A Brief History of Horses on the Wild Coast

Nicky Hoseck

Some places have a long and rich history of horses and horseback riding. While that’s not necessarily true of the Wild Coast, horses have undeniably played a vital role in the area’s development and recreational life.

Little has been written about the history of horses in the area. However, it’s widely known that Dick King, an English trader based in Kwa-Zulu Natal, rode through the Wild Coast on his epic ride to Grahamstown back in 1842 — a daring ride that remains a testament to the enduring bond between humans and horses in this rugged yet beautiful part of the world.

Of course, King wasn’t the only one capitalising on the horse’s capacity to cover ground and in the early 1900s, families living on inland farms would travel to the coast for Christmas, using horses and ox wagons to carry both their extended families and sufficient supplies to sustain them for during their two-month holiday.

Alan Jefferies, a local farmer, historian and author of the book Absolute Border, in which he recounts life in Kei Mouth from the early 1920s, writes that. “Everyone [around Kei Mouth] owned a horse,” using them for both transportation and recreation

How Horses Arrived on the Wild Coast

In his vivid account of family life in Kei Mouth, Jefferies highlights the earliest recorded mention of horses in the region, dating back to 1857. Local trader John Crouch noted the scarcity of horses at the time, describing how King Sarhili, the reigning chief, “was not able to mount more than 200 men.” This scarcity underscores the challenges faced by the local communities, where horses were not just a means of transport but a cornerstone of military strength.

Horses also played a pivotal role in the activities surrounding the frontier fort at Kei Mouth. Jefferies recounts the arrival of “various contingents of mounted soldiers” who brought their equestrian expertise to the area. These soldiers would hone their riding skills on the beaches— much as we do today, except without the lances and swords!

Rather than perfecting a light-seat canter or attempting the occasional jump over a piece of driftwood, these soldiers measured their riding abilities by stabbing and lifting pegs embedded in the sand “whilst belting along at a furious gallop.”

This daring exercise, which required precision, speed, and agility, served as both a demonstration of their skill and a testament to the enduring connection between horses and the history of the Wild Coast.

The Evolution of Equestrian Pursuits in Kei Mouth

It didn’t take long for these military exercises to transform into a celebrated annual event. By 1931, enterprising locals like Reg Heathcote capitalised on the growing interest by offering horse rentals to holidaymakers for the modest sum of “twenty-five cents a day.”

Fast forward to today, and that amount wouldn’t even cover the cost of a single strand of tail hair, let alone a full day’s ride on a horse! However, it’s only really the price that’s changed – the spirit of equestrian adventure remains as strong as ever!

Just over 20 years later the first riding school opened in Kei Mouth, increasing the hire price to the now laughable sum of twenty-five cents per hour. Novice riders flocked to the riding school, developing their skills under the careful tutorage of Oswald “Dutch” Holland and his partner Dick Whital. Although lessons proved popular, it was the beach rides that attracted the most attention, especially when the conditions were right for a moonlight ride in the surf.

As equestrian sports grew in popularity, the annual gymkhana event became a major highlight of the year’s calendar, drawing competitors and spectators from far and wide. What began on the beach soon needed proper facilities and a permanent venue was established across from the existing Gymkhana Road.

One of the most thrilling spectacles at the gymkhana was the tent pegging competition, where uniformed soldiers thundered past the crowd, skillfully spearing wooden pegs and lifting them from the ground with their swords or lances. A successful run would be met with cheers, applause, and honking car horns from the excited crowd.

A Stunning Display of Skillful Horsemanship

One of the most unforgettable highlights of the annual gymkhana was the breathtaking display of horsemanship by local legend Bobby Salkinder. Known for his daring feats, Bobby would leave the crowd in awe as he vaulted from one side of his horse to the other, all while maintaining a full-speed gallop. It’s no wonder the spectators were left “applauding and shaking their heads in disbelief” at his astonishing talent.

But Bobby’s equestrian feats didn’t stop there. He was also known for his remarkable ability to steer up to eight horses down the course while standing on the back of one. As if that weren’t impressive enough, he could also straddle two horses — placing one foot on each saddle — and gallop them down the track in a display that left onlookers speechless.

While none of us at Wild Coast Horses can quite match Bobby’s extraordinary level of skill, we do share his philosophy about working with horses. As Bobby famously said,

“A horse is just like a person. Speak nicely to them, treat and feed them well, and they will do anything for you.”

His words still ring true today as we continue to foster strong, respectful relationships with our equine partners.”

Gymkhanas Take on an Official Twist: From Friendly Fun to Competitive Spirit

Although gymkhanas were a staple of life in Kei Mouth and the surrounding area from the early 1900s, it wasn’t until 1935 that the event officially took shape. That year marked the introduction of formal programs and the publication of results, along with financial reports and minutes from the organiser’s meetings.

With only a brief pause during the Second World War, the annual gymkhanas remained a fixture in the community until 1984 when a dwindling number of horse owners lead the event’s eventual decline.

While it would be fantastic to see gymkhanas feature in Kei Mouth’s social life again, I’m not entirely sure the local horse riders of today would be up to the challenge. After all, how many of us could party until the early hours of New Year’s Eve and then wake up bright and early to prepare our horses for a full day of competition? Actually, come to think of it, quite a few of us might be mad enough to give it a shot!

The Famous Police Horse with a Nose for Crime

While the annual gymkhana may be the most significant contribution to the area’s equestrian history, there’s another fascinating local story that Jefferies touches on, and one I think is well worth sharing here.

Long before police cars arrived in Kei Mouth, the local police patrolled on horseback, riding out from their station, which was located 4 kilometres from the heart of the village. In the early 1930s, the police force was headed by Piet Rheeder whose horse possessed a rather unique talent.

At the time, local brewing of maize-fermented beer was subject to restrictions, and it could only be consumed with the permission of the local authorities. Despite this, the resourceful locals would brew the beer and hide it in various locations, often burying it underground or concealing in the bushes.

Finding these hidden stashes was nearly impossible for the officers, but proved to be a breeze for Piet’s horse, who had developed a keen taste for the brew.

Thanks to his impressive sense of smell, the horse could sniff out these secret caches with surprising accuracy, leading to many arrests. Naturally, Piet ensured his horse was well rewarded for his efforts, a habit that meant much smaller quantities of the beer were turned over as “evidence!”

Conclusion

While Kei Mouth may not share the same deep-rooted equestrian traditions as regions like Lesotho or Mongolia, where horses are integral to the culture and history, it still boasts a rich and fascinating equestrian legacy.

From thrilling competitions and enchanting beach rides to unforgettable stories of adventure and camaraderie, the Wild Coast has long been a haven for horse lovers. At Wild Coast Horses, we’re proud to carry on this tradition, welcoming riders from near and far to experience the magic of the region, its horses, and the timeless bond between them.

All quotes taken from Absolute Border by Alan Jefferies published in 2001, but now sadly out of print.