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A horse
riding adventure with Mkulu Kei horse trails that suits those who
want to enjoy an environmentally friendly, relaxing way to spend your
time. A perfect way to enjoy the countryside, an awesome viewing platform
to admire the areas beauty and wildlife. Whether you are joining us
on a few hours in the saddle on a beach ride at Morgan Bay. A longer
horse riding experience or with us on a working riding holiday, you
will get to meet a string of healthy, confident, well trained and
happy horses. We believe in rearing our horses in a natural way, a
holistic approach from birth, through to every day handling. As a
horse rider you will notice just how relaxed the whole stable is making
your equestrian horse riding tour or trail riding vacation a fun and
relaxing experience. Having the advantage of meeting our four legged
friends before being allocated a horse makes Mkulu Kei horse trails
your first choice in South African equestrian riding holidays.
Saddle riding holidays with Mkulu Kei horse trekking safari
trails on the Wild Coast in South Africa offers a comprehensive
riding holiday experience. With packages to suit the advanced
rider through to your first horse riding experience for
those who wish to undertake in a riding activity as part
of your beach holiday.
A horseback safari and beach riding adventure along the, Eastern
Cape, Wild Coast, South Africa. For your African horse and pony
trek, equestrian working riding gap vacation destination, or
children’s pony camps. Mkulu Kei Horse Trails
"A real ride to many places at any paces"
There are so many equestrian trail holidays and riding stables,
why choose us? Read on and find out.
Awesome horse riding conditions, the best horse hacking both inland
and on the beach.
You could be here on your horse safaris riding vacation, Mkulu Kei
Horse Trails The best of equestrian riding holidays.
Whether you dream of open savannah
grasslands, indigenous forests or riding horses on unspoiled
pristine Wild Coast beaches, there's a Mkulu Kei Horse
Trail that suits your available time, riding level
and budget ...
A South African beach horse ride on the Wild Coast, the most spectacular
horse-riding beach in the world. Hours of riding deserted sandy beaches,
blue waves crashing on the rock formations. Rolling hills and hidden
valley trails, in every direction on the horizon a stunning view.
The Wild Coast in South Africa, with Mkulu Kei a horse trekking holiday
adventure, a memorable horseback adventure with so much more.
And what better to experience South Africa’s beautiful
coastline than on the back of a good horse…
For you to get the best in the saddle
experience you want to know you are going to ride a horse in
a good condition that is fit, trained and suitable for your
equine experience. As a novice rider you want to know your mount
has brakes and easy to control with a more conservative pace.
As a more experienced rider you want a trail horse that is more
responsive to commands. You may want a mount that is more flighty
but on trail you don’t want a horse that is going to jog
all the way or pull the reins out your hands. Even the most
experienced rider wants to stop to take a photograph, relax
in the saddle even if the horse must accelerate when asked.
We have put hours into training the perfect horse for you. Although
at Mkulu Kei horse trails we have a very young herd of horses,
you will get a horse that matches your needs.
We work with the horses on the ground and the
horses have manners taught to them by the entire herd including
the staff in the position of matriarch. We can voice control
individual horses if necessary. That does not mean we have horses
only for beginners, different horses respond quicker to stimuli
and these horses are trained for intermediate or advanced riders.
Each horse own personality is recognised as an individual and
trained according to whom they are.
An introduction to horses,
our holistic approach. General information, breeds, breeding
program, living conditions, training, special horses and our
working team.
A horse is a herd animal, they rely
on their friends and family to survive. They have strong family
ties and will recognise a sibling, mother or father even if
introduced years later. They have life long friendships with
the nanny and stable mates in the same age group and will
reinforce this by grooming each other at every opportunity.
Touch and smell is incredibly important to them. They understand
and mourn the death of a horse, even one not in a close relationship.
If we have a horse die we give the other horses a chance to
see the body and say goodbye or they will continue to look
for their friend often going into a deep depression. The loss
of a horse affects the herd as each horse has a job, be it
discipline, maintaining the pecking order or comfort and nurturing.
They are telepathic and this is essential for the survival
of the herd as a means to communicate danger. If you are nervous
the horses do not realise you are scared of them, they think
you have seen something they need to be afraid of and they
become jumpy. Relax, breath and they will think what you saw
has gone away.
