South Africa’s Horizon Ride

Horizon is situated in the stunning Waterberg Mountains of northern South Africa. The Waterberg is renowned for its diversity of plant and bird life and has recently been declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Horizon is based on one of the oldest family farms in the mountains, Triple “B” Ranch. Set in this area of outstanding natural beauty, the 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.

At Horizon they take great pride in the care and quality of the horses. The herd comprises of Anglo-Arabs, Thoroughbreds, Boerperds and crossbreeds ranging in size from 14.1 – 16.3 hands. All the horses are honest, forward going and highly responsive.

Experienced riders will have a stimulating ride on an intelligent horse, while the novice rider will be able to build confidence as they are informally coached by both guide and mount. They use mainly customised McClellan saddles, which give a comfortable and secure western type ride. English and Australian stock saddles are also available.

In order to meet individual preferences, Horizon doesn’t run to a set itinerary. Daily activities are organised to meet each client’s specific requirements, and they are ready to help with suggestions. 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.

The Riding Options

Outrides
The Ranch is 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.

Cattle Mustering
The 1200 strong cattle herd on the Ranch are stud Bonsmaras, a hardy African breed suited to the region’s harsh conditions. Guests can join in the daily routine of herding and yard work, check calving cows or drive a herd between widely spread pastures. The Bonsmara is a non-aggressive breed and the ideal animal with which to experience the challenge and excitement of mustering cattle. Herding cattle also stimulates one to work closely with the horse and gives a rewarding purpose to a morning 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 they 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, the challenging cross-country course ranges from welcome level log piles to over 30 taxing open jumps. Triple ‘B’ Ranch hosts 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.

Triple B Game Viewing
You can also enjoy leisurely rides within the Triple B Ranch private reserve throughout your stay. The reserve borders the Horizon homestead and offers the opportunity of riding with plains game such as giraffe, zebra, kudu, impala, hartebeest, 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 boundry of the reserve, regular sightings of hippos are also possible.

2 day safari
For those wanting a more concentrated game viewing experience, there is an option for a two day safari. The reserve you ride into is a 4 hour ride from Triple B Ranch. This reserve 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. This option is at an additional fee.

Other Activities
When out of the saddle, why not take the opportunity to enjoy a guided bush walk or a tour of Triple B, with the owner and great character, Charles Baber. Guests can also 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 or relaxing in the sun by the plunge pool with a good book. A trip into the local town of Vaalwater is always on offer for shopping and an insight into bushveld retail therapy!

You may also wish to enjoy a game drive and visit the Lapalala Wilderness. This privately owned game reserve is home to one of the largest population of black rhino in South Africa and you can experience the thrill of hand feeding the orphan black and white rhino. Alternatively a half-day excursion to Entabeni, a private reserve with the added possibility of seeing lions and elephants, may make a pleasant interlude.