Join Mkulu Kei Horse
Trails group on
Please add your Mkulu Kei riding photos.
Novice to
experienced riders; we have well-trained horses for your beach horse
rides; more than just a pretty outride. Riding tuition, quality surefooted
horses, with variances of pace, from an amble to a canter along the
beach. Through rivers, over beaches and even into the sea. Horse riding
experience aimed at families and friends who live or are on holiday
in the The Wild Coast, Jikeleza, Amatola district, or Border areas
and would like to try horse back riding, through to those on vacation
who have their own horses and wish they could ride their own mount
along the beach and into the waves. A horseback experience with Mkulu
Kei horse trails no matter what your riding or confidence level, we
have ponies and horses suitable for your riding ability. When Cheryl
started Mkulu Kei horse trails, she was determined to have riding
horses for all riding abilities. At this riding stable,
you will be surprised at how quickly you get comfortable on top of
a horse and learn to ride and for the advanced riders how responsive,
forward moving and well trained the horses are.
This riding establishment in South Africa offers a range of
riding holiday experiences. For those looking for an over night
trekking experience a memorable see our horseback safaris holidays
along the Eastern Cape, Wild Coast, of South Africa.
A few hours in the saddle, a totally different ride. On the
longer trails we ride abreast each horse is expected to listen
to his riders commands and follow a different path. On the day
rides although the horses for more advanced riders wait for
their instruction, a faster or slower pace. The horses used
for novice riders are voice controlled and will not pass the
horse in front; this is a safety measure so we don’t have
horses out of control. The riders are separated into groups
so that everyone gets to ride in the group and at the pace they
are comfortable at.
A combination of equine safari riding, a long beach, sea, lagoon,
rolling hills, jagged cliffs, introduction of horses and equine
instruction. A spectrum of equestrian experiences, scenery and
terrain.
"A real ride to many places at any paces"
There are so many equestrian riding stables & horse barns vacations,
why choose us? Read on and find out.
We are one of the few riding stables you can actually learn about
horses and how to ride in an informal environment. We know we have
a very limited time to either give you an out ride of high standard
and to teach you to ride in a very limited time. Each year our clientele
base gets larger and as the happy guests return to the hotel the phone
rings for more bookings. Don’t miss out our horses are of high
standard and our approach to teaching different the results of word
of mouth extremely high. Don’t wait until the end of your holiday
to book; phone early. This is a good way to introduce non-riding partners
to equestrian sports and an extreme riding capability will be catered
for within the same ride.
Before we depart, we introduce you to The horse; Equus Caballus.
Equus having evolved over 45 – 55 million years, from a small
fox-sized multi toed animal (I will show you the evidence of the
extra toes) to the single hoofed domesticated animal we know today.
Anatomically designed for speed to escape predators, having highly
developed senses, balance and a strong instinctive fight or flight
reaction. That is how we can ride them; move your leg and they move
forward. This stems from the need to flee from predators. A horse
that is not completely relaxed in his environment will seldom lie
down. They sleep both standing up and lying down, a horse resting
one leg is not about to kick you but sleeping. I will walk behind
our horses and pull their tails; I will show you just how often
our horses sleep lying down putting your mind to rest that our equines
are totally happy and content in human company. I explain the mobile
upper lips of Equus and how they are used today. The modern horse
is a social animal relying on their social structure for security,
living in herds consisting of a single male and a band of females.
We explain matriarch mares, hierarchies, pecking order, bachelor
herds and prove to you that stallions are not dangerous but great
big teddy bears that want, need and love attention. We explain why
horses behave the way they do, their language and why possibly you
are not getting the best reaction from a horse. We help you understand
the language and how you can talk to them using your body language.
We have found that once visitors understand why horses react to
certain stimuli our clients relax and get on with the concept of
riding. Time is taken to allocate the correct horse for your previous
experience.
It is only the Trojans who should not trust a horse; you can.
