SOUTH AFRICA OUTDOORS

Wishing for fun and a real sense of freedom? Wanting to be out of reach (and cell phone range) now and again? Wondering how on earth to abandon stress and give your spirit some breathing space?

Find them, riding the Ventersberg Stables horse trails. 

The thing about riding on horseback through some of the most breathtaking farmland in the Eastern Free State – mielie fields, deep blue sky, staggered sandstone outcrops as far as the eye can see – is that you will encounter many rickety old gates.

The nice thing about these gates is that they are not operated by remotes.

The especially nice thing about encountering such quirky gates while riding a trail with the guides from Ventersberg Stables is that they know and understand these gates very well; all you need to do is stay put atop your steed and enjoy the experience.

You can follow a river that winds like a glittering necklace through a shady, silent sloot; bolt across mountaintops, “hair blowing in the wind” (if you choose), or weave your way at a more temperate pace through scenery that literally leaves you breathless.

You can swim in a mountain pool in the Didibeng Mountain Park; fall asleep in the midday sun; watch it setting behind the mountain skyline; braai on a campfire beneath the stars; laze around and drink wine, and remember stories you’d forgotten you’d lived.

You’ll fall asleep in pitch-black, dead silence, dreaming of days you’d only ever dreamed of, before. 

The Ventersberg Stables horses are well groomed and disciplined – not so familiar with the routes that they merely plod along, but sufficiently sure-footed and gentle in temperament to allow even first-time riders to feel comfortable. In the scheme of “how to have a relaxing breakaway”, rejuvenate the body, mind and soul, and rediscover simple happiness, this is definitely the way to go. 

Ventersberg Stables offers:

• A variety of Circular Routes (1 to 3 hours), including Sundowner and Moonlight rides: from R75 per person per hour, including refreshments.

• Day Ride (+- 5 hours), which takes you to the top of Ventersberg (2 269m above sea level), with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Malutis and other mountains, from R360 per person, including refreshments and lunch.

• Overnight Trail from R660 per person, including refreshments, lunch, evening braai, brunch and tented accommodation.

• 3-Day Circular Trail from R1 500 per person, including comfortable chalet accommodation, meals and refreshments (cash bar available on support vehicle).

Novice riders are welcome on all rides!

Discounts can be given for groups of 7 or more on the Overnight Trails, which can also accommodate non-riders.