Because they are a flight animal we can ride them, kick them
and they move away, shift your weight in the saddle and they
move left, right, forward or backwards. By desensitising our
horses to many experiences they are less likely to kick. We
do not advocate walking up to any horse and pulling it’s
tail but totally the opposite, touch the shoulder to let him
know they are there and walk close to the horse moving your
hand round telling them you want to walk behind them. Dealing
with the public and families with small children we have taught
our horses not to react, it is only a safety measure however
it gives us an opportunity to teach clients that horses are
great big teddy bears and something they must not be afraid
of. It also gives us platform to have fun and introduce our
horses and temperaments. We find once clients understand why
a horse reacts to different stimuli it all makes sense and
they can get on with the idea of riding.
Friesian, Boerperd, Nooitgedacht,
part breed and Arab Horses.
We keep a variety of horses. Friesians, Boerperd, Nooitgedachts,
part breeds and Arabs to compliment your preferences and riding
ability for our horse trail. It's not uncommon that people come
away from Mkulu Kei Horse Trails with a newfound love and respect
for these companionable, dependable animals. That carry riders
safely through beautiful places they couldn't see otherwise
- like valleys, cliffs, isolated beaches and secluded bays.
There's a special magic to sitting on top of a gentle horse
as he makes his way along unspoiled beaches, splashes through
rivers, and pauses to look out over the valley with you.
All breeds are gentle but forward moving with wonderful temperaments.
We ride with English style saddles and snaffles and our tack
is kept in excellent condition.
I have a selection of quality horses for your riding ability,
from never ridden through to advanced rider. The size of our
horses vary from 12 to 17 hands and they are fit and in good
condition. 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.
Our horses are trained, even-tempered, forward moving, easy
to ride and lively to command. A horse that you wish you could
take home with you!
All our horses have been hand-picked to suit a variety of client’s
riding abilities, we then spent time schooling them to understand
what was required of them, but also to getting to know them
on a personal level. We found that the majority we have purchased
had to be desensitised of their previous experiences by quietly
repeating a stimulus until there is no longer a negative response
and then encouraging and stretching the horses comfort zone
without upsetting them. Never forcing the horses but allowing
them to have an option but making the option we want the easiest
choice. Then by encouraging with positive reinforcement, we
get more co-operative results, a partnership and happy, content
horses. The relaxed atmosphere here brings out the best in them.
A great team.
Our horses run in natural family
herds in huge camps where we do not interfere with the pecking
order and social status. In the herd they are allowed to be
natural horses and develop their own personalities. They come
in once a day during which time they are fed, groomed and handled.
The natural herd disciplines wayward youngsters and over zealous
family members.
The Friesian horse is the only surviving wholly indigenous European
breed famous for serving Julius Caesar's legions, William the
Conqueror's mailed invaders and the Crusader knights. These
are the all purpose horse of Northern Holland, used to pull
the plough, take the family to church, and follow the hunt,
all in one week.
True Friesians, the "dancing black horse", are represented
in the pages of the "Friesian Stud Book" founded in
Holland in 1879 and in South Africa a hundred years later.
We have no endemic horses in Africa. The Boerperd is a unique
South African breed rooted in the Cape Horse, ranging back through
South Africa's history from Jan van Riebeeck's days in 1652.
The Boerperd studbook was founded in 1905 and the Nooitgedacht
strain was first classified at the Nooitdegacht Research Station
near Ermelo in the 1950's.
The Arab is the oldest of all horse breeds, and is considered
by many people to be the most beautiful equine animal with
it’s refined head and dished profile, expressive eyes,
high spirits and unique floating action. The breed’s
legendary stamina and gentle temperament makes it a perfect
choice for the longer trails.
The unique outline of the Arab breed is determined by having
17 ribs, other breeds 18. Five lumbar vertebrae, other horses
have six, and 16 tail vertebrae, other horse have 18. The
Arab's comparatively small size belies its weight- carrying
ability. Standing no more than 15 hh it will nevertheless
carry a full-grown man with ease.
Come
Ride with Us ...
Breeding programme:
The Friesian is almost too heavy for the longer
distance beach work and the Arab too small for my taller clients.
We required a horse that has the Friesian temperament and
bone but an Arabs stamina and movement.
We embarked on our own breeding programme, in 2000, the fruits
of which you can see with Alex, Robin Hood, Joan of Arc, *Nsync,
Excalibur, Royal Revenge, Caesar, Bliss, Apollo, Atlas, Hermes,
Maverick, Hey Dude! Romeo and young stallion Zeus, all now
valuable working horses. All are confident, rounded and happy
horses. Breeding the perfect horse takes time but already
we are getting the size and temperament we are aiming for.