The basics of riding are explained, and during the ride help is given
to encourage you to try the next pace. It is not unusual for a first
time rider to be balanced enough to canter on their first ride.
Equestrianism the skill of riding. With us you can learn the basics
of riding and we can help you be comfortable near horses. We explain
the different lines to correct your body, seat and therefore balance
in the saddle, why your foot position is important and why your heels
need to be down.
All our horses are trained so you will find a mount to suit your riding
ability. We depart together but split into different riding levels
within the ride. Giving all riding guest the chance to ride at the
controlled gait he or she are comfortable with. Although we would
like to see novice riders increase their speed, if you are only comfortable
going slowly we are more than happy to walk. Advanced riders wait
a bit and you will get the chance to ride on once we assess that you
are light and steady on our horses. We need a time to see everyone
is in the correct riding group, your patience is appreciated and will
be rewarded by you riding with similar of riders of the same competency
at all gaits. We want you to have the best equitation experience and
tell your friends.
Whether you dream of hacking along
open savannah grasslands, pristine coastal forests or unspoiled
Wild Coast beaches, there's a Mkulu Kei Horse Trail
that suits your available time, riding level and budget ...
Due to the fact that so many clients either have never
ridden before or have never had any formal training, we spend
time giving basic instructions before we ride out, including
how to sit correctly and how to hold the reins, how correctly
to move a horse on, ask your horse to turn and how to halt
your mount. On the ride we spend time if necessary instructing
how to post at the trot and for those who are balanced in
the saddle, how to canter. We can teach you how to ride, give
you riding tips, explain the different gaits and have patient
teaching horses and a different training method. We have “experienced
only” horses for advanced riders, solid, quiet mounts
for beginners, and other horses for every riding skill and
confidence level in between.
Please read the assessing your riding ability on the bottom
of this page.
All our horses are voice
controlled, giving us an element of control over the horses,
giving beginners a chance to find their seat before having to
worry about controlling their horses too.
On the ride we split the riders into those who can and can’t
ride so every one gets to experience the pace that they are
comfortable at. For those who can ride I am sure you understand
we are trying to protect our horses and pass on a little equestrian
knowledge. Please be patient you will get a chance to open
your pace after we have established that everyone is in the
correct group.
Our trail horses are not like typical trail horses or riding
school ponies. There are many that would easily hold their
own in a competitive sport arena. We monitor the horses so
we can see that they all have soft mouths and that those used
by skilled riders remain responsive both to the bridle and
leg. Don has put hours into horses with potential getting
them on the bit and responsive to leg commands so as a rider
you will receive maximum potential from the horse using minimal
aids and getting the best result from that horse’s natural
athletic ability and willingness to perform.
We can accommodate kids from 3 years old on their own horse
but on lead rein, from 6 years we can talk about taking them
off the lead and riding on their own. We have several under
6 years regular riders that are already cantering in a controlled
situation. Through to international competing professional
clients and every riding level between.
Horse riding is very therapeutic to both body and mind, and
we encourage special needs riders to join us. If necessary
with a separate guide on lead rein. We have taken both mentally
and physically challenged / disabled riders, some on a pony
ride round the stables and others on the full ride. Joel joined
us one season and rode every day for a week and now comes
to visit us on a regular basis. We have also taught a completely
blind rider to jump. See our home page to read more about
this incredible young man Carl.
Half Day Rides
Too sun burnt? Too cold to swim? Take a break off the beach,
a great way to spend the day with your family and friends.
Booking essential: Please don’t wait
until the last minute; we book up quickly in the school holidays.
Not everyone gets their first choice of ride, day / time.
Duration: 2-3 hours in the saddle. Duration
of the ride depends on the pace we are riding at. We watch
to see who is not coping and can take a shorter route for
some riders if necessary. Cantering riders get the chance
to take a slightly longer route please be aware in season
(government school holidays) we ride up to 3 times a day,
the horses and ponies are rotated but time limits us. The
ride is carefully organized so that all horses get back to
the stable at more or less the same time, the walkers, trotters
and those who cantered.
