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Geldings & Stallions
Our main team of working riding
horses are geldings
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At Mkulu Kei horse trails & Riding Holidays in South Africa, our main working
team of riding horses on both the beach rides at Morgan Bay and on the Wild Coast
overnight equestrian riding tours are geldings.
As we like our mares to have been ridden for a few years before being put in foal the younger mares will be running at the beach stables, with the geldings. As our mares are mostly Arabian and Arab crosses they will be more likely the horses used for the longer trails, being more forward moving than some of the geldings who have been trained for the less experienced riders.
• Our Mares
We use a working team of geldings, adding mares when more
horses are required.
See a description of each gelding or stallion as you
would find him on an average day, with their breed, height and temperament.
We will introduce you to our team of trail horses, when
allocating horses we try to match you to the correct riding horse for maximum
comfort in the saddle, before saddling up for your equestrian horse riding.
At Mkulu Kei horse trails and riding holidays our main
working team of horses consists of geldings as their temperaments are more
constant, more predictable and they are less likely to kick out than mares.
By not selling horses and having the same basic team members each horse knows
its place in the pecking order and we can predict mood swings or off days
easier.
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have an incredibly young string of horses and although we only start riding them
after their third birthday so much of their training is done in play throughout
their early lives. This makes backing (riding the first times) just another day
in their lives with no stress, never breaking spirits but building horses
confidence levels and the will to work. The young potential weight carrying horses
only carry the heavier riding clients once their bones and muscles are fully
developed. Within the team the geldings all have different distinct personalities
which we know and use to our advantage when allocating horses for the riders, some
are more laid back while others more flighty.
When we want to reduce the number of foals born, our stallions
run with the geldings in the working herd and although they have all covered mares
they are calm and easy to work with both on the ground and under saddle and
are happy to pass mares on the ride with no drama. When we allocate horses,
riding clients who have ridden with us before can request a stallion for the Morgan
Bay beach ride as their mount of choice. Both Zeus and Hermes are incredible rides
but are protected from any rider with hard hands as both could be competitive in a
show class.
See Our Horses for our natural
training methods and why our riding horses are so easy to work with both in the
saddle and on the ground.
Trail riding tours on well-trained horses is what will make
your riding holiday with us a pleasure. Read on to see a description of each horse
as you would find him on an average day
All
our boys are schooled and well mannered, and although they are a young team of
geldings they are trained for your riding pleasure. On the day rides they must
not be competitive and stay one behind the other on the busy Morgan Bay beach,
however riding on the multi day holiday options into the Transkei we expect each
horse to be ridden as an individual mount, taking independent paths and happy to
ride abreast.
Each horse has a unique personality, some more forward moving
and spirited than others. We expect our horse to adapt to different riders, always
giving their best. Even the most experienced rider does not want to ride a horse
that pulls or won’t stand when asked.
See below for a full description of each gelding. The
Mkulu Kei Horse Trails & Riding Holidays main working team of riding horses.
Irrespective of your riding ability, you want a horse
that you feel confident on, a horse you can bond with on your Wild Coast horse
trail ride or riding holiday. Our horses have manners and they are trained to
respond to your level of riding experience. Whether you are looking for a few
hours in the saddle or much more contact us for your Transkei, Wild Coast,
Eastern Cape South African equestrian experience.
As our horses retire or new babies are brought into the
trail team we try to increase our numbers to keep up with our growing business.
Our natural method of training gives our horses a chance to develop their own
personalities and find their own valuable place in the stable. Each horse has
the same basic training and as each horse’s confidence level increases they tell
us if they want to be trained for the beginner riders or the more flighty
personalities for the client who wants a horse that responds quicker.
"A real ride to many
places at any paces"
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Equestrian horseback riding eco- adventures along the
South African, Eastern Cape, Wild Coast. For your equine riding or working
vacation and African horse and pony trek adventure. Mkulu Kei Horse Trails.
Horseback riding tours along the un-spoilt beaches and coastline of the Wild
Coast with Mkulu Kei horse riding safaris holidays and Lalapanzi game rides.
 Our Working Horses:
A Great Team of Riding Horses
There are so many equestrian pony and horse trekking
holidays and vacations, why choose us? Read on and find out. Awesome hacking
conditions, the best riding countryside. You could be here on your coastal
safari horse riding vacation, Mkulu Kei horse trails the best of equestrian
trail riding holidays in South Africa.
The quality of the working team of horses, all trained
with a riding ability in mind. I personally am extremely proud of my working
horses; they work together in harmony, encouraging the younger horses to be
confident and work with the team, are easy to work with on the ground a pleasure
to ride.
We generally use the geldings for day rides and over night
trails, adding mares when extra horses are required in a busy riding season. The
mares are ridden more at Lalapanzi in the game, pony camps and with the camps as
a form of therapy. The horses can be separated during the ride thereby giving more
advanced riders the chance to increase the pace while more novice riders stay behind
the second guide horse and 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 the horses are trained to follow one behind the other in
Indian file on the day rides, as an intermediate rider you can ask your mount to ride
on an individual path with ease. Horses have to be individually asked by their rider
to canter or they will continue to trot, even if the rest of the ride canters off. On
the Transkei beaches the horses can be ridden in any order. Our horses are trained,
forward moving, easy to ride and lively to command. A horse that you wish you could
take home with you! 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. Even the most forward moving horses are disciplined to stand
so you can stop and admire or take a photo of the scenery.
Alexander the Great
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TB X Friesian
Born: 05/10/2000
16.1hh
Dark Bay
Sire: Abe Reg. Friesian Stallion.
Dam: Midnight Dreamer
Nervous or first time riders – Intermediate.
(He does not feed off your nerves)
Owner: Daniela
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Alex was born beautiful, with a gentle personality.
His mother a very successful TB racehorse who won frequently and his father
an Imported Friesian.
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Alex was born in the front garden but soon found solace
in the vegetable garden. Now a strong laid back bombproof gelding in his prime
of his years. With height, stature and temperament and a superb action, Alex
prefers to be at the back of the ride so nobody can complain if he stops and
smells the daisies.
Alex can best be described as a flower power child,
although he can turn on an amazing burst of speed, if you can ride. Alex is
Mkulu Kei's answer to Prozac, and a perfect ride for nervous or first time
riders.
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We where not using Alex to his full potential and have
started using him for more advanced riders. As a result he is more forward
moving for those who can ride but a easy reliable mount for those who can't.
Alex loves the longer rides and comes alive, a good
choice for a more nervous trail rider.
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Apollo
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Friesian X
Born: 11/12/2004
16.1hh^
Black
Sire: Poseidon Reg. Friesian Stallion.
Dam: Corlea.
Intermediate-experienced Nice ladies hack
Owner: Mkulu Kei horse trails
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Apollo a striking big young black gelding with
an open kind face and eyes and, like his mother, has a floating
action. An honest, forward moving gelding, happier in the middle of
the ride but confident to take the lead. A no nonsense easy ride with
a good attitude to work and a pleasure to ride. A perfect ladies hack
and a horse that will carry weight and tall clients.
Having no vices, Apollo has matured into a
good ride, responsive to the leg and bit with no fuss he gets on with
the job of pleasing you.
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One of the first horses to walk up to you in the
field he loves attention and shows his affection by licking your hand.
A good choice if you want a reliable sweet mount.
He like so many of our young horses, was
introduced to working in the height of holiday season amongst the
Christmas traffic, dogs, motorbikes and people on the beach. On his
first ride was introduced to the sea and was happy to play in the
waves.
Don often takes him and rides with no bridle,
just a neck strap.
Apollo, being a Friesian, is a bit too heavy
for a long fast trail but has proved himself by being one of our top
revenue earners on the day rides, and a popular ride often requested
by those wanting a slower pace on trail.
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Atlas
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Friesian X
Born: 12/09/2005
17.2hh^^.
Black
Sire: Poseidon Reg. Friesian Stallion
Dam: Nikita
Intermediate-experienced horse rider (prefers men)
Owner: Mkulu Kei Horse Trails |
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Atlas has his mother’s huge Roman nose, huge
ears and solid legs that go up and up, and his father’s gentle
personality. He is an affectionate boy with a big heart of gold. He
was the biggest foal I have ever seen at birth! If I had not pulled
Atlas out he would not have made it or been a “Dummy foal”
(term used for brain damaged at birth). Even then he is not the
sharpest tool in the shed or maybe it just takes a long, long time
for any messages from his brain to the rest of his body. At birth he
stood the same height as an average Friesian 6 month old and his
hocks matched his mothers in size. |
Atlas gaining control of his long legs and
standing was very funny but a very serious matter for him. Because he
could not stand he could not drink. His first feed was a bottle
milked from his very patient mother. As a result he bonded with us.
Anyone present at a birth of a foal and
watched a foal getting to its feet and sucking cannot help but to be
impressed with the miracle of nature. A foal should stand on its own
for the first time within about an hour, (some 15 minutes others 2
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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.
A foal is attracted towards dark under surfaces –
udder, some foals become attached to attendants or even a tree rather
than their mother.
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Atlas is at present growing, growing and
growing. At a year he was taller than the 3 year olds and will still
continue to grow for 3-4 more years. Our gentle giant, Atlas, started
his working career like so many youngsters before him; in the height
of season. The only difference being that he was not gelded due to an
increase of screwworm flies with the hot humid weather experienced
that particular year. The plan was to geld him during winter. Even as
a young stallion within two rides was working beautifully, totally
relaxed and enjoying his newfound life.
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Mounting him, especially the first time,
proved interesting. How do you back a horse if you can’t get on? It has been
suggested we make him his own saddle with portable stepladder and
parachute just in case you fall off in the field.
Atlas is a typical teenage boy, all limbs and
still trying to use them in a co-ordinated way. Although he looks
like he will rattle apart when he moves he will in time grow into
himself, and his long legs cover a remarkable stretch of ground with
each stride and very little effort.
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 A big boy with big strides. During the last
high season Atlas has really matured into a good ride, we decided to
wait a while before gelding him so he can use the testosterone to
bulk up. He goes well for a male rider who seems to bring out the
best in him but happy even as a stallion to have a young female
rider.
Don has started his next phase of training,
this boy is going to be stunning to see when he has bulked out and going
on the bit.
This boy is growing beautifully and although
not the sharpest a big good ride. Maturing nicely and finally growing
into himself, although he still has a hand to grow and then bulk up.
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Beau
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Beau is going to be a nice sized horse, has a
kind look in his eye and carries himself well. He was probably the
most difficult to back of all our horses. We had little to do with
Beau as a very small foal and he only came to us full time at 2 ½
years.
When we got him he was difficult to work with
in the field and scared of the traffic on the road. In fact walking
him down the road he nearly jumped down an embankment when he saw a
big truck We are proud of just how well he has done in such a short
time. In 6 months he was a totally different horse and is now one
that always says hello in the field, happy to be handled and always
ready to learn more.
On his first two rides he was more jumpy than
we normally have with our training program but by the fourth ride he
was relaxed and having fun. In his first season he carried a number
of different clients who all enjoyed riding him and now ridden by
beginner to intermediate clients.
As Beau worked so hard in his first season,
and we didn't want him to become stale, we are turning him out into
the field for a while to relax and grow out a bit, he shot up in
height.
A year later a very popular ride and when we
are allocating horses he does everything to catch our attention,
stamping his feet or putting his leg over the gate chains. Take me,
take me. Put a saddle on his back and he stands waiting to go. A
sweetie.
Sweet, kind, gentle personality that is forward
moving and responsive to bit and leg. I think he is really going to be
an asset to the Mkulu Kei working team.
Although we don't want Beau to carry weight for
a few years, he loves men and as they arrive to ride it is Beau who is
always the horse who approaches the male clients first.
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Benjamin Bunny
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Welsh Cob
Born: 1997
15.2hh
Grey
Ridden by the guides only
Must be experienced
Owner: Mkulu Kei Horse Trails
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Benjamin Bunny, a Welsh cob, was breed and
raised in a perfect environment, a happy horse, and a going child’s
show pony. |
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He was breed and owned by a friend who lent
him to another riding establishment in another town, someone we both
thought we knew.
After being used in her riding school for
lessons for over a year, the owner was called to come fetch the
dangerous horse. Benjamin was bucking, but not little bucks, a
frenzy of bronco bucks. When the owner went to collect him he was
thin and had two huge saddle sores; the people who loaned him said
that he had got the sores out in the field! The owner tried to gain
his trust but did not have the time or infrastructure to work with
him.
He came to us. With intensive work on the
ground we thought we were winning, but it took one incident and we
were back to square one. It has taken us 8 years of working with
Benjamin trying to earn his trust yet he still rolls his eyes in fear
at a stranger and can only be mounted from the off side. On a ride he
moves away from people on the ground, having an exceptionally large
personal space and you can still feel the uncertainty through the
saddle if he is approached.
Benjamin will never be ridden by the public,
he is only ridden by our guides and only by those who we trust and
are experienced riders. He could be unpredictable and anything can
cause a flashback. Benny, as he is affectionately called, will remain
under our watchful eye and have a home for the rest of his life. A
much loved horse by those who have experienced his ride.
It boils my blood every time I think about the
so called expert/qualified???? Riding instructor who caused the
problems, she has since closed down her riding stable.
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Bliss
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Friesian X
Born: 22/11/2004
16.2hh^
Black
Sire: Prince. Reg. Friesian Stallion
Dam: Bess
Intermediate-advanced rider prefers ladies
Owner: Mkulu Kei Riding Holidays
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Bliss, a striking young black gelding that
started his a working career in the height of the Christmas season. |
Showing potential as a great big, trail horse
for the taller, but not heavy clients, as Bliss has a roached back
(there is an upward curve of the back and loin) making his stride a
little shorter.
He is very affectionate, a people pleaser,
and a bold sweet natured horse. A big gentle soul that loves people
and has a lot of his father’s personality. If you let him he will
lick your hand. Bliss has started his next level of training and is
already on the bit, and confident if asked to ride an alternative
path.
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Bliss does not go well for a nervous rider as
he is inclined to feed off the rider’s nerves, but put your leg on and
he moves forward willingly. He seems to prefer male riders. Bliss has
matured well in the last few weeks and is much more mature in his approach
to work, he really puts his best foot forward for confident riders. |
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Buckle Player
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Quarter Horse X
Born: 1998
16.2hh
Bay
Sire: Unknown
Dam: Unknown
Beginner-Intermediate riders
Any age rider but goes better if you ride him on
Owner: Mkulu Kei Riding Holidays
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Buckle, a big bay gelding is weight carrier
who is very economical with his effort.
He will take you from A to B safely with no
frills. He is honest, bold, and forward moving. If you want an easy
ride then Buckle is the one for you!
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A horse used to teach the beginner adult man,
and our weight carrier, However ridden by someone who knows how to
ride Buckle can be a totally different horse and paces out.
He is very valuable to us as an all round
mount, and he controls the pace of a ride. Buckle "The Policeman"
knows our rules on the out rides and expects everyone to follow them.
Don’t pass Buckle, we ride Indian file, he will not tolerate horses
passing him and bites them.
If Buckle was human he would be the gym
addict with the rippling muscles or the bouncer at the club making
eyes at all the girls. Buckle is so funny; the mares can get away with
murder, they can pass him, go through a gate in front of him and even take his
stable. The geldings would have been eaten alive for less, the same
rules don’t apply to the females as the males.
He loves the longer trails and a good race on
the Transkei side. His face changes once he knows he is going on
trail, he smiles.
Although he is used more often for beginner
riders he loves a experienced rider and moves with ease.
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Candor
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Friesian X
Born: 11/12/2006
15.2hh^
Black
Sire: Poseidon Reg. Friesian Stallion
Dam: Tsalela
Intermediate-advanced riders
Popular ride often requested
Owner: Mkulu Kei equine trails
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Candor is not the prettiest horse; he has ears
that are permanently to the side, however he is a Friesian gelding
who will be as strong as an ox and will be one of our weight carriers
once he has fully grown out. |
In the December Candor wanted to be ridden at
all costs, he stole our tack off the railing, slipped into the ride
as it left the stable yard, taking his place in the line as if it is
what all horses do everyday. He did everything to catch our
attention, so we jumped on his back and went for a ride, only when we
got down to the beach did we realize just how high the seas tide was.
There was no beach! Just huge waves pushing
across the beach.
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So on his first ride ever carrying a rider for
the first time he was wading through the sea knee deep as the waves
pushed and bubbled just under his tummy, he acted as he had done it a
million times before. On his 3rd ride he took his first client,
thereafter taking out a rider every day that whole season.
A bombproof, forward moving, responsive mount,
a horse often requested by repeat clients. He likes to be in the
front with more experienced riders but is happy to carry a less
experienced rider, a people pleaser. A very nice ride.
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Captain Morgan
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Arabian X
Born: 6/01/2006
14.2hh.^
Blue Roan
Sire : Spirit
Dam: Jamaica
Intermediate-experienced riders
Very nice child's pony
Owner: Mkulu Kei Horse Trails
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A little man with lots of attitude and spunk;
he was the smallest and youngest in the bachelor herd that year. When
Morgan was a stallion he was fast with his hind legs but even faster
with his teeth. I was trying to halter train him but he was lashing
out at my hand as I tried to lead him. In desperation I needed to
teach him that was unacceptable, we do not hit horses especially in
the face so I did the only thing I could think of at the time. Moving
my lit cigarette into the path of his mouth, he burnt his nose on the
cigarette and he never bit or kicked again. I was now above him in
the pecking order and that extended to all two legged members of his
herd. Problem solved and no aggression on my part, it was a language
he understood and respected. If a horse bites, bite him back, if he
kicks, kick back. That is how his mother would react; horses don’t go
round hitting each other.
Captain Morgan has started his working career
and was such an unexpected surprise.
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He was much easier than we expected
to back. He had never seen the sea as his mother was our school
master in the arena at the stud farm yet he took everything in his
stride, totally accepting his role as a riding horse.
A small but very nice ride, he floats and
likes to canter and if you let him he will canter behind the trotting
horses. Does not shy, braver than his half sister Caribbean who hates
the sea, he also matured, mentally, faster than his half bother Excalibur
did.
He has no vices and is an easy moving pony,
responsive a people pleaser who loves attention. He will jump and one
of the horses we would like to see being schooled in the arena.
Very similar to Spindrift in personality both
in height and temperament but moves like Grey Mist did.
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Chester
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Bush Pony
Born: 2001
14.3hh
Dark Bay
Sire: Unknown
Dam: Unknown
Intermediate-experienced riders
Popular ride goes better if you are assertive
Owner: Mkulu Kei horse riding holidays
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Chester has joined the working horses, he is a
bush pony that grows on you. AKA "The Jester" |
His previous owners dearly loved him but did
not know horses and had never disciplined him, he was like a lost
soul. He was purchased by his previous owners at 6 months, along with
another foal and the two babies raised themselves and they took
advantage of the owners lack of equine knowledge.
As a result Chester can be a bit pushy on the
ground, especially near food. When he came to us he had no idea how
to act like a horse, but did not take the other working horses long
to teach him some manners.
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He is not very big but has shown us huge
potential as a weight carrying team member. A bold pony that goes
well for a rider who knows something but can take advantage of an
absolute beginner if they sit on him like a sack of potatoes. Take
him for a ride, interact with him; tell him where to go and how fast
or he will take you for a ride. Chester is willing but needs direction
and has very nice motion. Chester loves the longer trails and likes the
freedom on trail.
He has no vices, his heart is in the right
place and goes very well for some riders who repeatedly ask for him.
He is really working hard and is maturing into a very reliable
predictable mount. A pony you can easily bond with.
Unfortunately like so many horses rehabilitated
from the area he has a damaged ear due to Screwworm.
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Excalibur
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Excalibur is a very good-looking young Arab
gelding, not very big, although he has suddenly expanded both in
height and width. An asset for young beginner riders, a real
children’s pony, 100 % voice controlled, and works well on verbal
commands He actually responds to his name and will follow verbal
instructions during the ride, just like his mother did.
Excalibur’s training started the day he was
born, he joined his mother on day rides at the height of the
Christmas rush, with motorbikes, cars, and people as part of his
easy, no pressure,
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and confidence building training. Swimming
deep in the sea and playing in the waves with his two half
brothers as young foals going on out rides was lots of fun.
His mother was our schoolmaster and Excalibur
was enthusiastic to learn trotting poles, small jumps etc at his
mother’s side. With his sire's all round abilities and a dam as a
schoolmaster he has proved to be a valuable asset.
Excalibur is already a popular confident horse
and, like his mother, a schoolmaster with a first timer rider at the
back of the ride, if further forward in the line with a child who can
ride he is more forward moving. He is voice controlled. He loves
the attention he gets with lead rein rides on the beach with the tiny
riders and is one of the first horses to walk up to you in the field.
Excalibur in the last six months has been ridden by more advanced
riders. Excalibur enjoys the faster paces, and thrives on trail.
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Gabriel
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Friesian X Boerperd
Born: 23/12/2006
15.hh^
Bay
Sire: Poseidon Reg. Friesian Stallion
Dam: Juno
Intermediate-advanced rider
Owner: Mkulu Kei Horse Trails
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Gabriel is a gelding I looked past as a foal
as I though he was going to be small. He was bred by my father and
sold on to someone else. |
He came to stay by us as his new owners could
not cope with him as a stallion, during which time I fell in love
with him. When it was time for him to go I could not part with him.
I knew he was going to be a nice strong pony,
easy to work with on the ground with no hang ups and no vices,
however I had no idea just how easy he was going to be. I had said to
the development kids it was time for them to learn how to break in a
horse and planned to ride him the next morning.
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We had an afternoon ride going out but knew I
would have to concentrate on the beginner riders. We put the horses
into the stables and I was busy talking to the clients, we walked
round the stable and there was Gabriel with no halter, bridle or
saddle standing in the stable yard with three development kids on his
back the fourth was getting a leg up! Gabriel was saddled up that
afternoon and has been ridden ever since by children of all riding
abilities.
Destined to become one of our most popular
rides, forward moving, responsive, can be used as a lead horse; a
confident happy horse with no vices and will be very popular on the
longer trails.
Sorry guys. Gabriel and I have bonded. As a
guide horse I don't want a big horse I spend so much time picking up
caps and helping clients both on and off the horse. Gabriel is both
forward moving and very responsive and reminds me of Holly (my
previous guide horse now retired) but has a look of Hermes. He is
now being trained as my personal guide horse and although young he
has take the job very seriously. He feels bigger than he actually
is, with more room to grow taller, now on the bit, bulking out nicely
and moving more balanced.
PS Wrong name Gabriel is no angel, he is far
too clever for his own good, is not patient and has learnt how to get
through the stable yard gate, so when we are allocating horse feed he
eats it all. He gets so frustrated when I make him stand he bites on
to my foot when I ride holding it gently with his mouth until I say
he can go or putting more and more pressure if I make him stand longer.
His new trick is to hold his own rein in his mouth and tug at my hands,
come lets go! At three years old he was as good as gold, at he has
grown horns. Likened to the human three year old temper tantrums all
parents have experienced.
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Goliath
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Friesian X Boerperd
Born: 23/12/2006
16.2hh^^
Black Sire: Poseidon Reg. Friesian Stallion
Dam: Nikita
Beginner-intermediate rider
Owner: Mkulu Kei Horse Riding Holidays
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Goliath, a full brother to Atlas, but not
nearly as tall although he will be bigger than most of our horses. A
sweet gentle horse that is very like Robin Hood in looks but not as
pushy on the ground.
He has great big soup bowl feet, huge ears and
Roman nose and like his brother needs to grow into himself. A horse
that uses a lot of energy to move and will be used more on the shorter
day rides. Goliath like his brother looks like he needs his screws bolted
tighter and moves in a very ungainly fashion, legs in every direction.
Not the sharpest tool in the shed. Goliath was one
of the easiest horses to back; we just jumped on his back and went for a
ride. Totally relaxed and confident he was taking clients out on his third
ride. Likes men and being too young to carry weight he is a good ride for
the young male riders.
Goliath is definitely growing into himself, getting
taller and starting to bulk out. He will be a weight carrier once fully grown.
A boy we are going to get lots of work from him, he enjoys the rides,
giving us 100%.
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Gunston
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Boerperd X
Born: 1998
16.2hh
Dun
Sire: Unknown
Dam: Unknown
Beginner-Experienced.
Owner: Mkulu Kei Horse Trails
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Gunston has a narrow chest but the biggest
heart. I had gone to buy mares at an abattoir and he looked me in the
eye and promised me loyalty and he has honoured his promise. I am
constantly grateful I saw past his terrible condition and saw the
real horse. "A trail horse in a million".
Superb temperament, kind, gentle personality,
loyal and fearless. Happy to follow at the back or take the lead.
Will out pace any horse with his long floating stride and out swims
all others in the river or sea. The most loved out of all the horses.
From beginner to experienced everyone wants to take him home.
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Gunston changes; adapting to the riders requirements,
like all our horses you need to tell him to canter or he extends his trot.
He is always a perfect ride, gentle, considerate, patient and responsive.
A schoolmaster. And a horse we use to climb on over and through his legs,
pull his tail and slide off his bum.
I have been offered big money for Gunston, I could
have sold him so many times; but he is not for sale at any price. |
Gunston loves going on safari and has obviously
knows Zebras, as soon as he sees them he calls out neighing as he would
to an old friend.
Always a safe easy ride who does exactly what
you require on the multi day trail rides.
Gunston carried Carl, a totally blind rider,
on a 5-day trail, through rivers, over rocks, into the sea and even
raced, but what amazed me was when Gunston took Carl’s arm in his teeth
and took Carl to the gate. Gunston knew Carl was blind!
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Hey Dude!
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Friesian X Boerperd
Born: 5/11/2005
15. 2 hh^
Black with white stockings
Sire: Poseidon Reg. Friesian Stallion
Dam: Modern Girl
Intermediate-experienced rider
Owner: Mkulu Kei equestrian holidays
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A striking horse with huge potential as a good
reliable trail horse for a selection of different riders. Hey Dude started his working career and was
an unexpected surprise on his first ride. Unlike most of our horses
he had never gone on a ride to the beach or even on a horse ride with
his mother so everything was new.
We put the saddle on and went for a ride
expecting at least a buck or two. Nothing. He took everything in his
stride including swimming in the sea as if he had been ridden for
years. |
On his second ride he was a bit stubborn and
wanted to turn back the stables, after a huge hard kick from his
rider he fell into line and behaved.
Having started his first few weeks as a
stallion in the working team he has now been gelded and is showing us
the same potential his older half brother Caesar has. He too will
probably mature later, although he works well he shows us an
immaturity in personality and still plays like a foal in the field.
We worked at his pace and are now reaping the
rewards of a bit of patience, a horse that can be ridden by a wide
selection of riding clients. Although he still does not work to his
full potential. If he was human he would be the tanned life guard, a
good looking hunk chatting up the bikini girls on the beach with his
surf board under his arm.
Hey Dude is completely in love with Nibbles.
Although he can easily be separated from her on a ride he is never
more than a few steps away from her in the field.
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Jiminy Cricket
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Friesian X Miniature horse
Born: 25/11/2006
12.00 hh^
Black
Sire: Poseidon Reg. Friesian Stallion
Dam: Starlight
Experienced or lead rein
Owner: Daniela
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Cute as a button and pretty as a picture,
pitch black with one half blue eye. A miniature Friesian, with a long
flowing main and tail on the ground.
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Mommy is 90cm miniature horse, daddy 17.2hh
Reg Friesian. Starlight's 2nd oops! Full brother to Thumbelina and
Stuart Little.
A horse that enjoys people and loves children and even as a
stallion was where ever the kids where (we have since gelded him). He
drove our maid mad when he was around the house; as she hung the
washing on the line Cricket took it down. Cricket insists on being in
the house so if a door is open we have a guest.
A pain to keep in a field as he just walks
through any fence or clears any gate.
This bloodline can jump, from a standstill
over a fence or gate, with ease and no pressure.
Cricket’s future is unknown, although he is
very strong he may be too flightily for most child riders, only time
will tell. He will however be trained in harness with his full
brother and sister who are all identical in looks.
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Maverick
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Friesian X Paint
Born: 1/11/2005
1.5. 3 hh^
Paint, Blue Roan with oil black patches.
Sire: Poseidon Reg. Friesian Stallion
Dam: Cheyenne
Beginner-advanced rider
Owner: Mkulu Kei horse trails
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Maverick; a striking big, unusual coloured, colt.
Granny was a Paint, mommy a Blue Roan and daddy a Friesian. Maverick
is a Blue Roan with black oil markings on his shoulder and down his
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He is the main man, Mister cool dude! What a
pleasure to back! One of the few of our horses that had never seen
the sea until his first ride, his mommy is a rescue case and not
backed. Unlike his herd mates he never had his mother explain the
ride or experience a saddle in play.
Maverick went from baby to having a saddle on
his back for the first time, going on his first ride and walking into
the sea all in one day and never put a foot out of place.
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He was keen to be in the front of the ride
within 10 minutes of having his first rider.
Maverick is a kind worker and keen to go
anywhere with no fuss. Although he is a big boy he moves easily.
Maverick's first 7 months as a working horse was as a stallion and
happy to ride out with mares and was often ridden by one of our
younger talented development children. Even before he was gelded he
was as calm and totally relaxed, his behaviour impeccable and he was
only gelded for logistic reasons. I need to mix mares and the working
horses together in season and don’t want too many stallions in the
herd.
A perfect gentleman, he could well mature into
a similar personality to Gunstone, a nice easy calm worker responding
and adapting to suit his rider. Maverick has really come into himself as a
riding horse and looks good under saddle, if ridden by a experienced
rider he is on the bit , his energy level rises.
A horse I would like to see schooled in the
arena to see how far he could go as a show horse or dressage horse.
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Midnight
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Friesian Boerperd
Born: 1995
15.hh
Black
Sire: Unknown
Dam: Unknown
Novice-Experienced
Owner: Mkulu Kei riding holidays |
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Midnight; a mature horse with oodles of
personality and probably our cleverest horse. |
He was our original guide horse, so he knows
it all got the T shirt. Midnight is a teacher, he does not like a sack
of potatoes on his back, he wants to be ridden. That does not mean you
need to be a good rider or even have ridden before, he just expects
you to interact with him.
Ask him to turn, stop or go and he will but if
you don’t ask and just sit there he will just turn round and walk back
to the stables. Midnight will show you what you need to learn to become
a rider.
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Midnight is not forth coming with affection,
he is shy until he knows you and will follow you with his eyes until
you come and hug him. Only once he has ascertained you are worth the
time will he return the affection.
He is schooled, forward moving, bold, and
swims the sea or rivers with ease A very popular trail choice, he can
be used by novice riders and experienced riders alike. The more you
can ride the more forward moving he becomes and the more he gives
you. Midnight does not like to be boxed in. If we are cantering as a
group 3-4 abreast on trail he kicks out, keep him on the side and
then he is happy.
Midnight has unfortunately aged quickly in the
last year and if tired gets grumpy. He has made an alliance with
Buckle, the only gelding that he allows to groom him, putting
himself at the top of the pecking order. Buckle fights his battles
for him.
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*Nsync
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Arab X Saddler
Born: 7/8/2002
15.2 hh
Bay
Sire: Durakha Raka Reg. Arab Stallion
Dam: Flicka
Intermediate-Experienced riders
Owner: Cheryl
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*Nsync is a good looking forward moving,
gelding with his fathers high tail carriage and huge potential as a
trail lead horse, jumper or dressage mount. Like his mother he can
open any gate especially if the grass is greener on the other side
and gets a bee in his bonnet and goes walk about, he is the lone
ranger and has been known to power trot down the middle of the
highway on a mission all of his own. I watched him being born and
from that day have said this horse has something special. He has been
encouraged to become a talented sports horse.
For *Nsync his training started the day he was
born. The first time he saw the sea, the beach was full of Christmas
holidaymakers, with dogs, umbrellas, balls and kites. |
He was 4 months old and had joined a day ride
with his mom and extended family. He and two of his mates and half
brothers (Royal Revenge and Excalibur) ventured too deep into the sea,
deep into the waves and a current took them out to sea they looked like
they were in big trouble!
Three years later *Nsync saw the sea again,
this time he was being ridden for the first time. He was relaxed and
mature enough to canter in the waves and took the lead back to the
stables. To anyone it looked like he had been ridden for years! |
*Nsync is a very good looking young gelding,
who, when he started his working career, mimicked Grey Mist’s every
move; he wanted to be the lead horse. Now he can be used by a novice
rider with a long rein or alternatively ask him to go on the bit,
which he does with ease, and feel the energy. Extremely important
to us as he can be used by a wide range of clients. A nice ride for
an experienced rider who likes a horse that does not fuss and still
has energy. *Nsync is really matured well and in the last few months
has proved to be one of our main working horses and will adapt to his
riders ability and experience.
A very popular horse for the longer rides, for
the rider who wants a good no nonsense mount. Forward moving with no
drama.
A horse Don rides regularly as the guide
horse, setting the pace of the ride with no saddle or bridle, just a
strap around his neck. Don can ask *Nsync to stand while the other
horses canter off down the beach and canter afterwards at a nice steady
pace.
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Robin Hood (Dennis the Menace)
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Boerperd X Friesian
Born: 25/12/01
15.2hh
Black
Sire: unknown
Dam: Flake.
Novice-Experienced rider.
Owner: Mkulu Kei Horse Trails
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Robin Hood; the ugly foal that will never grow
into his Roman Nose. He was so ugly as a foal we spoilt him, and now
we are paying the price. Pushy on the ground, he walks through you, and
impossible to keep in a stable but great to ride. Like all our horses
his first months were spent around the house with the kids and their
bicycles, footballs, radios, puppies etc.
Robin Hood a riding horse in the prime of his
life a good weight carrying reliable mount who goes very well for
males.
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Robin moves forward with a deceptive
ground-covering stride. We have had to restrain him from inspecting
earth moving equipment, landing helicopters, flying kites and
surfboards in the sea. Robin is the horse with his foot stuck over
the fence or his head stuck in a bucket, he has to inspect everything.
Robin is the horse that the kids have fun with
at the stable. He is Mkulu Kei Horse Trails Slide and Jungle Jim and
is happy to stand unaided with children climbing on and sliding off
his bum or playing follow my leader through his legs.
A weight carrier, a great trail ride. Oodles
of personality - Mr. Personality himself.
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Romeo
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Friesian X Boerperd
Born: 06/11/05
15.2 hh^
Black
Sire: Poseidon Reg. Friesian Stallion
Dam: Rowena
Intermediate-experienced rider
Owner: Daniela
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Romeo; a sweet natured horse that moves forward
and naturally carries his head well, has huge potential. More for
riders who know a bit about riding as we don’t want to confuse him
or break his gentle personality.
Romeo wanted to be backed and came with us on
a number of occasions by just joining the ride without a rider. On
his first official ride he looked like he had been ridden for years,
passing a delivery truck moving crates of beer bottles outside the
hotel like it was something he had done every day.
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A boy who is developing into a great ride,
already on the bit if asked, a confidant horse one could easily be
mistaken as someone’s dressage ride. Maturing very quickly and enjoying
the work he is ridden by experienced or kind riders, as we want his full
potential to develop. One of our more popular rides for those who
know equestrianism and the finer points of riding, but can be used by
a kind intermediate rider. A horse that is maturing into a very reliable
working member of the Mkulu Kei horse trail team.
Although been gelded for sometime now, he, like
his namesake, rather fancies the ladies, and if he is missing from his
field he is to be found happily grazing with the mares.
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Royal Revenge
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Boerperd / Arabian
Born: 27/11/2002
14.3hh
Bay
Sire: Durakha Raka. Reg Arab stallion
Dam: Queen Reg Boerperd
Intermediate-experienced riders
Owner: Mkulu Kei horse riding holidays
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Royal Revenge; a beautiful small bay horse with
long floating strides, a people pleaser and a pleasure to ride for those
who like to feel the power of a horse. An all rounder. Like his
mother he is fast and forward moving and does not like to be left
behind in a canter. He dances like his father. He is a very fast and
competitive, a perfect trail ride for more advanced riders. Loves to
swim deep in the sea but does not like to take the lead in the Morgan
Bay lagoon since he swam into a Jelly fish and was stung. However he is
happy in second place. |
Royal was backed on the side of the busy road,
moving horses from the nature reserve down to the beach stables. The
person leading him got tired of walking and jumped on his back. No
drama, he just took it in his stride. After few days of being ridden for
the first time he was happy to take the lead and a pleasure to work
with in or out the saddle.
Royal does spook so you need a good seat, we
believe he battles to see properly and he has trouble with shadows
and dark patches, he sees them as holes, and moves well clear of
them. If the ground is flat and the light good he never spooks. Royal
would do well as a competitive junior’s horse in the jumping ring
making an awesome ride for a smaller client who can ride.
A very sweet natured horse that loves a
cuddle. Although will never be a big horse he has shot up in the last
few months and bulked up a bit.
A excellent trail pony for a small adult who can
ride.
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Spindrift
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Arab/ Boerperd
Born: 2000
15.1 hh
Palomino
Sire: Robbie
Dam: Rushka
Experienced rider
Owner: Luisa |
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Spindrift is a beautiful Palomino with perfect
conformation more often seen in a show arena than on a horse trail.
Spindy is in the prime of his life and delivers more than just a
trail ride.
He is schooled, hot, forward moving,
competitive, and is very fast, bold, swims the sea or rivers with
ease, his surefootedness is legendary and he will take you safely to
places where you did not think it possible to ride. Spindy is available
on the over night trails only to very experienced riders.
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Our highest revenue earner and a trail horse
that consistently gives 100%, whether he is doing pony rides on the
beach with small children, as the guides horse on a riding holiday or
on an over night trek.
Spindy is the horse that has found all the
alternative paths on trail and the main guide horse. Owned by Luisa, Spindy
assists the guides on trail in choosing the safest and most
comfortable route and he has never made a wrong decision.
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Happier in the front of the group and loves a
challenging race on the beach. Loves the over night trails. On the
beach he travels at speed sideways until you allow him to go, yet he
will walk with a long rein when asked.
If he were a car he would be a Porsche. 0-? In
seconds!
Like his name he is all bubble and froth.
Spindy holds a grudge for ages and likes a kind good experienced
rider who wants to Go. A horse we use for the shorter day rides
as he knows his job and works with us. We can get from A – B
in a big hurry with no fuss and stand if we need to help a client.
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Triton
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Friesian
Born: 12/12/2006
15.2hh
Black
Sire: Prince. Reg. Friesian Stallion
Dam: Maid Marian
Intermediate-Experienced riders
Owner: Mkulu Kei Horse riding Holidays
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Triton; a stocky strong Friesian, who was desperate
to be ridden, he come along, loose, on every ride during December, taking his place
in the line without being asked to.
He walk trotted and cantered on
voice command and was a pleasure to take on an out ride
without a rider. We just had not had the opportunity to
get on his back as we were backing the other babies.
The Roads Department tarred the main road to
Morgan Bay.
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But as they started fencing down one side of
the road the locals stole the old fence on the other side. Before they had
completed the fence the Roads Department ran out of money. We fought,
sending lawyers letters to the relevant departments, it fell on
deaf ears. The result we had no fence to keep the horses off the
road.
Then on the 25th Feb 2010 we received a phone call
that a horse was standing on the road with a very sore leg. |
We do not know what happened to Triton,
whether he was hit by a vehicle, slipped on the new tar road or
received a kick but Triton had a broken shoulder. He was able to lift
his leg, was initially in a lot of pain but it subsided. With time he was
comfortable and happy to canter on three legs keeping up with the herd.
The first vet said put him down the second vet gave us hope and believed
with time he would recover enough to lead a full and happy life and, if
not 100% sound, very close.
We moved him to a small camp and
then into a big field to recover. After a period he started using his
leg correctly adding more and more weight, the shoulder muscles improved
over time.
WELL 9th Jan 2011 we rode him for the first
time. He went so well, trotted on, passed cars, dogs and rode into
the sea. He bucked Luisa off on the first canter after that cantered
with no bucks. On the second ride he looked like he had been ridden
100 times before.
He looks stunning and has no after effects of
the accident and he is very showy, with a high foot action.
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Colts in the system
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Gibson : 10/11/08
Owner: Mkulu Kei Horse Trails |
Stuart Little : 15/11/07
Owner: Daniela |
Jack Sparrow : 09/03/08
Owner: Mkulu Kei Horse Trails |
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Our Breeding and Riding Stallions:
With a description of each stallion as you would
find him on an average day.
The stallions are available to limited clients.
We do not allow the stallions on the overnight
trails in the Transkei. There are a large number of mares out there with
Dourine, a venereal infection controlled by the State, and we will not
take a chance of our stallions contracting the disease.
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Hermes
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Part Arab x Friesian
Born: 14/08/2005
15.2hh
Bay
Sire: Poseidon. Friesian Stallion Reg. 1041 HAS
Dam: Topaz
Experienced only
Owner: Mkulu Kei Horse Trails & Riding Holidays
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Hermes; a loving big gentle stallion with
the biggest kind eyes destined to be a popular riding horses
like his mother Topaz. A horse with huge potential. Hermes was
backed as normal in the height of the holiday season, but due to a
huge influx of screwworm flies that year and with little to no water in
our borehole he was not gelded, but ridden as a stallion.
What a sweet gentle boy, both on the ground
and in the saddle.
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He really became a team member after his first
ride and was ridden by a number of riders in his first season. A valuable
team member. Hermes was such a worker it was important that he was given
a few weeks in the field to grow out and to come back as a mature horse,
both in body and mind. Hermes has come back to work and has taken his job
very seriously. Already on the bit and looking impressive, he could hold
his own in a dressage class. We have decided not to geld him but use
him as a stallion to our Arab mares to increase height and bone.
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He really is such an easy stallion to work
with and is more than happy to be ridden with mares. At four years
old a stallion you can trust.
Ridden by only kind good riders this man
has potential as a dressage horse and Don is now talking about
taking him into dressage and showing classes.
In 2010 he covered his first mares, a job
he took very seriously, and we now wait to see the results.
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Spirit
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Arab
Born : 2001
15.0 hh
Chestnut
Sire: Unknown
Dam: Unknown
Owner: Mkulu Kei Horse Trails
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Spirit; a stunning, arrogant, showy,
flighty, feisty stallion that should be named hydrofoil, he floats. |
 Moves with a typical Arab motion, tail
carriage and flared nostrils. When we purchased him he had not been
handled, the previous owners where scared of him, and as a result
he learnt to storm people. Then he was not the easiest horse to work
with, especially near mares, but probably the most misunderstood. His
ears go back, he bears his teeth however don’t back down to him,
stand your ground and use your body to show him just how big you can
get and you will see a different horse, give him an ear scratch and
he melts.
He does not like men. We put him in the
bachelor herd and he became a new horse, he learnt to socialize. I
then took him to the working horse stables where Buckle turned him on
his back, a very undignified position for a stallion, and Spirit
turned into a puppy. Now halter trained and easy to work with on the
ground even with mares. We will be backing him in the next few weeks,
the extra discipline will do him no harm.
Spirit has stamped his progeny with his beautiful
show quality confirmation and floating action. Spirit loves his progeny
and is a disciplinarian with his babies, they lick and chew when he moves
towards them but if he calls they all run towards him. (Licking and chewing
is a submissive action and a language all horses use to any horse or handler
above them in the pecking order. Unfortunately a large number of horses
have silenced their own language as they are often kept in stables away
from other horses).
Spirit throws more fillies than colts, all move
exceptionally very easily using no energy they cover ground. His first
progeny is coming into work this year and if they are anything like
Captain Morgan we are in for some very nice new riding horses.
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Zeus
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Friesian
Born: 12/12/04
1530 mm 15.1 hh
Black
Sire: Rommel Reg. Friesian Stallion
Dam: Joan of Arc
Intermediate-Experienced
Owner: Mkulu Kei Horse Trails |
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Zeus a big loveable, cuddly, affectionate
stallion, and our first third generation foal. Zeus has no vices and
such a baby face; butter would not melt in this stallion’s mouth, a
Teddy bear.
A stallion that is totally socialized with all
horses of all ages and easy to work with on the ground. Ask him to
come on the bit and he drops with ease showing off his beautiful head
carriage.
Zeus has just starting his life as a big boy!
He is due his first progeny this year.
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Zeus causes a stir on the beach when ridden.
He looks a picture with his long mane and tail being beautifully
ridden by a very talented young development rider, September.
Zeus is a big boy with a kind heart, the first
in the field to walk up to you for a love. Like his dad he too can be
dismounted in the field by sliding off his bum, and can be ridden in
a ride without a bridle.
We do not allow the stallions on the overnight
trails. In the Transkei there are a large number of mares with
Dourine, a venereal infection controlled by the State, and we will not
take the chance of our stallions contracting the disease.
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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.
Ever thought you would like to canter your
horse along a beach, or play in the waves? You could be here on your
coastal safari horse riding vacation.
The sound of the horse's hoofs on the sand
or splash of the water will live with you forever.
Whether you dream of riding 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 ...
 An incredible combination of
cross-country horse riding and the exploration of our beautiful
coastline.
And what better to experience South Africa’s
beautiful coastline than on the back of a horse…You could be here on
your coastal safari horse riding vacation, Mkulu Kei Horse Trails The
best of equestrian holidays.
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
Contact Details:
P.O. Box 25, Haga Haga 5272,
Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Tel/Fax: +27 (0) 43 841 1525 A/H
Fax: 086 523 8259
Cell: +27 (0) 83 632 7298
Skype: cheryl.giacchetti
E-mail:
info@mkulukeihorsetrails.co.za
During the day please contact us
on the cell, we are probably horsing around. Signal can
be irregular, if you cannot get through please leave a message or phone us on the
landline in the evenings. Thanks
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