We again have a batch of youngsters, which will be joining
the working horses in the next couple of weeks. Caribbean,
Atlanta, Nippet, Thumbelina, and Captain Morgan. While Beau,
Candor, Triton, Goliath, Jiminy Cricket, Lucky, Gabriel, Feisty,
Lola, Maya, Paris Hilton, Spice, Tenacious Spirit, Utopia,
follow in a few months. They are already showing the promise
that our previous three year olds have fulfilled.
Peter Pan, Zenia, Black Berry, Stuart Little, Flash drive,
Jack Sparrow, Cadbury and Gibson are still running with the
herd and enjoy the safety and guidance of the others and grow
into healthy confident horses. Their training started the
day they are born, they are halter trained, feet cleaned,
brushed daily, and colts gelded. All in preparation for their
third birthday when weight is introduced in the form of a
rider and the more serious work begins.
We have put purebred Friesian mares to Poseidon, a registered
Friesian, (Zeus our young stallion will cover a limited number
of mares this season). Purebred Arab mares are put to our
Arab stallion Spirit and semen from Raka a registered Arab
stallion. By putting part bred mares to the Friesians to stamp
height, bone structure and incredible temperament and then
turbo charging a percentage with the Arab blood we are getting
progeny that is easy to work with on the ground, even tempered
yet forward moving to ride, some more forward moving than
others.
A horse is a creature of habit. On the Transkei side of the
Kei mouth river, each horse is expected to take their own
route but we never gallop on Morgan Bay beach, we ride in
Indian file as horses are competitive and by having a routine
our older working team are a good influence on the youngsters.
The older horses then show them there is no need to worry
about traffic, dogs, or the sea and that there is no need
for life to be anything other than pleasant and stress-free.
Our horses are used to traffic on the road be it large delivery
trucks, motorbikes, quads, cars with caravans and trailers.
The horses are better behaved than the drivers and used to
road rage and bad manners. Ignorance is one thing but why
some drivers, even after being educated lose their class and
respect for others when they see horses on the road. It constantly
astounds us, just how inconsiderate the human race is. Horses
have as much right on the road as any other vehicle. Slow
right down and pass wide. If the public knew, understood,
comprehended, just how fast a horse could move in any direction
when they get a fright they hopefully would take that into
consideration. It just takes a flying stone from under the
vehicles wheel to hit us, the splash from a puddle of water,
the rattle of an overloaded trailer. A horse no matter how
well schooled, trained or under-control they can get a fright
and jump. When we wave the traffic to slow down lots of drivers
wave back, hoot and accelerate. As a result you can relax
my horses are totally bomb proof, they have seen it all.
Solo who came to us as a three year old was orphaned as a
young foal and ran with cattle so had no idea how to be a
horse, of pecking order or how to speak his own language.
Riding with the mature working team he was, within days, a
confident leader of the team. Now Don has gone further, he
rides Solo without a bridle -just a neck strap, and he is
happy to lead a ride even on a busy beach with holidaymakers.
By allowing each horse to show us their own personality, we look to
see who is naturally more forward moving for experienced riders and
quiet horses for the beginners, thereby never breaking their spirit
but encouraging their abilities, the result - great trail rides for
your riding pleasure no matter what your riding experience is. A number
of our horses are then trained on the bit, making our horses a pleasure
to ride for the more experienced riders. *Nsync can be ridden by a
novice rider on a long rein, however ask him to come down on the bit
and his neck comes in and his energy level increases. Bliss has started
his training for more advanced riders and is already getting the concept
of not just following the ride but working on the bit on an independent
route. A very common mistake that non-riding clients make is they
believe being able to go fast is a sign of an experienced rider. To
the contrary, a good rider is someone who can communicate the speed
and direction they want to go in a split second and the horse responds
willingly from fast to slow, from left to right with no fuss from
rider or horse a partnership.
*Nsync and Apollo can be ridden by a novice rider on a long rein,
however ask them to come down on the bit and the neck comes in and
the energy level increases. Bliss, Maverick, Atlanta, Romeo, and Nippit
have all been trained for more advanced riders all working on the
bit on an independent route, but can be used for intermediate riders
on a longer rein. Zeus a Friesian stallion already covering mares
is not only on the bit but also at four years old mature enough to
stand next to a mare under saddle. Hermes not just a beautiful looking
big bay with impeccable manners within three months under saddle would
hold his own in a dressage class, once five years old he will have
the opportunity as Don intends going to shows.
