Our Horses
Allow me to introduce you to our four legged family members. There are 14 of them living with us here at Black Horse Trails and over our busy times we borrow another one. We are constantly working towards rescuing and rehabilitating these beauties. We are aware that our prices are slightly above other trail riding places, but our working horses work to feed those that have arrived here in dire need of love and care. By paying that extra R50 – R100 (in comparison to other trail businesses), you help us to help these abused/neglected/sick horses. (You are welcome to contact me anytime for an update of the horse you rode, or the one that left a major impression on you!). You will be paired with one of them depending on your and the horses riding experience.
Have a look through their pictures and descriptions and if you see one that you would like to ride, feel free to let us know when you book!
For our beginner riders (and heavier clients)
Angel
Arab x boerperd
20 years old
Carries weight up to 70kg
Angel can make beginners feel safe and allows experienced riders some fun. She is sensitive, responsive and a very comfortable ride. She has no vices, but really issues with her personal space, so try to keep other horses off her backside.
Arthur
(Stunted) Percharon
7 years old
Carries up to 100kg
Arthur is our weight carrier. He is build strong and therefore not the fasted. He is super reliable and will make our beginners feel safe. Unfortunately our heavier, experienced riders will have to ride him, too (and then show you that he tries to canter up the hills like our arabs do, but isn’t the greatest at it)
A sweetheart of note and has come such a long way, a rescue, with us since 2018.
Haakim
Arab
16 years old
Carries up to 75kg
Haakim is one of a kind, we call him our F1 Snail! He will look after our youngest riders, but put an experienced rider onto him, and he will give you a good run for your money. (Battles with reoccurring tickbite fever, so is sometimes out off action). We love him to bits and pieces!
Whispers
(Angel’s daughter) x Friesian
7 years old
Carries up to 85kg
Wonderful sweatheart, super well behaved. Neo sometimes calls her Blondie (to no fault of her own. She was bitten on the face by a snake and it seemed to have affected her brain a bit) She is so used to be prodding along as a beginners horse, that as an experienced rider, you will have to push her a bit. However, we use her for our longer rides, too. Not as “fit” as our lead arabs due to her being heavier and a frisian cross, but can be ridden by all.
For the Intermediate to Experienced Rider
(Al Diya aka Handsome) Ransom,
Arab
9 years old
As any well build arab, he can carry loads of weight, but as a trail horse we restrict him to 75kg
This stunning boy is probably our bravest boy. At the moment everything is still an adventure to him. Brilliant for the long distance rides. Reliable, yet an arab. Bored on the beginner trails, a clown at the best of times, a character that will make you laugh constantly. He just wants to have fun.
Franky,levelheaded horse, for the indermediate to experienced
Nooitgedacht cross
7 years old
Carries up to 60kg
After Franky was backed, I was his only rider for over a year, he knew exactly what I was thinking and became my favorite riding horse! From the first client we put on him, he started to figure out what he can get away with. Doesn’t spook, nor buck, but if you are not energetic, he will prod along and eat, rather then show you what he is worth. Laid back, but super comfy and awesome on the long rides.
We rescued him when he was 1.5 years old.
Strawberry Shortcake aka Berry
Appaloosa
9 years old
Carries up to 75kg
Berry is a “tricky” character. She just can’t “read” most of her riders energy and therefore can go 2 ways. She can either behave as if she is an arab, be forward going, energetic and even throw a little buck in a canter, or she can have the skin of an elephant and not react to you at all. However, if you give her a chance, especially on the long rides, you will fall in love with her! (I know I make her sound super bad, which she isn’t. She is a fantastic horse, super comfortabe, but not happy as a trail horse and on our SALES list.)
Mostly just guide horses
Sherlock
Arab
14 years old
Carries up to 75kg
Sherlock is very opinionated and doesn’t like young riders and will put you to the test. A highly intelligent boy with a loving nature. Only suited for experienced, yet gentle riders. Mostly ridden by my son and guide, Neo. Sherlock is a rescue, too.
Skrumples
Arab
9 years old
Carries up to 75kg
Mmmh, so this boy has a story to tell…. he came to us as livery and project horse just before lockdown – and boy, did he change! From not being able to be caught in the field, to not trusting, he is now our loan cowboys Paul’s riding horse. It took Skrumples a while to calm down, but by now makes an awesome back up horse. He even had a few clients on!
Nazeer
Arab
9 years old
Carries up to 75kg
Ok, so this boy originally was meant to be a clients horse, but I fell much too much in love with him (and I do deserve my very own riding horse). Sensitive soul, in nature and as a ride, brave but silly and often explosive and the biggest bounce I ever rode! Definitely makes me a better rider!
Kiara
Arab
16 years old
Carries up to 70kg
Kiara is an odd mare (her breeders called her the witch). Highly intelligent, but hormonal and moody. Used to be my lead mare, but I got here and there stuck with her on a trail, as she just didn’t feel like it. Now she is mostly standing, being a horse, or used for my private rides.
(This next bunch are still youngsters, so not used for riding at all yet)
Quinn
Saddler x arab
4.5 years old about to be backed.
By the way, his mom was one of my favourite horses, a total beauty and his das is hell-of-a-boy.
Proud dad of is Arthur
Pale Ale
born 02.09.1918 (mom Lucy a Frisian x Saddler
Namaste
born 16.10.1918 (mom Kiara)
PHOTO UPDATES COMING SOON