Nicky Hoseck

5 Reasons Experienced Riders
Choose the Wild Coast

The Wild Coast is a fantastic place to ride, no matter your experience level or ability in the saddle. Newer riders may find comfort in the absence of dangerous wildlife. In contrast, intermediate riders with a few lodge-based riding holidays under their belts welcome the additional challenge of an overnight trail, where you pack up and move on each day.

But for experienced riders and those who dedicate every holiday to a new horseback adventure, the appeal of the Wild Coast runs even deeper. Every trail is unique, and every rider’s experience is their own—but certain standout elements keep seasoned adventurers coming back for more.

#1 The Pace

The Wild Coast is somewhere you can really ride. You’re not picking your way along narrow mountain tracks in single file, nor need you worry about dodging elephants or running into an unsuspecting pride of lions. That’s not to say that we tear about the Wild Coast like migrating wildebeest, but that we have the type of terrain that lends itself to varied paces.

There are open stretches of grasslands crying out for a steady canter, twisting sandy paths ideal for flying changes, and, of course, our signature beaches with their hard sand and wide open spaces.

Few horseback safaris can offer the variety of pace that we enjoy on the Wild Coast. We have long canters, winding canters, uphill canters, fast canters, and even canters along remote airstrips. And that’s not all. We also have some great hills to trot up, clifftop paths to meander along, and shady forest tracks where a walk feels just right.

It’s this constant shift in tempo and terrain that keeps things interesting—and keeps experienced riders fully engaged in the ride. The pace isn’t dictated by mealtimes or rigid itineraries, but by the rhythm of the ocean and the feel of the horse beneath you.

#2 The Horses

The last thing an experienced rider wants is a trail horse that’s numb to instructions and stuck in a world where the only thing that exists is the tail in front. Our horses enjoy varied lives, keeping the type of monotony that causes that shutdown at arm’s length. These aren’t riding school ponies—they’re endurance-fit trail horses with fire, stamina, and personality.

They won’t take off with you down the beach, but they will give you enough of a challenge to know you spent the day in the saddle. They’ve got just enough spark, just enough edge to keep things interesting and give experienced riders a real ride—without compromising on safety.

Of course, we have different horses for different courses, and those suited to confident, capable riders aren’t the same characters we pair with newer riders who might need a little more looking after.

#3 The Technical Terrain

While the Wild Coast doesn’t have the towering inclines that make the Tevis Cup so famous, it has its own fair share of rocky outcrops, narrow clifftop paths, steep slopes, and the occasional patch of mud or sinking sand that make navigating it anything but straightforward.

To ride this kind of terrain in a way that supports your horse’s balance and wellbeing—and keeps both of you safe—takes a certain amount of skill and focus.

You can’t just switch off and disappear into a world of selfies and daydreams; you have to stay engaged. And that, for many experienced riders, is exactly the point. It’s this level of challenge and connection that keeps them coming back for more.

#4 The River Crossings

I very much doubt there’s another horse riding holiday in the world that involves crossing as many rivers as our signature Wild Coast Horse Trail. On most days, you’ll tackle at least one river, but on a couple of occasions, you’ll need to navigate two. That means it’s not just the crossings themselves that pose a challenge—you also have to adjust your pace to reach each river at the optimal time.

Thankfully, our experienced guides have it down to a fine art. They know that the Nxaxo River is at its calmest and shallowest around an hour and a half after low tide, while the Qora takes closer to two.

Our trails are strictly no-swim, but that doesn’t make them any less demanding. When the rivers are wide and deep, we often call on our guests to help guide the horses across from a kayak—while being expertly ferried by experienced paddlers. Other times, the water is low enough for a deep wade, which usually means wet boots and soggy chaps, but as long as you follow the guide’s lead, you’ll be on the other side in no time.

Thankfully, in this part of Africa, there are no crocodiles or hippos to worry about—just tides and currents, which can be equally unforgiving if mistimed. River crossings on the Wild Coast demand planning, teamwork, and a steady seat, making them one of the most memorable—and rewarding—parts of the ride.

#5 The Wavecrest Gallop

While there are many amazing horse riding holidays out there, not all of them have access to areas where it’s safe enough to really let go. We’re fortunate enough to have a long, hard beach about halfway up the coast, which gives us the perfect opportunity to let the horses show off a bit.

There’s not much that can beat the sheer exhilaration of hitting 50km/h on a long, empty beach with nothing but the sound of waves and wind in your ears. As tears stream down your cheeks, you’re transported to a world where nothing matters except the next stride and the one after that.

Knowing this is their only chance to really open up, our horses give it everything—stretching out in full gallop with power, balance, and joy. It’s not about speed for speed’s sake; it’s about freedom, partnership, and that rare moment when you and your horse move as one.

Conclusion

For experienced riders, the Wild Coast isn’t just a beautiful place to ride—it’s a proving ground. The terrain is raw and varied, the pace dynamic, and the challenges real. It’s a place where you can test your mettle without feeling micromanaged, where your skills are called upon but not over-stretched, and your partnership with your horse deepens with every stride.

There are no fences to hold you back here—only open space, shifting tides, and the rhythm of a trail that dances between wild coastlines, technical climbs, and river crossings that demand timing, teamwork, and trust. You’re not following a script; you’re part of something unfolding.

It’s also a place where the outside world fades away. The combination of physical exertion, natural beauty, and digital silence creates space for presence, perspective, and connection. And while the memories of galloping through the surf or navigating a deep river crossing might stay with you the longest, it’s often the intangible things—the freedom, the authenticity, the quiet shift in your inner compass—that leave the deepest mark.

The Wild Coast doesn’t hand you an experience. It invites you to ride into it—and make it your own. Are you ready?

Nicky Hoseck