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Mkulu Kei Horse Trails & Riding Holidays The stamp of Quality and Authenticity |
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 Mkulu Kei Horse Trails & Lalapanzi Adventure Centre Cher-a-Don Please add comments And your riding & activity photos. |
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Cher-a-Don "The Quality You Deserve"
MK Saddlery - Equestrian Equipment Manufacturer
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Greetings to You from all at Cher-a-Don, the two
and the four legged.
Cheryl and Don would like to invite you on a Wild Coast horse riding vacation of a lifetime. Come experience the Transkei area of South Africa on horseback with us at Cher-a-Don Mkulu Kei horse trails & riding holiday, join us for a teambuilding adventure at Cher-a-Don Team-building & Adventure Centre previously know as Lalapanzi Adventure Centre or purchase custom made quality South African equestrian equipment and saddles from our saddlery department; Mk Saddlery.
Cher-a-Don; a partnership between Cheryl And Don. Find out more about us the owners, about the company and how the company has evolved. Experience our passion and dedication to both the welfare of horses and our visitors, whether you are joining us for a horse ride at Cher-a-Don Mkulu Kei Horse Trails & Riding Holidays or at Cher-a-Don (Lalapanzi) Adventure Centre.
We guarantee to give you more than you would expect from other riding establishments or from a teambuilding venue. We the owners Don and Cheryl are hands on and get personally involved and that way we can give you the quality you deserve.
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At Mkulu Kei horse trails & riding holidays, we welcome riders of all ages and riding abilities. From those who have never ridden a horse before and would like to try something new through to experienced riders and every equestrian experience between. We have well trained horses and vrious different rideing options, from a few hours in the saddle on the beach ride at Morgan Bay to experiencing and exploring the Wild Coast on horseback on an overnight horse trek. Mkulu Kei Horse Trails and Riding Holidays, an award winning horse riding company for your Wild Coast, South African multi day guided horse riding holiday, working riding gap holiday destination, children's pony camp or Morgan Bay beach outride.
Mkulu Kei horse trails & Riding Holidays has been manufacturing riding equipment and saddles for some time now for our own use and are now on selling direct to the public. Mkulu Kei Saddlery
And now Cher-a-Don (Lalapanzi) Adventure Centre, a wilderness retreat and adventure camp with abseiling, paintball and customized team building activities for all ages and fitness levels. Cher-a-Don Adventure Centre
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Greetings to You from all at Mkulu Kei Horse Trails, the two and the four legged.
Cheryl and Don would like to invite you on a Wild Coast horse riding vacation of a lifetime, come experience the Transkei on horseback with us.
Visit Mkulu Kei Horse Trails to experience what this horse and pony trekking holiday has to offer. Each ride personally guided by Cheryl or her partner Don and assisted by senior guides Daniela, Luisa, and our friendly and experienced staff.
Mkulu Kei horse trails and horse back riding holidays is situated on the Mkulu Kei horse farm called Cher-a-Don just outside Morgan Bay, north of East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa on the R349 and off the N2 highway just past Cintsa. Horses at Mkulu Kei are all trained to suit various rider capabilities and are a pleasure to ride. The equestrian beach riding trails offers a total riding holiday experience and is your first choice for an equine tour for your South African holiday with riding.
Mkulu Kei Horse Trails, Riding Holidays & Saddlery
For your South African horse trek vacations or beach riding holiday.
Are you looking for a horseback riding holiday that offers a few hours in the saddle? A few days to explore the Wild Coast, on an over night horse trail? Or looking to spend time volunteering on an equine working riding establishment? Mkulu Kei horse holidays.
This is a family business offering you the opportunity to contact Mkulu Kei horse Trails directly when planning your get away horse-packing holiday.
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When organizing the itinerary for your personal riding experience, care has been taken to choose hospitable comfortable family beach hotels, with the option to add on a night camping, and to personalise the horseriding trails to your preferences making us your first choice in equestrian holiday travel adventures. About UsCheryl was determined from the outset that her horses would be mounts you would love to take home to ride no matter what your previous riding experience. Cheryl, grew up on her family's farm in Zimbabwe where horses were always a big part of her life, getting involved in the family's breeding programme, horse ranch and starting the horses from foals through to competitive level. As a young girl she represented Zimbabwe and got her colours for Three Phase Evening. She also represented her school and pony club in dressage and show jumping events. She subsequently got her Eastern Cape Provincial endurance colours, qualified as a riding instructor and is a Friesian Junior Judge as well as a Tourist Guide. |
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Being familiar with this beautiful coast and surrounding area which is still one of the few undeveloped coast lines resisting the onslaught of civilization, it was a natural progression to start the guided horse trails and horse riding safari vacations in order to share this incredible adventure with fellow riders and nature lovers.
