Day 8: Horseback safari

 Well, the hippos didn’t show at the dam, so no hippo work this morning. Instead, we enjoyed a slightly later start, completed a quest for a functioning ATM for some of the girls to get cash, then headed for our horseback riding excursion. 

We split into 2 groups, a beginner walking group, who took a 1.5 hour ride around part of the reserve, and an experienced group, who was scheduled for a 2.5 hour ride and got nearly 3.5 hours! The horses were lovely and in great shape, and the venue’s owner was very welcoming. Helmets fitted, horses assigned, and the beginner group was off!

After that group returned, Ivy and I got our horse assignments and set off. We rode out of the reserve we were on, down the dirt road and into another reserve where they have riding permission. The walk and a short trot gave us time to get to know our horses, as well as to enjoy the gorgeous day in the African bush! 

We saw warthogs, many species of antelope, zebra, and a group of giraffe that included an older male, several females and 3 very small babies! The giraffes seem I disturbed by our presence on horseback, turning to look calmly and curiously at us, as we try to be calm as we look curiously at them! We were careful to to approach too closely, protective mothers being what they are!

We rode down to a dry riverbed that was deep coarse sand, scouted it both directions (aggressive Buffalo bulls are known to frequent the area), then had a breathtaking gallop along the sand! My horse, half Arabian and half Thoroughbred, was very forward-moving at the walk, and did not like too much contact on the reins. When I asked him to canter, he immediately complied, then asked if we could please go faster. I allowed a hand gallop, then decided to go all in and let him run full out. He was so fast and strong, it felt like riding a train engine! At one point, I was aware that I was shifting my weight from side to side, and accidentally causing him to do flying lead changes at a full gallop! I got myself under control and stayed in the middle of the horse, flying along. Exhilarating and just a little frightening! When we reached the agreed-upon spot, though, he obediently slowed and waited for the others. We all had such great fun that we decided on a repeat. Back to the starting point, horses jigging and jogging with eagerness to have their heads. Again a power flight down the riverbed—this time, I was following another horse, and the coarse sand was pinging off my glasses all the way (guess that’s why jockeys wear goggles!). Apparently, I ride with my mouth open as well, because I was spitting fine gravel for about a half hour afterwards!

I will post video that our ride leader took of us galloping; she took video, then stowed her phone in her shirt to slow her horse. Apparently she hadn’t stopped recording, so the video needs a bit of editing before it will be rated G.

After a grocery stop on the way back to our base lodge, we came back to a delicious supper: Oxtail, rice, mashed green beans, pumpkin fritters, and salad. I forgot to take a photo until I was 3/4 if the way finished eating, so you will have to imagine how great it looked!

4:30 departure for Kruger park tomorrow morning, so early to bed!