HORIZON HORSEBACK The Collection
Horses are our first love and passion
H orses are the very heart of our business. For nearly 20 years, our philosophy has entailed managing our horses as a free roaming herd within large tracts of natural pasture, rather than in stables or paddocks. Our horses are at ease with each other and within their environment, which generates calm and contented natures. As a result, we can offer our guests responsive, subtle and honest rides. H orizon Horseback was established in 1993 and is based within the malaria free Waterberg Biosphere Reserve in northern South Africa. This is an unspoilt part of the country with varied topography, from bushveld savannah to rocky outcrops and mountains. Over the years we have developed a collection of horse riding safaris which offer not only close encounters with game but also a diverse range of other rewarding riding experiences: polocrosse, western games, jumping, cattle mustering and swimming with your horse. S afaris in Africa are an intimate experience; there is simply no better way of taking in the African bush, than by horseback. Becoming part of a herd of zebra or giraffe as they canter across the plains, or quietly approaching a grazing rhinoceros is a truly amazing feeling. Africa is a very special place, but Africa on horseback is truly magical.
The Collection HORIZON HORSEBACK runs safaris from the Signature Safari lodge and the Classic Camp Davidson. SIGNATURE SAFARI The original Horizon Horseback riding holiday. Diverse activities from outrides to game viewing and polocrosse. With a large herd of horses, we have the flexibility for novice and experienced riders. FAMILY SAFARI Tailor-made for families. Enjoy the exhilaration of riding in the African bush as a family. Safe environment due to the absence of dangerous game. Varied riding activities to keep all the family occupied. CLASSIC SAFARI The Classic Safari at Camp Davidson combines fabulous riding with rewarding game viewing while experiencing the adventure of sleeping under canvas as the original pioneers did - except now in the lap of luxury. AFRICAN EXPLORER The African Explorer is a seven night safari, combining four days of the Horizon Classic safari with Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris in Botswana for a Big Five game viewing experience.
Signature Safari
The Signature Safari is the original Horizon Horseback riding holiday, which is based on the historic family estate. We run a herd of over 60 free roaming horses and can cater for all levels of riders from experienced to complete novice. The lodge is beautifully set alongside a large lake within the estate s dedicated game reserve. This is the perfect holiday for those riders wishing to experience the pleasure of riding with African wildlife in the absence of dangerous game. Wildlife to be seen on the reserve include hippo, giraffe, zebra, antelope, leopard, caracal, brown hyena, jackal, crocodile and aardvark. There are also over 300 bird species on the reserve. This riding holiday is fully flexible and offers the opportunity for many other activities in addition to game viewing, in particular great outrides over excellent riding country and also polocrosse, cattle mustering, jumping, western games and swimming with your horse. Non-riding activities on the reserve are fishing and guided bush walks. Excursions include a big five game drive, elephant-back rides and a cultural tour and hike. The distinguishing feature of this safari is its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Horizon boasts an irreverent zest for life that is truly infectious and will leave you wanting more.
Signature Safari cont. The Signature Safari offers superb flexibility and variability for all levels of rider. Every aspect of riding prowess is tested whilst having lots of fun at Western games, our own bush Le Trec challenge, cross country jumping, cattle mustering or racing the mealies! The love of horses comes out strongly. Complete novices can try all these events, as we coach and train everyone in the various skills, whilst experienced riders will enjoy new and satisfying challenges on responsive and forward going mounts.
Family Safari
The Family Safari, based at the Signature Safari lodge, is the perfect holiday to experience Africa and relax together as a family. This safari is accessible to all levels of rider due to the absence of lion, buffalo and elephant on this reserve. Here, the plains game is incredibly calm, making for very close and exciting encounters during outrides. In order to keep the children and teenagers busy, we run lots of other fun riding activities such as polocrosse, Western games, jumping and cross country, cattle mustering and swimming with your horse. Also, we endeavour to tailor other acivities, such as treasure hunts and bush camps, in order to give the whole family complete variety during their holiday. For those who would like a break from horse riding, big five game drives, bush walks and fishing trips can also be arranged. The dams on the reserve are stocked with Bass, so if you are lucky you can even catch supper! There is a swimming pool at the lodge for everyone to cool off and enjoy in between rides. We have a luxury suite with adjoining verandah close to the lodge specifically for families.
Classic Safari Camp Davidson is set in a private game reserve which forms part of this historic family exstate. This is the perfect holiday for those riders wishing to experience the pleasure of riding with African wildlife in the absence of dangerous game. Wildlife to be seen on the reserve include hippo, giraffe, zebra, antelope, leopard, caracal, brown hyena, jackal, crocodile and aardvark. There are also over 300 bird species on the reserve.
Camp Davidson has recently been built high in the bushveld above the Matlapeng valley. It offers the opportunity to explore from a base camp nestled in the heart of the wooded mountains of the Waterberg. The camp commands a wonderful panoramic view of the central highlands of the Waterberg massif, while overlooking the picturesque Sunset Lake at the eastern boundary of Triple B Ranch. In the late 19th century, Ted Davidson, one of the first members of the Baber family (owners of Triple B Ranch) to settle in the Waterberg, was a young man trading by ox wagon to remote cattle outposts of a young ranching area. A good days travelling may have been only five miles or so by rugged track, and so an itinerant life in the Waterberg meant a life by the campfire. Horizon has captured that early camp atmosphere in Camp Davidson, with beautiful decked canvas tents nestled amongst the sandstone ridges overlooking grassy game filled valleys. Each tent is appointed as it would have been in Ted s day with classic items that would have been essential to the traveller accustomed to regular nights in the bush.
The African Explorer Safari is amazing value: riding in two countries over eight days, seeing plains game species, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog. Both Horizon Horseback and Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris put their horses first and as a result there is a wonderful riding experience in Africa. It combines four nights at Horizon Horseback s Camp Davidson with three nights at Limpopo Horse Safaris in Botswana s Tuli Block. African
Explorer This combination provides an exceptionally rich and rewarding experience, not only of the African bush and it s magnificent wildlife but also cultural history of the Waterberg. The topography at each destination is different and district and will give you a true flavour of Africa. Each area has its own unique and fascination niche species, resulting in a broad diversity of animals to be seen. This safari is only for experiences riders and offers a wonderful combination of game viewing on horseback with a mix of African culture.
HORIZON HORSEBACK Please note: Hard hats are mandatory at Horizon Horseback