She was also determined that she would pass on her equestrian knowledge on to others, being one of the few equine horse trail companies in South Africa that actually teach the clients about horse behaviour and how to ride in an informal environment. She has made it her personal vision to encourage more males into the equestrian sports.
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Riding for a year familiarising herself with the secluded splendors of the Wild Coast during which time she trained and put together a herd of experienced trail horses, and having put together an itinerary and package that would offer the discerning adventurer an equine vacation experience of a lifetime she started offering horse trekking holidays in 1998. Don her partner who in 2003 came on a 7-day trail with his daughter, gave up his job and joined Cheryl. Having ridden as a child then again as an adult he is a valuable member of the management team. Don trains and brings on the green horses with potential, getting them on the bit and generally rounding them for the more experienced riders who don't want a horse that just follows. A quality riding horse not often seen at horse trail companies. |
Don
has trained several horses to be ridden without a bridle, just with a
neck strap and is often seen guiding the Morgan Bay rides with no
bridle or saddle.
Daniela and Luisa are our senior guides both Daniela and Luisa have been guiding for many years and who also back our babies and get them ready to start their careers in the working team. We have a different approach to backing (riding/training first few times); the result happy horses. See Our horses
Ayanda a Xhosa gentle man who has been in our employment for some four years, started off as our groom and general helper has been promoted as a guide at the camps. He has been very involved with the kids and as our Xhosa is not that good he is a extremely helpful with talking the nervous children who can't speak English at the abseil site. Ayanda is being trained as a saddle maker assisting Don.
Webber a groom from many years ago has been reemployed and is taking up the general helper and groom, he too gets involved with the camps.
September, Mussa and October are very enthusiastic, capable 2nd guides and a very valuable part of the team. Unfortunately another child has been dropped from the development project for breaking a very serious rule. Any child caught stealing knows they will be kicked out of the project. We are however personally involved in his court case and are using our contacts to get him the help he needs.
Our Trail & Riding Horses
I am personally extremely proud of our working horses; they work together in harmony, encouraging the younger horses to be confident and work as a team. We use the geldings and add mares and stallions when extra horses are required. The horses can be separated during the ride thereby giving more advanced riders the chance to increase the pace while more novice riders behind the second guide horse ride at a slower pace, they can then be regrouped at any stage of a ride. This way we can incorporate all riding abilities within the same ride.
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The advanced riders can canter away from the novice riders with no drama. And although they are trained to follow one behind the other in Indian file on the day rides, as an intermediate rider you could ask your mount on trail to ride on an individual path with ease. Each horse must to be individually asked by his or her rider to canter or they will continue to trot, even if the rest of the ride canters off. You as a rider you will not feel the difference of pace when you turn for home and can relax on a long rein or can have a controlled canter without fighting with your mount on the way back to the riding stable. It is tradition for the children to ride their horses facing the tail on the last stretch to the stable yard. A fun ending to a great out ride. |
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On the Transkei rides we seldom ride one behind the other and the horses enjoy the freedom of being ridden by their riders and really enjoy trails. It is not unusual to see the slow steady horse; the ones usually at the back on the day rides, confidently taking the lead on the longer trails. On the Transkei side of the Kei River, we are very happy to extend the canter, gallop or even race if the condition of the sand is right. The horses are happy to ride abreast and change the order of the ride at will or even ride on a different path. As an experienced rider myself when I commenced the treks I wanted to have the correct horse for you, either for an advanced rider, beginner or nervous rider, and I can personally tell you I have quality riding horses, some may not be confirmation perfect but as riding horses they are. |
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We have the correct horse for your riding ability. The correct horse for you on your riding holiday.
Our clients are pleasantly surprised about the
quality of our horses and the care and time we take in matching each
rider to a horse thus ensuring maximum pleasure for both horse and
rider. We get complements from clients just how sure footed and
confident the horses are over rough conditions, up and down embankments,
over rocks and through water, both sea and rivers. Our team of horses
are happy to work for your riding pleasure.
We have a holistic approach to our horses, they are all bare foot and we keep them as natural as possible. Although I have a very young string of horses they ride like horses twice their age. Our approach to horses gives you the best equestrian experience both on and off the horse and an opportunity to learn how to communicate with equines. The relaxed stable yard gives you the chance to understand horses better and thereby get more out of your riding holiday and horses in general.