General: Suits never ridden before, beginners,
intermediate and advanced riders. All ages, less than 6 years
or very nervous riders can be accommodated on their own horse
on a lead rein.
Rate: R180 per person
Description:
Meet at our stables just outside Morgan Bay at the designated
time.
A chat about horse behavior and our training methods, introduction
of our horses, their personalities and temperaments.
Allocation of horses. Tacking up and instruction for those
who need it.
We pass through a neighbouring farm towards the beach. Riding
through open Savannah grassland, riverines and coastal forests.
Be on the look out for a wide variety of birds including Crown
Cranes, Egyptian geese and Jackal Buzzards, passing dams often
covered in purple water-lily flowers. Let your horse drink at
one of the rivulets running through the thick-forested valleys.
See
you in the saddle soon!
Passing through the town of Morgan Bay, the long winding paths
give us the opportunity to walk, trot or canter as we make our way
onto the cliffs at Morgans Bay.
A stunning view awaits you with possible sightings of dolphins
and whales frolicking in their playground. But it is the colours
of the Indian Ocean and spectacular rock formations that make the
Coastline spectacular. Inland, this area was called The Border for
much of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and was the region
of conflict between the British colonists, moving ever eastwards,
and the southward moving Xhosa peoples. (Along the Great Kei River
nine major wars took place).
As we make our way toward the beach, look out for the resident
Giant Monitor Lizard who is often seen lying basking in the sun
on the rocks. The beautiful stretch of beach invites you to canter
along the water edge or even in the shallow waves. The sound of
the horse's hoofs on the sand or splash of the water will live with
you forever. Ask your horse to take you deeper into the waves or
into the lagoon and experience the power of a horse swimming.
On the route back towards the stable all the
riding ability groups merge. By now all levels of riding abilities
can trot without stirrups a very important lesson in balance
and psychologically the new riders who realize they are comfortable
in the saddle and no longer have to balance on the horse’s
mouth. We instruct our clients to drop the rein on the horse’s
neck, put their hands on their hips and trot rising. To all
new riders they suddenly realize just now much they have learnt
and their confidence levels soar. After this they are ready
to learn to canter should they wish
We started a tradition years ago that all children turn round
in the saddle and ride facing the horses tail the last 100mtrs
back to the stable. Once the horses have all been un-tacked
they are allowed to go free and roll or drink. Certain horses
are used for the children to play follow my leader through
the horses legs, both front and back, pull the horses tails
and slide off the horses bum. It is also explained why they
cannot do that at other stables. It is a fun way to end a
ride and even funnier when the adults start crawling through
the horses legs because they can’t have their little
ones on an Equi high out doing them. It is these experiences
that make us unique and not unusual for us to blindfold our
good riders for the entire ride so they can start to listen
to their horses and become horsemen and horsewomen, and not
just good riders.
Now that we have you addicted to equines join a riding school
near your home and they can address the equitation position
of your seat and polish up your performance at all gaits.
The best teacher however will be different a horse, each mount
will teach you something and the more you ride the more you
will learn.
Please note that in season (school holidays)
this stretch of beach can be full of holidaymakers, with balls,
kites, umbrellas, dogs and small children. My horses are totally
used to such distractions and desensitised, but we have to restrict
the pace to a controlled canter.
I am very strict; my rules are not to be challenged. I am responsible
not only for you and the horses on this ride but to future rides
on the Morgan Bay beach. We ride one behind the other in Indian
file. Please don’t change the order of horses in the line
or you might find your self-riding next to your horses arch
enemy instead of his friend, we put the horses in a specific
order for many different reasons. No racing. Horses are competitive by nature and if given
the chance would love to race. On the Morgan’s Bay beach
it never happens so the horses don’t ask. We reserve the
right to dismount anyone who in our opinion who refuses to adheres
to our stable rules. Acting like a cowboy rounding up cattle,
in this case beginner riders, by holding back and galloping
into the back of the ride will result in being given one warning
and then dismounted.