See you in the saddle soon!
Colts in the system:
Gabriel : 23/12/ 06
Lucky : March 2008
Beau : 11/12/06
Candor : 11/12/06
Jiminy Cricket : 25/11/06
Goliath : 23/12/06
Tryton : 12/12/06
Peter Pan : 02/01/07
Stuart Little : 15/11/07
Jack Sparrow : 09/03/08
Gibson : 10/11/08
Cadbury : 15/12/08
Fillies in the system:
Tenacious Spirit : 30/07/06
Utopia : 02/10/06
Maya : 9/11/06
Spice : 20/11/06
Feisty : 27/11/06
Lola : 29/11/06
Paris Hilton: 15/12/06
Flash Drive : 02/10/07
Xena : 19/11/07
Black Berry : 19/12/07
Natural Horses.
In the wild horses live in herds, a typical family unit consisting
of a stallion, which is in the driving position, keeping everyone
together, mating with mares and looking out for threats. With
the mares, foals and yearlings, there is one dominant mare that
decides where the group goes and manages others that haven’t
started breeding by pushing them into bachelor herds and harems.
The interest of horses in the wild is to survive and reproduce,
and up to 70 per cent of the time is spent grazing. All members
will indulge in mutual grooming, which they use to establish
friendships, touch is very important to them. Each working horse,
grooms a new horse after his first ride as if to welcome him
or her into the club, as a new team member. A horse is a prey
animal, a horse’s natural instinct is to take flight –
run first, ask questions later.
By gaining his respect and trust we can learn to control what frightens
him. Horses use body movements and posturing to communicate. Horses
learn quickly and unlearn slowly. From this observation of herd behaviour,
the famous Californian horse trainer Monty Roberts, the real-life
horse whisperer, explained that when a youngster is misbehaving, one
of the older mares would discipline him. She does this by pushing
him out of the herd and not letting him back in until he has exhibited
sufficient apologetic behaviour, i.e. licking and chewing and lowering
his head. When he is forgiven he then takes the easy route and follows
her, or “joins up”.
Training:
Our training follows an adapted Monty Roberts system, thereby working
with nature not against it, communicating with the horse in their
language using a body language that both horse and rider understands.
We “join up” with the horses, gaining trust, creating
a bond and asking permission to ride them. Clients often comment on
how relaxed the whole stable appears both in and out of the saddle.
Communicating with horses is by no means Cheryl’s idea or new,
the red Indians have been communicating with horses for generations.
A skilled rider and legend in Kei Mouth, Mr. Bobby Salkinder communicated
with horses and was quoted in a paper in 1955.
“His passion for them throughout his life convinced
him that he could communicate with them and they understood
a common language”. But it took Monty Roberts books and
videos to explain to Cheryl what she had witnessed from a small
child and especially once she watched the horses in large fields
and put in a language she could understand. You too can become
a horseman and not just a rider. Cheryl has made it her mission
to educate as many clients on horse’s behaviour hopefully
to improve other horses lives. As an experienced rider Cheryl
expects a horse not to jog, pull the reins out of her hands
and take off at every opportunity especially when you turn for
home but the horse must walk, trot, canter or gallop out with
enthusiasm. You too you should be able to drop your reins on
his neck to take a photo or admire the scenery, likewise as
a nervous or beginner rider you don’t want feel out of
control, but move at an even steady pace.
Our horses live under the influence of a matriarch mare in the field
as they would in the wild. They under stand the concept of that honoured
position extending to the staff. As our foals are born on the lawn,
they see us as part of the herd and their training starts from the
day they are born. The foals are handled, and learn that in order
to get a bum scratch they must come to us. Horses groom each other
as a sign of affection and to confirm their position in the pecking
order of the herd. A bum scratch would be equivalent to grooming and
at a young age they get accustomed to a human behind them and learn
not to kick. A horse is a flight animal, if he can’t run he
will kick if threatened or frightened. By desensitising them they
are less likely to react.
It is not unusual to find a foal and mare in the house. We smile
at how often people have contacted us saying we have sick horses
only to find a whole field of sleeping horses flat out and snoring.
There is a misconception that only sick horses lie down flat. A
good monitor of how comfortable horses feel in their environment
is by just how many horses are sleeping at one time, the louder
the snore the deeper the sleep. An unhappy horse would never be
that venerable if conditions are not relaxed. Even at an early age,
bad manners are not tolerated, and all our horses are easy to catch
and work with on the ground and this extends right though to being
backed. By running the horses together with the stallion and different
family units they are disciplined by the entire herd.
For us bomb proofing is a state of mind, as the horses have been
brought up with kids, tractors, motorbikes, cats and dogs. A horse
is very perceptive in all his senses: they are essential for him
to survive in the wild and we take into account all the horses senses,
eyesight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. By addressing his senses
as babies in the comfort of mom, he grows to be a confident horse
in lots of alternative situations.
From two months old the foals come out for their first ride under
the guidance and reassurance of their mothers they are introduced
to what will be expected of them in the form of cars, roadwork, holiday
makers on the popular Morgan Bay Beach and have their first swim in
the sea and the lagoon encouraged by their mothers and already responding
to voice controls. There is nothing scary about flying kites, umbrellas,
bright buckets, dogs. cricket and soccer balls on the beach. Dogs
on the beach do pose a problem sometimes, the ones that run with us
or even bark at us are never a problem, in fact we don’t mind
them running with us. It is the dogs that snap or bite at the horse’s
legs. I am amazed at the dogs owners who often watch their dogs get
a kick and then react negatively. Do the owners expect the horse to
stand there and get bitten?
Much of the backing (preparation and ride for the first time) process
is done in a fun from the first day. We use the foal as a temporary
saddle rack in the stable when we saddle their mothers. They have
watched their mothers tacked up and being ridden. So it is something
they understand. A saddle sits where a predator would attack on his
back and under his belly. In play, the foal soon understands that
the saddle does not bite. It is not unusual for a young horse to play
with a bridle or saddle left on the rails, as if asking to be ridden.
Our system works for us. No drama, no stress, nice and easy. In the
height of season, we tack up the horses to be ridden that day including
the new horse. Mount all the other riders, who are stand at the rail
while Cheryl gives instructions on how to ride, tips on balance, dos
and don’ts. The new horse is lead out the stable and right next
to the mates in a big field. They are mounted for the first time aided
by a senior guide on the ground holding the opposite stirrup and steadying
the new horses balance. The guides stand, stroke and talk to the new
horse and begin to lead the horse takes the fist steps. Some new horses
grow roots and won’t move others want to explode. The new horse
is asked to walk, halt and walk again just a few meters. Basically
all we have done is show the horse they can move with weight of a
rider. We dismount and mount them a few times and take them to line
where the other horses are waiting, placing them between their mates.
Then we go for a ride. A horse is a herd animal so he wants to stay
with his friends, we like the middle of season as the new horse would
rather stay with the mates than take off into unknown territory with
bikes, cars and strange noises. The mature horses understand the rules
of the ride and give the new horse a stare from hell if they try to
pass in the line. When they trot or canter for the first time the
new horse is unsteady but no or few bucks. By the end of the first
ride they are comfortable with the weight. They have seen the beach,
cars, bikes etc before so they just go for the ride. During the first
ride we find the steering and brakes of a bit by reinforcing voice
control they already understand. On completion of the ride we un tack,
they roll with the other horses. No fuss no hustle. What we have noticed
is, on that day as if welcoming them into a club every mature horse
grooms the new horse. On the second ride we treat the new horse no
differently than a mature horse and by the third ride the new horse
is ready to take the first client. We don’t use the new horse
for beginner riders until we are sure that the new horse will not
be confused by a novice riders instructions and wait until the horse
is older to expect them to carry heavy riders.
We wean the foals between 4-6 months. The following years are spent
having fun, forming life bonds and growing out. We back (ride the
first time) at 3 years but only once the bones and muscles are fully-grown
would we consider carrying a heavy rider. Where possible a young horse
will ride for a few months and then go back into the field to grow
out and think about what he has been taught. They come back mature
and wanting to be ridden, it is not unusual for a horse in training
to decide to join a group loose, they generally just join the string
and we voice control them to encourage them to behave as we want then
to.
Clients comment on the maturity level of our younger horses, Spindrift
does not ride like a young horse, he is confident, a leader. Alex,
Robin Hood, *Nsync, Excalibur, Royal Revenge, Apollo, Bliss, Caesar,
Atlas, Hermes, Maverick, and Zeus all carried clients within a few
days of first being ridden and already are confident to lead the
ride if asked. This we believe stems from our approach to learning
from the day they were born; we encourage their personality, never
breaking their spirit. Never forcing the horses but allowing them
to have an option but making the option we want the easiest choice.
Then by encouraging with positive reinforcement, we get more co-operative
results, a partnership. We never allow a horse to be hit, especially
on the face. A good swift kick or punch as hard as you can to a
horse that kicks. Bite back if a horse bites you, or even better
a lit cigarette conveniently placed in the path of a horse that
bites works magic. One for one, this is a language a horse understands.
If you are in a bad mood don’t ride, stay away from your horses,
they will pick up on your mood. A crop is only used to reinforce
your leg commands, or to encourage a horse past something they want
to shy at (a shy is a quick movement away from something they don’t
like) by tapping on the neck and giving a swift kick. Why riders
pat their horses after they shy at something I don’t understand.
You are rewarding your horse for shying. “Good boy! Nice shy
make it bigger next time!” And they will.
We run our colts and stallions in bachelor herds
as they would in the wild. This way the colts and stallions
are completely socialized. Two stallions in the wild would very
seldom fight, play is noisy and pushy and often misunderstood
by people; believing stallions to be aggressive. Stallions rear
up and grab the jugular vein or bite the other horses knee to
flip the other stallion on their back, throw their legs forward
and stamp and squeal all in a mock fight. Very seldom do two
stallions fight and very seldom would there be an injury, two
seconds later they are nose to nose grazing or grooming each
other. More often than not it is the two best friends making
all the commotion. Two mares will kick each other to hurt stallions
hardly ever kick with force. It is in this play that a stallion
is selected in the wild by a Matriarch mare for his gene pool.
She wants the strongest, cleverest stallion. This is a valuable
part of growing strong bodies and minds. We geld as close to
3 years as possible,
taking advantage of the testosterone to build the bones and muscles
for strong bodies. One year we ran 23 stallions and colts together
with the working horses, one night a young mare went “walk about”
and joined them. We expected some kind of problem, however when we
got to the field in the morning after locating her we found that three
geldings had surrounded her and everyone had their heads down grazing
peacefully, including all the stallions, and not one scratch on anyone.
2007 – 2009 we had a terrible screwworm problem (a worm that
eats living flesh) and so we did not geld (castrate) our boys, we
were nervous of getting the worm into the cut. In December 2009 8
new boys, still stallions, came into work. They acted like geldings.
They were completely social and happy not only to start their training
under saddle, but to pass mares on another ride with no more reaction
than the geldings at seeing new horses. It gave us an opportunity
to introduce stallions to the public and changing people’s perception.
Putting a stallion in a stable away from his social group and only
allowing him to see a mare at mating time makes him frustrated and
can become aggressive and sometimes dangerous. Spirit, our Arab stallion,
was impossible to work with when we purchased him. He had never been
handled even though he lived in a stable, and would storm you. However
within two days of running with a bachelor herd he became a puppy.
During the height of the Christmas season he joined the working stable
and all nonsense has disappeared, and has discovered he likes his
ears rubbed and contact with people.
Our fillies run in harems until they are mature enough to breed or
ride, spending their youth growing out and forming strong friendships,
used later as nannies for their mates babies. A nanny raises a foal;
the mother is there more for nourishment. In the wild the nanny would
normally be one of the older daughters or a mare that has not have
a foal at foot. In the wild not all pregnancies go to term so the
mare is not permanently pregnant. Mares often conceive twins but it
is extremely rare that she would carry to term, normally naturally
aborting in a few weeks of conception (her placenta is too small to
carry two vital embryos to term) Lack of grazing, water, accidents
and health play a huge part in controlling the numbers too. I like
to give the girls a few years under saddle before going into the main
herd and stallion. Easier said than done, when a mare wants the stallion
she will call and fences do not pose a problem to a stallion on a
mission. In 2008 it was not my stallion that came but the neighbours,
totally upsetting my breeding program. Nearly all fillies conceived
with a very ordinary farm stallion, we are expecting the outcome soon.
Our mares and foals run with the stallion in a main breeding herd
as they would in the wild. We only take the stallion out when we need
to control the number of foals; the stallion then runs in the bachelor
herd. We take the nanny and mare out to run on our lawn near due date.
We need to be near for a difficult birth, retained placenta etc, but
more importantly we need to bond with the foal especially in the first
5 days. It is at this stage we can halter train, pick up feet, pull
the tail (so they are accustom to people behind them and don’t
kick) and groom and enforce us as the matriarch the easiest. The foal
is up on its feet in a few hours, the second day it is galloping round
and round the mare, who frantically spins to try to keep her foal
in sight. The circle widens and mom relaxes. It is about then the
foal no longer wants human contact and seeks out the other foals to
play with. The nanny takes over and the family unit goes back into
the breeding herd.
