along cattle paths and cliff tops, long
trots and canters on sandy tracks, with fast canters and an occasional gallop
along the beaches.
¨
We generally ride 2 to 3 hours in the
morning and again 1 ½ to 2 hours in the afternoon, depending on the weather,
sea tides and what the riders can manage.
Sometimes it is a little shorter, and sometimes a little longer.
¨
Our horses are relaxed, easy to ride, fit
and forward going, Most have snaffle mouths; we ride in Liversage
trail & endurance saddles.
¨
The horses are a selection of Boerperd,
Part Arab, Anglo Arab, TB, Percheron crosses. They stand between 14.2 hh and 16
hh. The average being 15.2 hh
¨
Riders over 95 kg can be accommodated,
however we reserve the right to charge a supplement (R2000.00 per horse per
trail.) and the riders will be required to alternate their riding between two
horses while on longer trails. This is charged at the guide’s discretion and is
judged on rider fitness and riding experience. This is payable in cash, at our
discretion on first day of trail. Please be advised that riders, who are
boarder line heavy weights, are to have the cash with them. This supplement is non-commissionable.
¨
We normally have 2 to 8 riders per trail
which may include riders who are with us on our working riding holiday.
¨
Groups can be accommodated on private
trails Minimum 4 riders maximum 12 riders.(Riding
clubs, family groups and friends) A private trail supplement is payable if
there are less than 4 riders.
¨
Should a rider not want to share
accommodation with another rider, or we have no other rider for them to share
with; a 10 % single supplement will apply.
¨
Should there be only 1 rider
on trail a 20 % single supplement will apply.
¨
Please note that there is a surcharge on
standard rates if the trail falls into Peak & high Season. Please read our availability page to check dates and which rates
are applicable. Price will be confirmed
when booking.
¨
All trails must be paid in full before the
client arrives.
¨
Payment must be made in South African Rands and will be invoiced to you in ZAR
¨
All confirmed bookings with deposits
received will be honoured at the quoted rate.
Wild Coast Horse
Trails reserves the right to increase or decrease the prices previously quoted
for holiday arrangements before a booking is confirmed. External factors beyond
our control may affect the holiday costs such as accommodation tariff
increases, taxes (e.g. VAT), exchange rate fluctuations etc.
We will endeavour
to keep to the ride itinerary as stated, but factors beyond our control
(especially the weather & sea tides!) could mean that we have to make
alternative accommodation arrangements, or change the ride plan on any given
day. What ever happens, you our client
will still get a great riding holiday!
SAFETY REGULATIONS
We prefer that all
persons, when mounted wear protective head gear.
We recommend that
you bring your own protective riding hats; we have a selection available if you
do not have one.
We also recommend that
riders wear long riding boots or short boots with half chaps to prevent
chaffing on the legs.
In the interest of
general safety, the guide’s decision in any given situation is final as the
well being of the horses and
riders is paramount.
Wild Coast Horse
Trails
Sunray Farm,
Telephone/fax
043-8311087 email julie-anne@sunrayfarm.co.ca
Recreational
Activity Release and Indemnity Agreement
This RECREATIONAL
ACTIVITY RELEASE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT is voluntarily and knowingly entered
into by the persons as signed hereunder. hereinafter
PARTICIPANT and Wild Coast Horse Trails cc, trading as Wild Coast Horse Trails
and Working Riding Holiday, its owners, guides, employees, agents, volunteers,
officers, and directors hereinafter collectively referred to as PROVIDER. This
document is a full release and indemnity agreement whereby PARTICIPANT is
releasing and indemnifying PROVIDER from various inherent risks, known and
unknown involving various recreational activities including, but not limited
to, horses and horse-type activities and further releasing PROVIDER from
PROVIDER'S negligence, if any, and, further releasing PROVIDER from any results
of the inherent risks and PROVIDER'S negligence, such results including, but
not limited to, property damage, bodily and personal injury, illness,
paralysis, or death. PARTICIPANT will be engaged in activities involving horses
and other potentially dangerous recreational Activities. PARTICIPANT is
informed and understands:
That there are
significant risks and dangers involved with horses and horseback riding and that horses are powerful and potentially dangerous animals;
That a horse may,
at any time, without warning, and for no reason, jump up, forward, backward, or
sideways;
That a horse may
become uncontrollable, run wildly, buck, bite, kick, rear up, or step on feet
or other body parts without warning;
Horses become
tired, stressed, cantankerous, and their behaviour is unpredictable;
A horse may trip,
stumble, and/or fall down when being led, ridden, or otherwise attended to;
That weather,
terrain, other animals, and/or people and other PARTICIPANTS may adversely
affect a horse's behaviour;
That these risks,
and others, are inherent with horse and other activities which risks may not be
anticipated, controlled, or eliminated by PROVIDER and, further, PROVIDER has
no duty to do so;
That these risks
and activities in general can cause property damage, bodily and personal
injuries, illnesses, paralysis, and death to you or members of your family;
That PROVIDER and/or
other people and PARTICIPANTS may, on occasion, be NEGLIGENT (NEGLIGENT
meaning, generally, a failure to exercise ordinary or reasonable care) in their