We will not tolerate bad riding behavior, to horse, pony,
staff or fellow riders.
The ride is split to accommodate the different riding abilities
and guided by two or three different guides, assisted by my
development helpers either on horse or foot.
“A real ride to many places at any paces”
A great horse riding experience for family and
friends. Value for money activities - Beach riding adventure.
Booking essential –
For Your family, single, riding and non-riding partners equine
tour.
All horses are trained for a wide range of riding
abilities and even as a advanced rider it is not pleasant to
have a horse want to take off back to the stables. You will
not feel the difference of pace and can enjoy your ride back
to the barn without fighting your horse. Our horses are trained
to have manners.
A riding experience aimed at the families and friends who
are on holiday at Morgan Bay, Double mouth, Kei Mouth, Haga
Haga, Cintsa, Sunshine coast and East London Buffalo City
and would like to try horseback riding, through to those on
vacation who have their own horses. Can ride and wish their
horses where here so they could ride their own mount along
the beach. More and more clients are driving through from
East London for an awesome beach ride. A day outing. Make
a day out of it, go for a ride then lunch at one of the hotels
before returning home.
Enquire about our Mkulukei club for riders that live locally
and ride often. Adult or child can qualify. Take advantage,
of a discounted rate out of season only. The more you visit
us the cheaper your ride.
Time is taken to describe each horse's personality before
allocating horses thereby trying to match the correct horse
for your riding ability, based on your description of your
riding level. We do not tack up before you arrive at the stables.
It is impossible to accurately judge your level of riding
without personally seeing you interact with the horses. Just
because you can stay on a horse does not mean you can ride.
A good rider will communicate with their horse and the horse
will respond with no fuss from rider or horse.
Having the ability to stay on the horse by hanging onto his mouth
and bouncing on his kidneys is not an experienced rider!
It is our experience that clients that have not had formal training
are inclined to play up their riding ability while those that really
can ride often say they have only had a few rides. We need to allocate
you the correct horse for you to enjoy your ride. If you are nervous
or had a bad experience please say so, we can and want to help you.
On the Morgan Bay beach we never gallop. In season (school holidays)
the beach is full of holidaymakers, children and dogs and we take
a large number of never ridden /non-riders. I don’t want our
horses becoming competitive as soon as get on the sea sand. Horses
are creatures of habit and if we race on a beach the next time they
think we want to. If the sand on the beaches in the Transkei on the
other side of the Kei River is firm I am more than happy for you to
open up your pace or even race. (If the sand is too soft you can blow
a horse’s tendon). But not on the Morgans Bay beach book a longer
ride.
Description:
Meet at our stables just outside Morgan Bay at the designated
time.
A chat about horse behavior and our training methods, introduction
of our horses, their personalities and temperaments.
Allocation of horses. Tacking up and instruction for those who
need it.
We pass through a neighbouring farm towards the Morgan Bay beach,
turn left and pass through the town of Kei Mouth to the Kei
River, which we cross by Pont. Once over the river the exact
riding pace depends on tides and sand conditions. If the beach
conditions are right I am more than happy for you to extend
your pace or even race. Sometimes too soft to open up, on other
occasions the beautiful stretch of beach invites you to canter
along the water edge or even in the shallow waves. If beach
sand is hard have a race. The sound of the horse's hoofs on
the sand or splash of the water will live with you forever.
We pass incredible rock formations carved by the waves, beautiful
estuaries, which may or may not be open to the sea. Be on the
look out for Sanderlings, Oystercatchers, White breasted Cormorant,
Kingfishers both Pied and Giant just to name a few birds.
Lunch at Seagulls Hotel, while our horses graze in a paddock
at the hotel. Saddle up and return to the stables via the
Pont.
