ARRIVAL: Please arrive 20 minutes before booking starts for the briefing and to fit your safety helmets.
RIDING: We accommodate beginners but have well schooled horses that advanced riders will enjoy. Different levels in one group are welcome, riders of similar experience are grouped together, and each group will do parts of the trail with their own guide.
A variety of tractor routes, mountain climbs and open areas for a good canter. The mountain areas offer breathtaking views so it is recommended to take the 2 hour ride to get to the top of Paarl Mountain for the best possible view.
Tack is matched up to give both the rider and the horse a comfortable ride. We mainly make use of McCelan type trail saddles but English General Purpose saddles are available on request. Hard hats are compulsory; you are welcome to bring your own although we do keep a supply in all sizes for those who prefer to travel light.
HORSES: Our horses are a variety of cross breeds that suit all terrain as well as the different levels of riders that they come in contact with. They are schooled, well tempered animals that are very much part of the family here. They are South African bred Boerperds, Friesian, Thoroughbred and Warmblood type crosses and suit almost everybody, from the beginner to the advanced rider. The owner of Wine Valley Adventures bred most of the horses used in the trails so each of them has a full history and tales of their adolescent years as part of the different herds of almost 300 horses in total. The main focus of their breeding program is to have a sound minded, attentive, brave horse that has good work ethics and great rideablility!
Occasionally some of these precious steeds are for sale too. PS: you might be riding a movie star too – many of our horses work regularly on movie and photo shoots.
GEAR: Jodhpurs and half or full chaps, comfortable riding boots, please bring whatever you usually wear to ride. For those without riding gear, tight long pants will do with a closed shoe that has a slight heel.
WEIGHT LIMIT: For the sake of our horses and your safety, please be honest about your weight category. No persons over 90kg (14 stone / 198 pounds). Horses are categorised as follows: <65 kg ; 65 – 75kg ; 75 – 90 kg
AGE LIMIT: 8 – 75 years of age
Points of Interest
- Vrede en Lust Wine Estate
- Horseback riding experience
- Protective helmet provided
- Expert guidance throughout
- Gratuities
- Transportation to/from activities
Wine Valley Adventures has a riding package to suit everyone. Whether you fancy an hour or two in the saddle to simply get a taste of riding in the Winelands, or whether you are a seasoned rider looking for more riding time with trails of up to four hours, we have the right trail for you. Rides can be customized to include meals and wine
Whether you are an experienced rider wanting a fast and exhilarating canter / gallops, or just a beginner /novice wanting a relaxing meander on a steady horse to get a different perspective of the magnificent scenery, you will have a great experience.
- Minimum age is 8 years
- A maximum of 15 people per booking
- Not recommended for participants with heart complaints, epilepsy or other serious medical conditions
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
