Experience unforgettable working holidays in South Africa on the untouched Wild Coast and discover its hidden cultural and geographical wonders. Ride across white, wide sandy beaches, through green rolling hills and explore the local villages. Enjoy the warm atmosphere on the farm and African hospitality. We guarantee you a holiday full of adventure, breathtaking nature and numerous exciting activities.

The traditional South African farm is home to around 50 horses, including riding horses, broodmares, stallions, youngsters and a wide variety of bird species. You are invited to take part in all farm activities, giving you a deep and exciting insight into everyday farm life in South Africa. There is plenty to try out if you wish, such as natural horsemanship or working with young horses. The focus of this holiday is on having fun with and around horses, including swimming with the horses in the farm's own reservoir!
The programme therefore requires a certain interest in the daily work of a South African horse farm, as well as team spirit, openness and flexibility. In return, you will enjoy lively rides on seemingly endless, beautiful sandy beaches, discover the hidden treasures of the Wild Coast and enjoy the simplicity of African farm life. During the rides on the farm, you will also go in search of wild animals – the area is home to kudus, warthogs, bushbucks and waterbucks, among others.
The wide range of options allows riders to develop their skills during lessons and train and school the horses. You should already have riding experience and be confident in all gaits.

The rides take you along wide beaches and cliffs, through farmland and picturesque hinterland with lush tropical vegetation. On request, an excursion to a private animal reserve for wildlife viewing and a jeep safari can also be arranged (at an additional cost). You will have many opportunities for an exciting riding holiday and actively help with all the work!

Itinerary

Working holidays on the wild coast 4-12 weeks
Would you like to spend 4 weeks or more doing something completely different and experiencing life on an African horse farm? Would you like to ride every day, have lots of fun and train top trail horses?
Would you like to help train the horses while improving your riding skills and enjoying beach rides and bush rides? Then these working holidays in South Africa are just the right break for you! While you are there, you will be involved in all activities and will quickly feel at home thanks to the friendly atmosphere.

Requirements: For riders aged 18 and over – advanced riders who are flexible and open to new experiences. You will help with the daily work on the farm and train the horses in the riding arena and in the countryside. Rides in the game reserve and on the beach are also included, as well as laundry service, free internet access and accommodation.

Sample daily schedule: A normal day starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m., with an hour's lunch break. Work with the horses starts at 8:00 a.m. The horses are fed by the stable staff. They are then exercised in groups, usually in the form of rides through the bush or to the beach, sometimes with other riding guests. In the afternoon, work with the horses in the arena, feeding and grooming. Young horses are trained in dressage and jumping. There is a dressage arena, some jumps, a small cross-country course and space for barrel racing, as well as small reservoirs for swimming with the horses. In any case, there is plenty of riding on the programme! Of course, saddle and bridle care is also part of the programme from time to time. The exact programme depends on the weather/climate, rainy season and tides and varies accordingly, as well as when riding tours are taking place.
If a mini trail on the beach takes place during your stay, participation is included! With 2 nights away!

Subject to change at any time, programme dependent on weather, tides and local conditions.Optional activities (additional charge)
Excursion to the Big Five Game Reserve: As you are driven to the Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve, you can marvel at the new landscapes and relax your tired limbs. Here you have the unique opportunity to see an African elephant up close. A jeep will take you through the reserve and, with a little luck, you will see white rhinos and maybe even lions. (Excursion to the game reserve at an additional cost).
A ferry trip across the Kei River (also possible with horses!) or a day's horse riding with lunch en route or a stop at a pub are also attractive options. A boat trip on the Kei River to the lagoon landscape and the fish eagles is also possible.
For those who would like an afternoon of complete relaxation, there is a thermal spa at the nearby Morgan Bay Hotel. Meanwhile, adventurous guests can choose from numerous hiking options or visit a bio ranch, school or town to get a feel for African life. Back at the farm, you can relax and let the wonderful day come to an end on the veranda.

Accomodation
With the Working Holidays you overnight in the Loft House, a simple shared accommodation. There is one 6-bed room and one 4-bed room. Each room has its own bathroom. The accommodation is located right in Kei Mouth, just 5 minutes from the beach, pubs and restaurants. The horses are only a 3 minute drive from the house and therefore also fast accessible.

Saddle & Tack: Comfortable trail and endurance saddles, snaffle.

Experience: Advanced rider (brisk, sporty or leisurely rides, duration and pace as desired, based on training of the horses). For the beach rides, you should be confident in all gaits, even at a brisk gallop, and have trail experience.

Horses: Anglo-Arabian and Arabian mix, Boer horse, English thoroughbred, Percheron crosses, height between 145 and 165 cm. Most of the riding horses are born and raised on the farm: Arabian, Arabian mix and Anglo-Arabian. They live outside on large paddocks in a herd. This makes them particularly easy to handle and also very reliable for beginners.