A Horseback Safari

Abelana Game Reserve

- Sophie Baker

After leaving Jo’burg only five hours earlier, we were now trundling up the trademark dirt roads of the bushveld, from Abelana’s gate to the recently opened luxury tented camp. As we came to a stop and clambered out of the open-top Land Rover, welcome drinks were quickly pressed into our hands. This trip was off to a good start, and it had been precisely 20 seconds.

Almost immediately after this, the jods and sunscreen made an appearance. Why? Because we were eager to get in the saddle, in the way that only horse people can muster when it’s 38°C outside. On arrival at the stables, one of the less experienced riders doubtfully ventured a question towards Troy, the guide who rides at the back (to ensure nobody gets picked off by a leopard).

“That chestnut looks… a bit wired. Are you riding it?” “Someone else is riding her,” he shrugged. As someone who has ridden an unreasonable amount of ‘wired’ chestnut horses, I knew instinctively that ‘someone else’ meant me. This was one of the very rare instances in which I was hoping that I wouldn’t be right. Who was I kidding? I’m always right.

Really, I am. Just ask my husband.

As a confirmed ‘gelding person’, I had doubts. Not only was this a fiery, 15.1hh chestnut mare, she was also a Saddlebred with the very Germanic name of Heidi. Did I mention yet that I’m British, a redhead myself, and a fan of geldings 16.2hh and over?