Horseback riding

We decided to go horseback riding today. Michael found a riding stable about 40 minutes outside of Clarens that gives horseback tours. The stable is called Shuma, which is Losothi for Lion. They had several dogs on the property that were great fun. Sarah was in heaven.

We were the only tourists on the ride today. David was assigned Cassidy. Sarah as assigned Isabel.

We were joined by six other riders. These riders were part of a class that was learning how to ride and care for horses.

The instructor/leader of the group was excellent. She was so knowledgable about horses and the area. She even knew about Glen Afric! Horray!

We saw some awesome scenery along the ride. Quite breathtaking.

We stopped for lunch along the border of South Africa and Losotho and David walked into Losotho and technically entered the country illegally.

We talked with the owners of the riding stable during lunch. Di and Leo had had the riding stable for 12 years. Di is from England while her husband is from South Africa. They teach horseback riding, stable management, and a whole plethora of horse related topics. The class takes about 9 months to complete. After the course, the students graduate with a certificate that allows them to work internationally with horses. It's a very popular and successful course.

When we were returning to the stables at the end of our ride, the horses became very antsy. They had spotted the other horses grazing in a near by field. They became so unruly and wanting to join their herd in the pasture, that Cassidy (David's horse) turned and began trotting to the pasture, with David on board, leaving the others behind. Fortunately one of the students was able to get Cassidy under control.

 

Other horses from the pasture came up to greet the group returning to the stable. One was the foal of Sarah's horse, Isable. The foal was named Charley. Charley was still nursing and was hungry.

Once the horses we relieved of their saddle and halter, they could not wait to return to the herd. Off they go!

 

We were so saddle sore at the end of the day. Back to the B & B for some reading, siesta and a hot soaking bath! Later we walked into town to meet at Clementines for one last scrumptious meal. Sarah even held the house cat while she ate her dinner. David and Sarah shared a traditional SA dessert...sago pudding...a baked tapioca with coconut topping served with a vanilla sauce...yum!

Plenty of rest for the drive back to Pretoria on Sunday. We get the rental car on Monday.

 

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