South Africa ~ Horizon Adventures

Horizon Horseback Adventures is based on Triple B Ranch in South Africa’s Waterberg, one of its most beautiful, yet still relatively little visited areas and an easy 2½ to 3 hour drive from Johannesburg. A stay at the Horizon homestead is a chance for a wonderful variety of riding with lots on offer for all level of rider, from novice to experienced. Rides out explore the farm’s 22,000 acres of undeveloped bush and its neighbouring game reserves and often include game viewing; the ranch has a herd of 1200 stud Bonsmara cattle so there is always cattle work to try and polocrosse is another very popular option with plenty of chances to try this exciting, addictive game. There are also riding lessons, a practice cross country course for experienced riders and for those who want a more intense game experience, a 2 day mini riding safari, staying in a comfortable lodge on a neighbouring reserve which boasts, (amongst other game) white rhino, giraffe, zebra and wildebeest can also be organised. A new swimming pool, numerous outings and activities for non-riders, flexible dates and itineraries, not to mention a wonderfully welcoming and friendly atmosphere, make Horizon an ideal destination for novice to experienced rider alike and perfect for a mixed or family holiday.

Stays at Horizon are available on request year round.

Summary

Horses and Riding

Riding: tailored to suit.

Horses: farm/locally bred, TB, Arab crosses.

Pace: moderate (tailored to suit).

Riding ability: all standards from novice to experienced riders.

Weight limit: about 95kg (15 stone) but please call us to discuss if your weight is close to this.

Accommodation: comfortable ranch house / cottages.

Group size: maximum 8.

For Horizon testimonials click here

The horses include local breeds such as South African Boerperde crosses, as well as Thoroughbreds, part Thoroughbreds and Arab crosses. They are between about 14hh and 16.2hh and there is a good selection for the experienced rider as well as horses to suit someone with less experience. All are responsive to ride, extremely good natured and well mannered. They are also used to the bush and are very sure footed, coping easily with varied terrain. There are grooms on hand to look after the horses. Saddles are Maclellan style with some English saddles available. Guests at Horizon are usually split into groups to ride with the average group generally not more than 4 or 5 riders.

Hours: Riding hours at Horizon are very flexible and can be varied to suit.

Pace and experience required: Riders of all standards can be catered for at Horizon. Basic instruction is available and slow, gentle rides for beginners; whilst the experienced will enjoy a good selection of horses, fast riding if they wish, the cross country course and exciting polocrosse matches.

Accommodation at Horizon is in the converted homestead / ranch house and in three separate cottages close by. There are two twin guest bedrooms in the ranch house with en suite shower / bathroom and another twin bedroom which has a private bathroom opposite. The cottages, which are well designed and furnished and are built of stone and thatch, each have an en-suite bathroom. The ranch house also has a large comfortable sitting and dining room, with open fireplace, a swimming pool, a large covered veranda running along the side of the house (a wonderful spot for evening drinks) and a separate thatched 'boma' for barbeques.

Rates 2010

Rates are seasonal and calculated on a per night basis
NB Low season rates have been extended - now as below

10th January to 13th March & 1st May to 30th June
£150 per night; single supplement - £30 per night
Child rate - 12 to 15 yrs - £123 per night

14th March to 30th April & 1st July to 10th January 2011
£185 per night; single supplement - £40 per night
Child rate - 12 to 15 yrs - £150 per night

(no single supplement if you are prepared to share a room with another guest if necessary - and some single rooms are available at no supplement)

Rates include - all riding and other activities, twin accommodation, all meals and drinks.

Rates exclude - flights to Johannesburg, transfers between Johannesburg and the ranch, personal medical insurance (compulsory), any visa fees, personal extras and tips. Single supplements - not charged if you are prepared to share a twin room if necessary.

Dates 2010

Dates at Horizon arranged to suit, year round

The nearest international airport is Johannesburg and transfers to the ranch can be arranged from there for an extra charge of approx £90 per person return to Horizon. British Airways, South Africa Airways and Virgin all have direct overnight flights from London to Johannesburg arriving the next morning. For an economy return flight from London budget about £550 to £700 per person (varies with the season and availability).

Day 1	Transfer to Horizon on Triple B Ranch, about 3 hours drive north of Johannesburg. Lunch or tea when you arrive, meet the horses and a late afternoon ride to try them, returning to the ranch house for dinner and the night.
Day 2-3	Two days with morning and evening rides out from Horizon to explore the ranch, relaxing by the pool in the heat of the day and perhaps trying the exciting game of polo-crosse. Nights at the ranch house.
Day 4	Today offers another challenge - those who wish can try their hand at cattle cutting. Return to the ranch for lunch and a siesta or a chance to tour Triple B Ranch with the owner Charles Baber. Dinner and the night at Horizon.
Day 5	An early start when the light is best, riding out to look for game. Return to the lodge for lunch and in the late afternoon ride back to Horizon by a different route. Dinner and night Horizon ranch house.
Day 6	Breakfast and the day at Horizon, perhaps trying your hand at mustering, sorting and penning cattle in the morning and a game of polo-crosse in the afternoon. Dinner and night at the ranch house.
Day 7	A morning ride to a new area of the farm, stopping to watch hippo from the dam wall. A late lunch and siesta and in the afternoon visit the rhino and cultural museum and orphan rhino sanctuary at Lapalala Wilderness. Dinner and overnight Horizon.
Day 8	A final early morning ride, returning to base for brunch before preparing to depart.
	Contact us on 01837-82544 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions