HORIZON LODGE & HORSEBACK SAFARIS Horseback safari camp in the Waterberg Guesthouse & Rondavels Exciting game-viewing horse rides Plunge pool Horse Outrides Cattle Mustering on Horseback Poolcrosse Cross-Country Horse Jumping Western Games on Horseback

“Adventure, relaxation, excitement and great company seem inadequate words to describe the best holiday we have ever had” Saddle Bag news, UK

Our emphasis at Horizon is on horses & horsemanship and we offer the widest variety of riding options you are likely to find anywhere in the world. We cater for all riding abilities and offer the ideal destination for those who truly love horses.

Horizon is situated in the Waterberg mountains of northern South Africa. The Waterberg is renowned for its diversity of plant and bird life and has recently been declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Horizon is based on one of the oldest family farms in the mountains, Triple “B” Ranch. Set in this area of outstanding natural beauty, the ranch continues to operate as a working cattle, game and crop property and offers over 20 000 acres of perfect setting for a magnificent variety of riding.

ACCOMMODATION:
The Horizon Lodge overlooks a beautiful lake. The large colonial verandah is the perfect spot to take in the beauty of South Africa, while listening to hippo and jackal calls. With no TV in three double rooms in the main house (two en-suite, and one with a separate private bathroom) and three luxury, en-suite thatched rondavels, each set slightly away from the main house, offering a private and homely place to relax after a long day in the saddle. A plunge pool enables guests to cool off after a hot summer’s day, whilst the soft and mineral packed water of the lake is a wonderful bonus for swimmers.

Food is Horizon’s second love. Before an early morning ride, guests are offered a light breakfast. After working up an appetite on your ride, lunch is enjoyed under the giant Syringa tree in the garden, followed by afternoon tea & cake at about 3 pm. Dinner is a sociable and sumptuous affair, during which the day’s adventures, or misadventures, are recounted with great delight. Our carefully planned three-course menus are accompanied by a selection of fine South African wines. Fresh vegetables and home-grown herbs are used in all recipes with the homemade breads and cakes freshly baked on a daily basis.

“The genuine hospitality of the people took my breath away” the Travel Show BBC

ATMOSPHERE:
The bush the world over is made up of a small community of characters. At Horizon we try to introduce our guests to the Waterberg area and the people that live here. We like to offer a highly professional product in an informal way, resulting in a lot of our guests becoming lasting friends. Horizon will welcome you into it’s life and share with you the beauty and community of the Waterberg. Guests travelling alone will find that the welcoming atmosphere ensures that their holiday will be spent in the company of new friends.

THE HORSES:
At Horizon we take pride in the care and quality of our horses. Our herd comprises of Anglo-Arabs, Thoroughbreds, Boerperds and crossbreeds ranging in size from 14.1 - 16.3 hands. All of our horses are honest forward going and highly responsive. Many have been reared, broken and schooled at Horizon by our highly skilled horseman, Shane Dowinton. Shane has been using “round-pen-reasoning” techniques on young and problem horses for over 15 years.

With over 40 mounts to choose from, for a maximum of 10 guests, we are able to closely match horse to rider capability. Experienced riders will have a stimulating ride on an intelligent horse, while the novice rider will able to build confidence as they are informally coached by both guide and mount. We use mainly customised McClellan saddles, which give a comfortable and secure western type ride. English and Australian saddles are also available.

FLEXIBILITY:
In order to meet individual preferences, Horizon doesn’t run to a set itinerary. We offer guidelines as to what we think you will enjoy each day, but the daily activities are organised to meet each client’s specific requirements. Rides are organised into small groups so that experienced riders can enjoy stimulating and fast rides, whilst novice riders are brought on a pace comfortable to them. Individual requests for private rides, flatwork coaching, cross country lessons or round pen demonstrating, can also be easily accommodated. A number of non-riding activities are always on offer for those feeling saddle weary..

THE RIDING OPTIONS:

Outrides:
The Ranch is superb riding country. The going is easy, the horses run unshod on perfect sandy soil, and though the bushveld is thick in places, most of the countryside is open and flat and perfect for extended canters. Rocky koppies provide an ideal vantage point from which to appreciate the vastness of the Waterberg plateau. Swimming the horses in one of the many dams is an excellent way to cool down after a long morning ride. Leisurely viewing of the resident hippo family, either sunbathing in the winter sun or wallowing in the dam, has proved to be a popular interlude during a ride.

Cattle Mustering:
The 1200 strong cattle herd on the Ranch are stud Bonsmaras, a hardy African breed suited to the region’s harsh conditions. Guests can join in the daily routine of herding and yard work, check calving cows or drive a herd between widely spread pastures. The Bonsmara is a non-aggressive breed and the ideal animal with which to experience the challenge and excitement of mustering cattle. Herding cattle also stimulates one to work closely with the horse and gives a rewarding purpose to a morning ride.