duties and responsibilities to PARTICIPANT and this NEGLIGENCE can cause
property damage, bodily and personal injuries, illness, paralysis, and death to
you or members of your family;
That the horseback
riding activities and other activities will be in wilderness, and otherwise
remote areas and that bodily and personal injury, illnesses, paralysis, and other
injuries may occur to you where you are a considerable distance from doctors,
hospitals, and any type of medical help or assistance. PROVIDER strongly
recommends the use of a riding helmet which may minimize the risks of head and
other injuries. For and in consideration of the monies paid, agreements
contained in this document, and your participation in PROVIDER'S program,
PARTICIPANT does hereby completely release, acquit, and forever release and
discharge, PROVIDER, their successors, personal representatives, and assigns of
and from any and all actions, claims, demands, obligations, causes of action,
damages, costs, loss of services, expenses, attorneys' fees, and compensation
of any kind or nature whatsoever on account of or in any way growing out of, or
which in the future may result from, property damage, bodily and personal
injuries, illnesses, paralysis, and death to you or members of your family as a
result of participation in PROVIDER'S program or in conjunction with
recreational activities or PROVIDER'S NEGLIGENCE. This RELEASE includes, but is
not limited to, all claims or causes of action whether based on a tort,
contract, or any other theory of recovery, which the PARTICIPANT now has or
which may hereafter accrue or may
otherwise be acquired on account of or may in anyway grow out of any
recreational activities including, but not limited to, any and all claims for
emotional distress, loss of consortium, loss of companionship, loss of income,
bodily or personal injury to PARTICIPANT, or members of PARTICIPANT'S family,
or any wrongful death claim or
punitive damage or any
other claim of PARTICIPANT'S representatives or heirs which have resulted or
may result from the recreational activities, acts, omissions, or NEGLIGENCE of
PROVIDER. PARTICIPANT further stipulates and agrees in further consideration,
to fully indemnify and hold forever harmless PROVIDER against loss from any and
all claims, demands, or actions which may hereinafter or at any time be made or
brought against PROVIDER by any person or entity who has made, or agreed to
make payments on PROVIDER'S behalf for
any medical expenses or any other obligations incurred by PARTICIPANT as a
result of property damage, bodily and personal injury, illness, paralysis,
and/or death to PARTICIPANT or any members of PARTICIPANT'S family arising out
of PROVIDER'S activities. PARTICIPANT further agrees and stipulates to
indemnify and hold forever harmless PROVIDER against loss from any and all
further claims, demands, or actions which may hereinafter or at any time be
made or brought against PROVIDER by any person or entity who claims to have
been damaged, or who asserts a claim as a result of property damage, bodily and
personal injury, illness, paralysis, and/or death to PARTICIPANT arising out of
PROVIDER'S activities. PARTICIPANT further stipulates and agrees to fully
indemnify and hold forever harmless PROVIDER from any action, claim, demand,
obligation, cause of action, damages, costs, loss of services, expenses, and
compensation of any kind or nature whatsoever on account of or in any way
growing out of, or which in the future may result from property damage, bodily
and personal injury, illness, paralysis, and/or death to any person, including
minors and incompetents, over whom and for whom
PARTICIPANT has custody, control, and/or other legal responsibilities.
PARTICIPANT acknowledges and agrees that PARTICIPANT’S participation in
PROVIDER'S recreational activities and riding program is completely voluntary
and PARTICIPANT acknowledges all risks, known and unknown, accepts all risks,
known and unknown, and assumes full responsibility for all risks, known and
unknown, including, but not necessarily limited to, those risks identified in
this RELEASE and acknowledges and accepts full responsibility for all property
damage, bodily and personal injury, illness, paralysis, and death to
PARTICIPANT and/or members of PARTICIPANT'S family. Further, PARTICIPANT
represents:
PARTICIPANT has
completely and fully read this document as well as the Wild Coast Horse Trail
Booking Conditions, agrees to its terms, has been given ample opportunity to
seek legal counsel to review and advise PARTICIPANT as to the legal effect of
this RELEASE and has been provided additional opportunities to ask questions
and make inquiries of PROVIDER regarding this RELEASE;
PARTICIPANT
warrants and represents he/she has no medical problems which might interfere
with PARTICIPANT'S participation in PROVIDER'S program;
PARTICIPANT is
voluntarily participating in the recreational and horse activities with full
knowledge of the activities and the risks involved;
PARTICIPANT
accepts and assumes the risks and legal responsibilities for any and all
injuries and damages which may result from those risks associated with participation
in recreational or horseback riding activities;
PARTICIPANT
warrants and represents that he/she can fulfill any
physical requirements involved with recreational and horse activities;
PARTICIPANT
understands that the presence of PROVIDER'S personnel is no assurance of
PARTICIPANT'S safety or lessens any risks assumed by PARTICIPANT;
PARTICIPANT
warrants and represents that he/she has obtained adequate
medical/disability/life insurance or other monies to cover losses to himself or others.