General: Suits adventure enthusiasts and advanced
riders. A riding experience aimed at riders and friends who
live locally or are on a beach holiday at Morgan Bay, Kei Mouth,
Double mouth, Haga Haga, Cintsa, Sunshine coast and East London
Buffalo City.
Booking is essential and we need a few days warning in the school
holidays so we can accommodate you, a full days entertainment.
NB. Not for beginner or novice riders. On this ride
we cross the Great Kei River by Pont; the Pont closes between
16:30 and 18:30 depending on the season. It is essential that
the riders are comfortable at all paces so we can get back over
the Pont before it closes or we will have no other option but
to stay at the hotel for the night! At our trail rates. Rather
book an adventure safari horse trekking tour. See Overnight
trails page.
See you in the saddle soon!
Option 2: Black Rock ride.
Duration: 5-6 hours in the saddle.
General: Suits adventure enthusiasts and
advanced riders. A riding experienced aimed at riders who
are on a beach holiday at Morgan Bay, Kei Mouth, Double Mouth,
Haga Haga, Cintsa, Sunshine coast and East London Buffalo
City while on vacation or live locally and would like to experience
coastal riding and mini safari (we will see limited game).
Rate: R650 per person. Includes Lunch.
Description:
Meet at our stables just outside Morgan Bay at the designated
time.
Allocation of horses.
Take in the sights of a neighbouring farm. Ride through rolling
Savannah grasslands and on to a private game farm. You will
see Zebra, Impala, Duiker, Wildebeest, Blesbok, Bushpig, Giant
Water Monitor and a wide variety of birds.
Then take in the view at the Double Mouth estuary; absorb
the sea view of the Indian Ocean from the cliffs at Black
Rock, riding high above the coastline over-looking the rugged
rocky shores, a graveyard of many ships, and then on to Bead
Beach where one can still find pieces of blue and white Ming
porcelain and Carnelian beads in the shingle. These treasures
are from the shipwrecked Santo Espiritu (early Portuguese
Carrack) that came to grief along this piece of the coast
in 1608.
Enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of the Milkwood Trees and ride
back to the stable yard.
Due to the rocky nature of the coastline we canter along the grass
verge of the rocks and on the cliffs.
And never be embarrassed if you take a tumble or fall that’s
how we learn. Very seldom do you actually hurt yourself, the
fear of falling is way worse. Bake a chocolate cake and celebrate!
You can’t call yourself a rider until you have taken 7
falls, 36 for a good rider and years of falling off to be experienced.
We still fall off! Relax and don’t put your hands out
to try to break your fall. Very important get back on the horse.
New riders: For your comfort wear sensible clothes. Jeans are Ok but
they have a seam, you would be better off with a tracksuit and tackies.
Slops don’t work (they fall off) and shorts will give you a
nasty rub. We have seen it all, bright pink stilettos, the shortest
shorts, and a huge grass hat that one horse ate.
Assessing your riding ability
Use the following criteria to judge your riding abilities.
(It is important that you are honest, as this affects your
own safety and the other riders within the group).
Can't ride: Has never been on a horse,
or as been on a horse a few times (years ago) and has some
kind of idea of how to stay on.
Novice: Ridden a few times recently,
but still not rising at the trot with ease.
Intermediate: Rides regularly, can rise
at the trot, canter, gallop, and can handle a horse in most
situations. These riders are divided into prefer a 'calm'
or a 'hot' horse.
Experienced: Has been riding for many
years, has had formal training and has his or her own horse,
and can handle any horse, in any situation. These riders
are divided into prefer a 'calm' or a 'hot' horse.
See you in the saddle soon!
It is extremely important that you are honest about your REAL riding
ability. The most novice rider sets the pace for safety reasons both
for the rider and the horse.
At Mkulu Kei horse trails we have a selection of riding hats and chaps
but if you have, bring your own riding helmet and riding gear.
A horse will be allocated to you based on your description
of your riding ability! It is important not only for your
own safety and those riding in your group but for maximum
enjoyment on your riding adventure that you are honest. The
most nervous rider sets the pace for safety reasons and as
they become more confident we increase the pace.