Polocrosse:
An amalgam of polo and lacrosse, polocrosse is easy to learn and one of the most exhilarating sports on horseback. To guests who have never played before we introduce the game slowly, running through the basic rules and showing the tricks of the trade when it comes to stick work. Then it is - “in at the deep end” - with a full game. One chukka is usually all it takes to bring out the competitive spirit.

Cross-country Jumping:
For experienced riders, our challenging cross-country course ranges from welcome level log piles to over 30 taxing open jumps. Triple “B” Ranch hosts an annual international 3-phase event affiliated to the Transvaal Horse Society. The course was designed by South Africa’s top course builder, Johnny Perreira.

Western Games:
Those interested in yet another challenge can join in the fun of western games. Barrel racing and pole bending are fun ways of schooling yourself in the art of light commands and quick responses.

RIDING WITH GAME:

Triple B Game Viewing:
Those staying @ the Horizon Lodge can enjoy leisurely rides within the Triple B Ranch private reserve throughout their visit. The reserve borders the Horizon homestead and offers the opportunity of riding with plains game such as giraffe, zebra, kudu, impala, hartebeest, and bushbuck and many of the smaller mammals such as duiker, steenbok and black-backed jackal, baboons, vervet monkey and warthog. As the Melk River forms the eastern boundary of the reserve, regular sightings of hippos are also possible.

Born Wild 2 day safari:
For those wanting a more concentrated game viewing experience, we offer the Born Wild Two-Day Safari. The Born Wild reserve is a 4 hour ride from Triple B Ranch. This reserve boasts many species of game, including white rhino, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, ostrich and a host of antelope. Brown hyena, porcupine, anteaters and caracal are also occasionally seen. On these trips meals are served from the campfire and accommodation is in thatch huts sleeping up to three people, each with en-suite facilities. The Born Wild trip would automatically be incorporated into all eight-day bookings at Horizon.

Other Activities:
When out of the saddle, why not take the opportunity to enjoy a guided bush walk or a tour of Triple B, with the owner and great character, Charles Baber. We also encourage guests to meet the locals from the nearby village and to visit their children at th farm creche and school. The children love to see foreign faces and they may even sing for you! Alternatively spend the afternoon playing tennis or relaxing in the sun by the plunge pool with a good book. A trip into the local town of Vaalwater is always on offer for shopping and an insight into bushveld retail therapy!

You may also wish to enjoy a game drive and visit the Lapalala Wilderness. This privately owned game reserve is home to one of the largest population of black rhino in South Africa and you can experience the thrill of hand feeding the orphan black and white rhino. Alternatively a half-day excursion to Entabeni, a private reserve with the added possibility of seeing lions and elephants, may make a pleasant interlude.

Your hosts:
Horizon is run by Shane and Laura Dowinton, both originally from the U.K. They met whilst working in Australia. They are now confirmed Africa lovers, having settled in the Waterberg in 1993. Shane and Laura’s love of, patience and knowledge of horses, shows in every one of their much loved herd.

Shane’s experience with horses ranges from show jumping yards in Guernsey, horseracing in Lambourne, to driving Clydesdaly show teams in Sydney. However the bulk of Shane’s experience, and his passion, is working stock horses. Travelling through the northern tip of Australia and the southern Alps of new Zealand Shane spent many years working livestock on horseback, breaking in colts and retraining problem horses. Now in Africa, Shane currently runs over 50 horses and has specialised in bringing youngsters through suing gentle horsemanship methods.

Having spent most of his life in bush areas Shane’s enthusiasm for the wilderness is as heartfelt as his horsemanship. Those with an enquiring mind will enjoy absorbing his abundant knowledge.

Laura with her gregarious nature brings to Horizon warmth, humour, and a love for good food, wine and embellished stories! Having worked in the corporate field for many years, she now uses her organisational skills and perceptive nature to accommodate clients’ holiday wishes. She takes great pride in planning the daily activities and culinary delights. Her favourite pastime is escaping the office to explore the ranch and Waterberg with Horizon’s guests.

The characters found at Horizon are chosen for their love of life, horses and people. Shane & Laura, aided by their enthusiastic & friendly team, have, over the years created the warmest, welcoming and relaxed riding destination.

HORIZON LODGE - EXAMPLE ITINERARY FOR 10 NIGHT STAY:

Day one:
Guests will be met at Johannesburg International Airport and transferred to Horizon (approximately 2.5 hours) in time for lunch. That afternoon guests will enjoy an introductory ride in the game reserve with sundowners served at one of our hippo dams. Dinner is a 3 course evening meal at the lodge.