We have been approached to sell horses for the shows, but if I did that, you would not have the quality horses we can offer on the trails and we want you to have a great riding holiday with us. At Cher-a-Don we do not sell horses but rather find a place for them in the Mkulu Kei working team.
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Come to Mkulu Kei horse trails in South Africa and join us at a working horse stud for an exchange working equine gap holiday opportunity. More than just a volunteer, with us you are not one of lots of helpers, you become one of the family. We only invite 1 to 6 volunteers at a time, into our home, to experience a working vacation of a lifetime. Learn our natural horsemanship methods, horse behavior & breeding methods, how we use horses as a form of therapy with troubled kids and spend lots of time in the saddle beach riding. Are your children bored during the school holidays? Send them to us. A children's equestrian pony camp. Here is an opportunity for them to learn to ride, become comfortable near and on top of a pony and horse. Eat, sleep, and learn in an informal family fun environment. |
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Great care has been taken to have the correctly trained horse for your level of riding and we can cater for the whole family, from children to grandparents, with horses to suit all riding abilities, from beginner to advanced rider. Special needs riders can be accommodated. We offer both a few hours in the saddle and a multi day riding experience. Join us for a family horse-riding holiday or as a single rider on his or her own riding tour. By joining another group on trail a reduced rates will be given to all on the over night trek. When planning your horse-riding trail why not take advantage of our out of season months when we pass on a reduced daily rate to you. See the overnight trails for more details and daily rates. |
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On the over night horse trails page see "My first equine trail" A riding experience aimed at the never ridden or beginner rider. We spend 2 days getting you confident near and on top of a horse, giving you riding tips. Groom a horse, pick up the feet, and learn to tack up in a relaxing atmosphere. An intensive riding experience, teaching you all you require to take your first comfortable trail riding experience. This is your chance in a practical way to learn to ride without going for formal lessons in an arena, intensive riding instruction. A great way to introduce riding vacations to non-riding partners. An opportunity to go on a horse riding holiday together and each get an equine experience at the pace you are comfortable with.
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You could be here on your coastal safari horse riding vacation, Mkulu Kei Horse Trails The best of equestrian riding holidays. Your African Wild Coast horse safari adventure.
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Awesome horse trekking conditions, stunning out rides, the best trail riding countryside, hours of time in the saddle. An award winning safari horseback riding holiday. A warm welcome and unforgettable experience awaits visitors to Mkulu Kei horse riding trails. Situated just outside Morgans Bay in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Horse riding holidays with Mkulu Kei will take you along one of the finest undisturbed coastal areas in the world; the Wild Coast where the warm waters of the Agulhas current meet wide-open golden beaches and rocky shores which support a fascinating and diverse animal kingdom. Deep river valleys, wide lagoons, magnificent indigenous coastal forests, sea, bird, animal and plant life in abundance. Accommodation On Your Wild Coast Riding Trail A cosy family beach hotel on the sea with an ocean view and welcoming atmosphere. An island style bungalow or rondavels situated on rolling grass lawns on the Nxaxo estuary (a nature and bird watchers haven and a lover's paradise). A friendly family hotel with good food, big clean rooms and a home away from home feel over looking the ocean. A guesthouse or luxurious B&B offering luxury accommodation and typically Eastern Cape hospitality and an option to camp out at a rustic camping ground for an evening round the fire with traditional South African food. Each night en route is totally different while adding quality to your experience, an equine adventure for all the family from child to grandparent. |
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Mkulu Kei Horse Trails - the best of Africa equestrian horse riding trail adventures is the one for you! Mkulu Kei Horse Trails offers you a personalised itinerary with the option to visit on your own trail dates or take advantage of the reduced prices by joining another group. Whether you are looking for a family riding holiday or a honeymoon destination, if you are a single traveler or a group of friends, for a week or more, you get to decide how many days your trail will be. You can choose from a number of riding holiday options from 2 hours to 12 days. We make the effort to match you to a suitable horse for your riding ability based on how you described your own equine experience. You get the chance to meet the horses before being allocated a mount. We know we have quality, well-trained horses, this way you can choose which one you want to get to bond with and get to know on a personal level. Don has put hours of extra schooling into the horses with potential so as an experienced rider you will find a horse you would like to take home. We are safety conscious at all times not only for your safety, but also for that of your fellow riders and our horses. On the longer trail rides, you will get to ride through rural Africa, each leg of your trail will be scenic, every bay different. You will probably be one of a handful of people on the long stretch of coast shore. The Wild Coast is an incredible part of our world; you get the chance to ride through uninhabited countryside with hours of saddle riding and with few fences in any direction. We take alternative routes and tracks for each trail ride, making your horse trek unique, and personal, good value for money. With so many alternative paths we can choose a route to suit you, flatter ground; an easier route for beginner riders; and up and through river valleys, rocks, hills, down embankments and sand dunes for the more confident rider. Wait a little while the more experienced riders extend their pace and enjoy your slower canter or trot with no fuss from your mount. This is your South African horse trekking adventure, we want you to have equine riding trail of a lifetime. |
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------------- We are a cut above the rest at Mkulu Kei Horse Trail & Riding Holidays
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Buy riding equipment from a horse trail company that specializes in trail rides and understands the horse's needs. After spending hours in the saddle, we understand how important a comfortable saddle must be to both horse and rider. Ever thought you would like to canter your horse along a beach, or play in the sea, riding in the waves with your horse? The sound of the horse's hoofs on the sand or splash of the water will live with you forever. Mkulu Kei Horse Trails Saddlery Department - MK
Saddlery
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------------- MK Saddlery - Mkulu Kei Custom made equestrian saddles and horse tack
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Saddles and horse riding tack for sale directly from the manufacturer Don and custom made for you to your personal requirements. We sell a light weight polo crosse, endurance saddle, working or leisure riding saddles in black or brown leather or a synthetic, durable fabric.
