As the festive season approaches and South African families flock to the sandy shores of the Wild Coast, something special happens behind the scenes at Wild Coast Horses. Basically, our trail horses turn into unicorns… or maybe reindeer!
The very same horses that spent the past few months thundering along pristine beaches with experienced riders on their backs are now transformed into patient, gentle companions for first-time riders and excited children.
The Magic Happens When Horses Turn Into Unicorns
When Christmas comes, our horses slow their breathing and lower their energy levels, shifting from high-intensity trail performers to calm, measured beach companions. Their powerful bodies now move with a deliberate, gentle gait that helps reassure their nervous riders and keep them secure in the saddle.
We’re so grateful to our equine colleagues for their ability to trade spirited gallops for careful, measured steps, seemingly understanding that these riders require a different kind of confidence - quiet, steady, and nurturing.
Of course, some horses don’t adapt as easily. Tertia’s favourite lead horse, Tazman is a little too sensitive for these gentler rides, while horses like Percy and Houdini need a more experienced rider to monitor their paces or sit the occasional spook.
Introducing New Riders to the Nuances of Life in the Saddle
Our trail guides undergo a similar transformation, taking a break from long canters and challenging river crossings and turning their attention to the basics of horse riding, taking the time to introduce newcomers to the nuances of life in the saddle.
Even gentle walks along the beach have their challenges, however, especially when those beaches are teeming with children, kites, fishing rods, beach balls, dogs, and flags. Careful training in their earlier years prepares the horses for these surprises, ensuring they react calmly and sensibly rather than reverting to their flight or fight instincts.
Top Class Trail Horses Relax in the Festive Season
While taking non-riders out in the saddle might be a little nail-biting for the guides, for the guests it’s a tranquil experience that’s a far cry from the fast pace of our overnight trails. This calmer period in our year also gives our top trail horses a chance to relax a bit while keeping them fit for the first trails of 2025.
Of course, it’s not all beach walks and we have a selection of horses that not only mooch along the beach in a steady walk but also take not-so-secure riders for their first canters through the waves. With its long beach, dramatic cliffs, and open grasslands, our 2½-hour ride through the neighbouring village of Morgan Bay is ideal for more experienced riders who want a bit more pace and a bit more of a challenge.
There may not be any empty beaches, it’s still an exhilarating experience and gives our trail guides the opportunity to educate our younger horses, teaching them essential skills like maintaining a consistent pace, responding to subtle rider cues, and developing confidence in varied terrain.
The Wonder of Equine Versatility
As the Christmas season unfolds on the Wild Coast, our horses remind us that true magic lies not in fast canters and adrenaline rushes, but in the connection we share with our equine companions. From seasoned veterans like Quick Silver to younger horses learning the ropes, each horse brings something special to our trails. They teach us patience, build confidence in nervous riders, and demonstrate an extraordinary ability to adapt to the changing demands of life as a trail horse.
As we look forward to the first trails of 2025, we celebrate our horses, their adaptability, resilience, intuition, and capacity to turn a fearful first-time rider into a horse lover.
To every horse that has carried a child, soothed a nervous rider, or quietly carried a wobbly adult through a busy beach – we salute you. Your magic doesn't just happen during the festive season; it happens every day, with every careful step, every understanding nuzzle, and every moment of connection between horse and human.