Anyone present at a birth of a foal and watched a foal getting to
its feet and sucking for the first time cannot help but to be impressed
with the miracle of nature. A foal should stand on its own for the
first time within an hour, (some 15 minutes others 2 hours) and suck
as soon as possible. It is extremely important that the foal in its
first suck takes in a substantial quantity of colostrums. The foal’s
mother’s antibodies in the colostrums are absorbed into the
foal’s blood stream, once protein has been swallowed; the pathway
is blocked to further transfer. It is extremely important that the
foal absorbs the antibodies to start his healthy life.
A foal is attracted towards dark under surfaces
like the udder; some foals become attached to attendants or
even a tree rather than their mother. When a foal is born it
takes a mental picture of his mother so he can identify her
in a galloping herd. If another mare wants to steal a foal she
will place herself in a position so the foal identifies the
wrong mare and bonds with her. The foals own mother would then
have to fight for her foal that won’t come to her.
A mare has the ability of retaining a foal in uterus by two
months past term if she is not happy with conditions or is
frightened. Most foals are born as the light changes; sunrise
or sunset. A mare is extremely shy and will foal out of sight,
however because they trust us and see us in the matriarch
position they foal on my lawn. We have even had one mare seek
us out to pull out a foal that was too big. She called, stood
up, walked towards us and turned her bum and lay down. We
assisted and both Joan of Arc and foal Berica are well.
A mare has the ability to retain the size of a foal in uterus
there by having a foal she can cope with at birth, the foal
grows out after birth. Starlight looks like a Miniature Friesian
mare standing at 90cm and conceived four times with Poseidon
17.2 hh. The result: Thumbelina, a cute real miniature Friesian
filly, and two colts Jiminy Cricket and Stuart Little and is
currently pregnant again. All her offspring are showing promise
of being incredible children’s ponys +-12 hh but stocky,
strong and so easy to work with on he ground. Starlight cannot
be contained; she walks through any fence, so if she wants a
baby that is it, we just have to accept it.
Caribbean a special lady.
Caribbean at 6 months wanted her own rider like
her mom, her mother Jamaica was our schoolmaster and used
for lessons. Caribbean joined her mother trotting over trotting
poles, bending poles and even jumps.
One morning Caribbean nudged Johnny who was carrying his
18- month daughter at the time until Johnny placed Sky on
Caribbean’s back. Then she was happy and proud she had
her own rider, repeating the nudging when Sky was taken off
her back.
She at 6 months backed herself!
Rehabilitate unwanted and or abused horses:
We at Mkulu Kei Horse Trails believe it is our duty to home
and rehabilitate unwanted and or abused horses so a percentage
of our revenue is used, donations are greatly appreciated
and in season my daughters Daniela and Luisa give lead rein
rides to small children on the beach, a % of their revenue
is used to take in abused and unwanted horses.
Some horses require intensive therapy, others just medical
attention. It is important to try to work out what happened
to each horse, work through the problem areas, we then look
at the new horse's personality and allow them to find a valuable
place within Mkulu Kei Horse Trails.
All horses Retired on the farm like Major, Tom Thumb, Strike,
King Arthur, Goldie, Grey Mist, Sun Dance and Holly receiving
the same care and attention as any of our other horses. I
prefer nature to take its course but intervene if the horse
is in pain.
Our working horses:
I am personally extremely proud of my working horses; they
work together in harmony, encouraging the younger horses to
be confident and work as a team. I use the geldings for trails
and day rides adding mares when extra horses are required
or when introducing foals at foot to the beach and work. Our
mares are used more for arena work both lessons and children’s
pony camps. Mares are more likely to kick than geldings or
stallions, as naturally they are the protectors of their foals
and ward to off any potential stallion if she does not ready
to mate and it is this reason we use the females in arena
work and the males for the out rides.
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 can ride at a slower pace,
they can then be regrouped at any stage of a ride. The advanced
riders can canter away from the more novice riders with no drama
and although they are trained to follow one behind the other
in Indian file, as an intermediate rider you could ask your
mount to ride on an individual path with ease. (On the Transkei
beaches we do not ride in Indian file). Horses have to be asked
individually by his or her rider to canter or they will continue
to trot, even if the rest of the ride canters off. You must
ask for the canter a safety precaution, so we don’t have
horses taking 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.