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Horse therapy at Cher-a-Don (Lalapanzi) Adventure Centre
Having the mares running at Lalapanzi farm we thought we would offer an introduction to horses as an alternative team building activity to the camp participants, many of which are from rural villages, with a large percentage being sent to us through social development and the courts. Kids in trouble with the law, at risk or as a diversion from going to jail. The idea originally was an educational alternative activity to create an awareness of horses, an education to some who would not otherwise be not be exposed to equines or to try to teach basic horse care and empathy towards horses and animals generally to those who have their own horses.
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The results where outstanding We realized that the horses and interacting with horses has the potential to be of great value to our camps especially with the troubled kids and problem adolescents in the form of equine assisted learning. While we educated others about horses, the horses themselves taught the participants and us about the participants enabling us to help them on a more personal level. Horse/human interaction in an environment of fun learning and self discovery and personal development. Now one of the biggest draw cards by the social workers as a must do activity with the youth on camp. |
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A fun form of therapy that all students even troubled youth respond positively in one way or another.
What is really interesting the horses never miss a thing!
Horses communicate with us and with each other using their body language and a few sounds.
Horse therapy is used successfully all over the world in treatment programs for struggling teenagers, it helps troubled, at-risk teens overcome problems. Equine therapy is beneficial in helping youth with various situations, including negative relationships and behavioral patterns, which can manifest as anger, control, and distrust; emotional problems, including low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression; and a variety of other issues, including drug abuse and academic underachievement.
Using the horses at Lalapanzi farm has opened an opportunity for volunteers to work with the individuals and change their lives while working with horses on a equestrian gap holiday in South Africa.
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Come ride with us... See you in the saddle soon. |
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Whether you dream of riding along open savannah grasslands, pristine coastal forests or unspoiled Wild Coast beaches, there's a horse trekking vacation that suits your available time, riding level and budget ... Mkulu Kei horse riding holidays, a kaleidoscope of experiences, scenery and terrain on each day, on horse back we can travel far and ride where the hikers walk then take a longer route through the highlands over the 4x4 tracks and bike trails then back through coastal Fynbos onto a sandy long beach for a canter or gallop an all inclusive , horse-packing adventure trip. |
The Wild Coast, Transkei on our horse trek and riding holiday, a scenic
underdeveloped coast experienced on the back of a riding trail horse is
a must do pony trekking activity experience for your family and riding
friends.
There are so many equestrian
holidays, pony treking and safari riding vacations, why choose us?
Read on and find out ...
An awesome diversity of horse-back conditions, the best equine riding countryside. Hours of stunning in the saddle holiday time, riding on the beach, inland, with extremes of terrain and alternative paths, few fences and incredible views, make your horseback vacation and adventure tour something to be remembered.
A horse ride through sub-tropical coastal hills and riverines to the beaches of the Wild Coast SA, a premier horse riding safaris in the southern hemisphere, with so much more.
Why hike it, join us on a horseback safari holiday, your South African horse trecking holiday in South Africa.
Hope to see you in the saddle soon!
We at Mkulu Kei Horse Trails, the two and the four legged would like to say a big Thank you to all our guests for sending us their horse trekking photos, these are your memories. Thank You. Cheryl.
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