PARTICIPANT also agrees to the BOOKING CONDITIONS in its entirety. It is
agreed that this RELEASE and its provisions shall be governed by the law of the
THE UNDERSIGNED
PARTICIPANT(S) HAS (HAVE) READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND(S) THIS RELEASE WHICH MUST
BE COMPLETELY SIGNED AS INDICATED AND RETURNED BEFORE RIDING.
I WILL / WILL NOT BE WEARING A SAFETY RIDING HAT AND UNDERSTAND THE
RISK INVOLVED SHOULD I NOT WEAR PROTECTIVE HEAD GEAR.
Accepted and agreed
to: PRINT FULL NAME…………………………………………………….SIGN……………………………………DATE………………...
For Participants
Who Are Under 18 Years of Age I hereby assume full responsibility for all
expenses and liabilities of the named participant(s) in this riding tour, I
agree to hold Wild Coast Horse Trails and their associates harmless from any
liability or claims on behalf of that participant, and authorize the use of
appropriate medical treatment for participation in the event of injury. ALL
CHILDREN UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE MUST WEAR PROTECTIVE HARD HATS
Frequently asked questions about horse riding holidays.
Who can ride, what
to bring and other stuff you need to know.
How well do I
have to be able to ride?
Our
horses are of a very high quality and are well schooled. Our
Is it all right
for me to travel alone?
Our
riding holiday is quite different from your usual package destination and many
people travel alone. We only cater for small groups, so you soon get to know
others during your stay with us. You are sure to meet and make new friends.
There is no single supplement if you are prepared to share with someone of the
same sex. We will try to provide you with your own separate bed room; however
this is subject to availability. Horse riding holidays are a great way
to meet other adventurous-and active people.
How safe is it
on the ride?
Horse
riding always has some inherent risks which is why safety is a priority with
us. We regularly assess the quality and the temperament of the horses,
maintenance of saddlery and equipment, safety
briefing of riders, training and attitude of trail personnel, trail principles
in force, quality of first aid/medical care available and we make adjustments
as circumstances change. We fully comply with all local regulations and indeed
the standard of our guiding is excellent.
We are well known
in the area that we ride through and have never encountered any safety issue
that would relate to our clients well being and security.
How fit do I
have to be?
If
you choose to, it is possible to have a rest day if you are feeling stiff or
tired. It is only on the last day of our trail that we have a full day in the
saddle with a short break for lunch, otherwise there is plenty of time to relax
and stretch during the day. If you do not ride on a regular basis, we suggest
you go for a few weekend riding breaks or day rides to get fit. We know that in
Do I need any special
passport, Visa, or health certificates?
A
full passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your return travel
is essential. Please check with the South African Embassy or consulate in your
home country for specific visa requirements. Health: The
Do I have to
wear a safety hat?
We
strongly recommend that you wear a hard hat when in the vicinity of horses. We have
a selection, but it is always best to bring your own to ensure a good fit. We
recommend you also bring a wide brimmed hat for protection from the sun before
you leave. Children under the age of 18 are required to wear a protective
riding hat at all times.
What is
excluded?
International flight to
What is
included?
Except where otherwise indicated, transfers from
All our prices are per person and based on two people sharing.
Can my children
be accommodated?
Yes.
Competent child riders are welcome. We have some super ponies suitable for
confident children who ride regularly.
General
We
reserve the right, without further notice, to make use of any photographs
(including digital or 35 mm) or video footage taken during your stay with us,
for general publicity purposes without payment or permission.
Laundry
Laundry
can be done for you during your holiday. There is a full laundry service at
Trennery’s and Wavecrest. This is payable separately.