Day two:
A morning of mustering cattle. Triple “B” Ranch is one of South Africa’s top stud Bonsmara farms with more than 1500 head of cattle, which need to move regularly to new pastures. Guests have the opportunity to participate in this fun and exciting activity. This can be followed by a cooling swim with the horses. Following lunch relax in the heat of the day by th pool or take a siesta. Afternoon tea is followed by an exhilarating fast ride, utilizing some of the farms' many kilometres of clear sandy tracks.

Day three:
An introduction to Polocrosse - starting with the basics we will soon have guests addicted to this invigorating sport. After lunch guests are welcome to tag along on one of our bi-weekly shopping trips into the local town of Vaalwater, for some retail therapy bush style! After afternoon tea guests may choose to enjoy another outride or utilize the skills of our dressage expert and strengthen their seat with a flatwork lesson.

Day four:
After breakfast we embark on a 2-day wilderness safari. Here guest’s ride in search of a wide variety of game. Arriving at the tranquil stone and thatched bush camp within the reserve, in time for lunch, followed by a siesta by the pool and afternoon tea. Ride out in the afternoon for sundowners at a breathtaking lookout spot, possibly encountering White rhino, hartebeest or zebra along the way.

Day five:
Light breakfast and then off to explore the reserve and it’s wildlife, resting at the river mid-morning for a refreshing swim and surprise bush breakfast. After an early afternoon tea, we ride back to Horizon ranch in time for supper.

Day six:
After many hours in the saddle on the Wilderness trail, guests may opt to take a break and enjoy an outing and game drive at a local reserve - in the hope of close encounters with lion, elephant or buffalo. They may even opt for a helicopter flip over this spectacular reserve, for an aerial view of Africa! Return to Horizon for lunch. Guests relax with afternoon tea before trying their hands at Western Games - barrel racing, pole bending, etc. etc.

Day seven:
Even more excitement follows today - with the aid of a map and a secretive guide, guests spend the morning deciphering clues laid out around the farm, in search of a sumptuous bush breakfast during one of our horseback treasure hunts. After the ride those wanting exercise of a different kind may enjoy a bush walk with the dogs in search of hippo. After another indulgent afternoon tea enjoy an outride or try their skills over the challenging cross-country fences.

Day eight:
For yet another challenge guests can try their hand at cattle cutting. After bringing a herd in from pasture guests will take it in turns to move one cow away from the group, an activity that puts you and your horse against the herd instinct of the cattle. Return to the lodge for lunch and a siesta or a chance to tour the ranch with the owner and great character Charles Baber. Followed by an afternoon ride in the Triple B game area tracking Giraffe or zebra, learning the signs of the wild and medicinal values of the native bushes and trees. Alternatively those addicted can try another session of polocrosse.

Day nine:
Take in some of the culture of Africa by riding to the farm’s main homestead stopping on route for tea and a tour of the 100 year old house and the farm creche for some delightful entertainment! On returning from the morning ride watch and participate as Shane gives a brief demonstration of round-pen reasoning techniques, used by many natural horsemen. Lunch is served in the garden under the shady Syringa tree. Afternoon tea & cake is followed by a relaxing and fun outride on the ranch.

Day ten:
More game viewing on the ranch, or those wanting a closer experience can head off to Lapalala Wilderness for a game drive and a visit to the orphan black rhino, where hand feeding rhino is an unforgettable experience. Return to Horizon for lunch. Following afternoon tea it’s off to the polocrosse pitch for some guests, whilst others ride with and learn about the life of our local world-renowned rhino expert.

Day eleven:
Finish off your holiday with a last ride of your choice - Depart after a homely lunch in the garden.

Please note these options are available and the itinerary above is an indication of what one can expect during a week at Horizon, however as we are completely flexible, guests can decide on a daily basis what activities they would like to partake in.

GENERAL INFORMATION:
Horizon is an easy two and a half hour drive north of Johannesburg International Airport. You may choose to make your own way to us by hire car, or we can arrange for a private transfer.

To enter South Africa, you must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months after your return date. The Waterberg is classified as a malaria free area, but please check with your doctor or travel bureau for the latest advice.

The hottest season is summer, from November to March. The rainy season extends from late November to January, with short showers in the late afternoon, and an occasional evening thunderstorm. The winter months of June, July and August are warm and dry, but evenings are chilly so it is advisable to bring warm clothing.

Horizon has been in operation since 1993. We take a maximum of 10 guests with a minimum age of 12 years. All rides are accompanied by at least two guides. Some hard hats are supplied and while not obligatory for normal riding activities they are required for polocrosse and cross country jumping. Tariffs include accommodation, meals, snacks, all drinks and laundry. Gratuities for the staff and airport transfers are not included.