As an experienced rider myself when I commenced the trails I
wanted to have the correct horse for your riding ability either
for an advanced rider or beginner rider and I can personally
tell you I have quality riding horses, some may not be confirmation
perfect but as riding horses they are. 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 both
rider and horse maximum pleasure.
Come Ride with Us ...
Come Ride with Us ...
A special story about Gunstone.
What an incredible trail!
Meeting Carl was a blessing and life changing.
The Blind Bat as Carl calls himself has no sight, he cannot
see not even shadows. I was determined to give Carl the full
trail experience, I did not change the route or the pace;
we rode through rivers, over rock, round trees and even had
a race!
I gained from the experience in so way ways.
Here is Carl’s account of his trail.
During mid-2005, I did some internet research on "coastal
horse trails" as I always wanted to treat myself to the
sounds and feeling of cantering on the beach, swimming in
the sea and lagoons, and take in all the amazing aspects of
the coast.
I came across www.mkulukeihorsetrails.co.za , and read
about the wild coast and made contact with Cheryl Giacchetti,
who runs the trails from near Kei mouth in the Eastern Cape.
What striked me from the first chat with Cheryl, was her openness
in accepting me as a blind rider, and her words "I'd
like to have you come so I can explain to you the beauty of
our wild coast in more detail".
I've been previously turned away as a blind rider at other
riding facilities in JHB and elsewhere, and Cheryl's open
invite made me book for the 5 day trail for Early February
2006.
The trail exceeded by far more then my expectations
and what the web site describes.
Firstly I was blown away by Cheryl and her family's warm hospitality
and personal treatment on arrival and on trail.
Cheryl went out of her way to ensure I'm happy, and ensured
she gave me full verbal descriptions of what she was seeing,
including letting me touch the various rock formations, plants,
etc.
I learnt to appreciate how the wild coast changes terrain almost
every few hundred meters.
We rode along varying beaches, rock cliffs, forests, fields,
hills, villages, and swam in the sea and lagoons.
The Hotels, both Sea Gulls and Wave Crest were really well enjoyed,
with very friendly staff, and oh yes wonderful and too much
food.
Also, her horses are wonderful animals, all very well schooled,
nice natured, and the only down side was when I had to give
Gunston back after the trail, it literally brought me to tears,
you create such a bond with your horse as they faithfully look
after you on all forms of terrain along the trail. My riding
definitely improved on trail and Cheryl, having assessed my
riding ability she was the first to let me attempt some jumping
and within one lesson I was clearing a 70 cm jump - thus she's
an excellent riding instructor as well.
PS: I'd like to thank you Cheryl, Don, the Kids and of course
Gunston for a life changing experience. I will definitely
be back, not only for another trail, I need to make it an
annual get-away.
You've taught me so much more about horses and
what amazing animals they really are, and have boosted my love
for riding even more. This does mean a lot to me, as I've done
many major cycling events on the tandem, run Comrads, did some
large hikes, padelling, etc. and finding regular partners always
being a challenge as a keen blind sportsman, but the horses
and riding community have really been so helpful and accepting
in general, and horses never let you down.
I allocated Carl Gunstone because of his gentle nature, Gunstone
always responds to the clients but I was amazed at what I
witnessed. On this trail he was different. On the ground Gunstone
was gentler more caring and constantly nuzzled Carl. Gunstone
took Carl's arm gently between his teeth and he guided Carl
around!
My mount Holly was totally out of character around Carl.
She is a matriarch mare, a bully and always on a mission,
she is a tornado. She would run through you if you got in
her way and she can't stand still for a second. However Holly
was so gentle around Carl.
I asked my vet if the horses could sense Carl was different.
My vet said that the horses knew Carl was blind and in the
wild, the herd would lead a blind horse to water.
We taught Carl to jump, using Selly a confident jumper and
by using my voice as direction. Carl has gone on to purchase
his own horse and rides daily unaided and has started endurance
riding.
Carl we are so proud of you.
Ever thought you would like to canter your horse along a beach,
or play in the waves?
The sound of the horse's hoofs on the sand or splash of the water
will live with you forever.
This unique South African safari horse trail offers a total riding
holiday experience, incorporating beach, rural life and Safari riding,
while giving you the chance to sample the undeveloped beauty of the
South African Wild Coast. An equestrian adventure to remember.
You could be here on your coastal safari horse riding vacation,
Mkulu Kei Horse Trails The best of equestrian holidays.
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.
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 holiday
memories.
Thank You.
Cheryl
See you in the saddle soon!
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!
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.
See you in the saddle soon!