Having the ability to stay on the horse by hanging
onto his mouth and bouncing on his kidneys is not an experienced
rider!
To find the correct horse for your riding ability and to give
you the best riding holiday experience, we spend time describing
each horse's personality before allocating your horse. If
you are nervous or have had a bad experience or fall please
tell us. We can and would like to help you get the maximum
pleasure out of your horseback ride.
We keep a variety of horses. Friesians, Boerperd, Nooitgedachts,
part breeds and Arabs to compliment your preferences and riding
ability. The size of our ponies and horses vary from 12 to
17 hands and they are fit and in good condition. They all
have even temperaments and are forward moving for different
riding abilities. Some equines more forward moving than others.
We ride with English style saddles and snaffles and our tack
is kept in excellent condition. We have designed a saddle
for new riders. Slightly higher in front so you balance on
the saddle, not the horse’s mouth. Higher at the back
to help you sit in the saddle correctly so your weight is
in the correct place in the saddle making it more comfortable
for the horses back and we have shortened the flap on the
tiny saddles so that our small riders are kicking the horse
and not the saddle.
See Our horses: for a description of each horse and pony, as you would
find them on an average day.
Before riding out we spend time giving basic instructions. On the
ride we spend time if necessary instructing how to post at the trot,
what to do with your body at different gaits and for those who are
balanced, how to canter. All our horses are voice controlled, giving
us an element of control of the horses, giving beginners a chance
to find their seat before having to worry about controlling their
horses too. Riders we do have the correct horse for you and you will
get the faster pace when we split the ride.
It is extremely important that you are honest about your REAL riding
ability. The most novice rider sets the pace for safety reasons both
for the rider and the horse.
2 - 16 riders in a group (excluding guide/s). A single
rider can be accommodated.
We have a ride at 9:30, 2:30 and in summer light permitting
18:00.
Booking essential.
Our weight limit restriction is 95 kg (210 lbs) Please
don’t put us in the difficult position of having to
turn you away, empathize with the horses.
All guests are required to sign a standard indemnity
form on arrival.
We reserve the right to judge the attitude of and to dismount
any rider, who in the guide's opinion is unwilling to control
their horse, or who in any way poses a threat to the safety
of themselves, other riders or horses. Holding your mount back
and galloping into the back of a ride will not be tolerated.
This unique safari South African equestrian riding stable offers a
total horseback holiday experience, incorporating beach, rural life
and Safari riding, while giving you the chance to sample the undeveloped
beauty of the Wild Coast in South Africa. As a volunteer with us you
can make a difference guiding, teaching non-riders or taking the more
advanced groups.
A Horse Ride Through Sub-Tropical Coastal Hills and Riverines
to the Beaches of the Wild Coast in South Africa, a horseback-riding
holiday, with so much more. Come Ride with Us ...
…and you
will see rolling hills, rich Savannah grasslands and thick-forested
valleys with multitudes of rivulets cascading down to rivers that
eventually spill out onto quiet sandy beaches, fantastic high rise
cliffs and spectacular rock formations that make the Wild Coast in
South Africa one of the most beautiful places in the world. An incredible
combination of cross-country horse riding and the exploration of our
beautiful coastline.
There are so many riding stables why choose us on your holidays
and vacations? Read on and find out.
Ever thought you would like to canter your horse along a beach,
or play in the waves? Now you can no matter what your previous riding
level.
You could be here on your coastal equine riding gap vacation experience
and work with horses at one of the riding schools that you can make
a difference.
The sound of the horse's hoofs on the sand or splash of
the water will live with you forever.
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 riding photos, these are your holiday memories.
Thank You.
Cheryl
P O Box 25, Haga Haga 5272,
Eastern Cape, South Africa.
During the day please contact me on the cell, I am
probably horsing around.
Signal can be irregular, please leave a message or phone
me on the landline in the evenings.
See
you in the saddle soon! 