MEETING POINT
You will be met at
the airport in
RIDING ABILITY
v
Beginner rider = someone who is
comfortable in the saddle & can stay on a reliable well school horse. They can post to the trot (go up and down)
and may have cantered a few times = Beginners generally ride once or twice a
year on holiday with their partner!
v
Novice rider = someone who is
comfortable in the saddle & enjoys a reliable well schooled horse. They generally ride at a riding school once
or twice a month, or like to ride friend’s horses on the farm. They can trot comfortably and enjoy a nice
controlled canter.
v
Intermediate rider = someone who
rides regularly and enjoys a forward going well schooled horse. They may or may not be a little nervous for
the first little bit while they get to know their horse. They can control their horse independently
and is confident trotting and in controlled canters.
v
Advanced Rider = someone who is
comfortable on any horse in most situations.
They ride regularly and may or may not have their own horse. They have a
good seat and maybe considered rather “horsey” J
The horses are fit
and forward going but gentle and reliable enough for the holiday rider, and
also of such a standard that the more experienced rider will have a good time.
The trail pace varies from walking through the game reserve to enable good game
viewing, long trots and canters on open plains, to optional fast gallops down
the beaches.
Weight limit: The maximum weight for riders is 220 lbs (95
kg). We can accommodate heavier riders
but reserve the right to charge a supplement, and riders will be required to
alternate between two horses while on trail.
We have one horse available that is able to carry about 100 kg’s and
riders must accept that he is not quiet as fast as the other horses!
Age limit:
Competent riders of any age are welcome.
HORSES AND TACK
The horses are
selected and trained for trail riding with great care; they are the other half of
the team that makes your holiday a fantastic experience. Just as your guides are professional and know
the area in which they operate, so the horses are familiar with the environment
and conditions in which they are ridden. Each horse is handpicked and trained
for trail riding. They are sturdy,
comfortable to ride, beautiful, forgiving, easy to ride and control, yet lively
to command and enjoy their work.
The saddles are
especially designed for trail riding by Leon Liversage.
The saddle distributes the weight equally on the horses back and is very
comfortable for the rider. The design with a high pommel and cantle makes one
sit straight automatically and is therefore better for you and the horse. Each
horse has its own saddle to ensure a comfortable-and perfect fit.
Each saddle is equipped with a splash-proof saddlebag carrying 2 water bottles
and can hold a camera and other essentials while out riding for the day. The tack and equipment is scrupulously
maintained.
CLIMATE
Temperatures in
summer: 15-26° C (60-80° F) with highs
up to 32° C (90° F) occasionally in Dec, Jan and Feb.
Temperatures in
winter: 10-22° C (50-70° F)
January /
February: It’s summer, and the weather
is hot & humid with afternoon thunder showers, we have to be aware of
flooding rivers! While riding, one cools
of by playing with the horses in the sea and lagoons.
March: Days are long and warm, still some chances of
rain as the wet season tapers off. The
riding is good and the sun is not as harsh.
April / May : Autumn, with warm days and blue skies. Good riding weather.
June. July /
August: Winter days are dry and warm,
with cool nights. The sun sets early,
but the weather is so fine you can be out on your horse all day. Good riding
weather.
September: The end of winter. It can be windy and wet.
October / November
/ December: Lovely time of year,
everything is green and fresh as the spring rains bring relief to the parched
earth. Riding is mostly fine during the
day, with late afternoon rainstorms and we have to watch the river
crossings. The temperatures are pleasant
until around mid-December when the summer heat kicks in.
December/January
is the summer & Christmas holidays.
Trails are only available in the first two weeks of December and the
last two weeks of January.
EXPENSES
The price of the
trip includes all meals, horses, tack, guides, accommodations and taxes. Includes road transfers from
The standard
gratuity is about 10%, but this amount is entirely at your discretion. The gratuity can be paid in US dollars, Euros
or SA Rand. It should be given to the
guide at the end of the safari, and will be split fairly among the trek staff.
Please have South
African Rand or a credit card available to pay your drink accounts at the
hotel. Spa treatments and laundry is
also payable direct to the hotels.
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Sunray Farm, Telephone +27-(0)43-8311087 Fax 086 6089578 Mobile 082-5670972 GPS co ordinates Sunray Farm South 32.37’41” – East 28.09’48” Kei Mouth South 32.41’45” – East 28.21’43” Please email
us for more details and prices
Credit Cards Accepted. |
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Hunting, Fishing
& Horse Trails Join us for a
lifestyle experience Contact us to
find out about our hunting and fishing eco adventures and working holidays
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Content on this web site is original and
written by Julie-Anne Gower. Phrases and concepts are often copied, but the
implementation thereof never perfected. Other photos on this web site were taken on
trail by our team and our many happy clients. Thank you for sharing your
memories with us.
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