HORIZON RANCH - SOUTH AFRICA
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A must do horse riding holiday! This 10,000 hectare ranch lies deep within Waterberg Mountains. Triple B Ranch has been home to the Baber family for over a century and continues to operate as a working cattle and game ranch. A maximum of ten guests are accommodated at any one time. The ranch offers varied and exciting riding for riders of all levels. The variety is endless and the horses are top quality. Go for long rides at varied paces, exploring the furthest reaches of the ranch, join the daily cattle work - learn all about mustering, cutting and driving cattle - gather beneath the eucalyptus trees to join an exciting game of polo cross (Warning: this is addictive), go on a trip into the neighbouring game reserve and look out for giraffe, zebra, eland, the wildebeest, impala, kudu and many other game species. Experience nights under African stars, telling stories around the campfire. Pick up tips from one of the most savvy horsemen around. You will leave this holiday relaxed and with many new friends. For non-riders there are many possibilities - visit the 600 person local farm working community with its schools and crèche, learn about the running of a large cattle/tobacco/maize ranch in South Africa, or go on one of the many bird walks.
NOTES - HORIZON RANCH
The Riding Options
In order to meet individual preferences, the ranch does not run to a set itinerary for this riding holiday. They offer guidelines as to what they think you will enjoy each day, but the daily activities are organised to meet each client’s specific requirements. 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.
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 we 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, our challenging cross-country course ranges from welcome level log piles to over 30 taxing open jumps. The 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.
Game Viewing
Those staying at the lodge can enjoy leisurely rides within the ranch's private reserve throughout their visit. The reserve borders the 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, we offer a two day safari. The reserve we ride into is a 4 hour ride from the 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. (please note this safari does incur a supplement.)
Other Activities
When out of the saddle, why not take the opportunity to enjoy a guided bush walk or a tour of the farmstead, with the owner and great character, Charles Baber. Guests are also encouraged to 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.
During the months of July and August the ranch runs a special option for family holidays. Past experience has shown that the Triple B Ranch is the perfect setting for families whose children enjoy riding. They offer lots of exciting riding activities in a safe environment, which will keep the whole family entertained throughout their stay. To accommodate families during these two months, they will accept children of all ages (the normal age limit is 12 years old).
Accommodation
The lodge overlooks a beautiful lake. The large colonial verandah is the perfect spot to take in the beauty of South Africa, while listening to hippo and jackal calls. With no TV and no newspapers, it is the ideal place to get away from it all. Guests are accommodated in three double rooms in the main house (two en-suite and one with a separate private bathroom) and three luxury, en-suite thatched rondavels, each set slightly away from the main house, offering a private and homely place to relax after a long day in the saddle. A plunge pool enables guests to cool off after a hot summer's day, whilst the soft and mineral packed water of the lake is a wonderful bonus for swimmers.
Food is their second love. Before an early morning ride, guests are offered a light breakfast. After working up an appetite on your ride, lunch is enjoyed under the giant Syringa tree in the garden, followed by afternoon tea & cake at about 3pm. Dinner is a sociable and sumptuous affair, during which the day's adventures, or misadventures, are recounted with great delight. Our carefully planned three-course menus are accompanied by a selection of fine South African wines. Fresh vegetables and home-grown herbs are used in all recipes, with the homemade breads and cakes freshly baked on a daily basis.
An amazing horse riding holiday with so much to take in, you'll want to come back for more!
The weight limit for this ride is 17 st/242 lb/110 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation, all riding and other activities mentioned, guides, all meals and drinks (alcoholic or otherwise). If booking alone a 20 % single supplement will be charged to guests if they are not prepared to share a room with another guest of the same sex.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Transfers from Johannesburg, the helicopter ride is an optional extra as are extra activities such as the mini safari, and items of a personal nature.
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