Is the Wild Coast Horse Trail Right for You?
(And Who It’s Not For)

While we welcome riders from all over the world and from all walks of life, there’s no single adventure size that fits everyone. And at Wild Coast Horses, we embrace that. After more than two decades of guiding riders along these trails, we know our trails aren’t right for everyone, but we’re also very quick to identify those fellow riders who’ll fall in love with our beaches, our horses, and our quirky coastal hotels, just as we have.

Wondering if you’re that kind of rider? Keep reading to find out.

Real Horses for a Real Adventure

If you’re the kind of person who values a horse with more character than crest, more enthusiasm than a gleaming mane, and more endurance than flashy moves, you’ll feel right at home with us.

Don’t get us wrong: our horses are cared for by a team of dedicated professionals, using all the skills and resources available locally. But they live in the field, they get muddy, they may pick up a scratch or two, and sometimes they even knick themselves—cotton-wool show horses they are not.

What they are is real. They live in a herd, in the environment, with rugs to shield them from the worst of the elements, and their natural horse sense to defend them from the rest. The result? Tough, level-headed trail horses with the stamina and sure-footedness needed to traverse the varied terrain of the Wild Coast.

A Little Like Our Horses

And we expect our riders to be at least a little like our horses. You don’t need to be an equestrian athlete, but you do need to be fit enough to spend up to six hours in the saddle a day. And this isn’t ambling along looking at flowers. This is the way trail riding should be: exciting, varied, and alive with the rhythm of both horse and sea.

You need to be both confident enough and fit enough to ride for the tide one day, and ease off the next to give your horses a breather. Remember, once you leave our base at Kei Mouth, you’ve got just one horse to carry you for seven days! You can’t swap and change, so you need to follow the pace set by the guide, and conserve your horse’s energy as much as you do your own.

Know Your Riding Level

For our Wild Coast Horse Trail, which sees riders traversing almost 200km in just eight days (and on the same horse!), you need to be a confident intermediate or advanced rider. You don’t need to be the next Nick Skelton, but you do need to be comfortable at all paces and over a variety of different terrain, some of which might come as a surprise!

Of course, we’ll ensure your horse matches you, providing a comfortable ride that inspires confidence and allows you to enjoy every moment in the saddle. We rely on you to get this right, so please share freely when filling in information about your horse preferences, riding ability, and experience. We’re not judging you here - we just want to find the perfect partner for your riding adventure.

For Riders Who Love the Journey

Our riders also tend to be the kind of travellers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination. If you like swapping stories over a cold drink after a long ride, falling asleep to the sound of the ocean, and waking up ready to do it all again the next day, you’ll fit right in. The Wild Coast trail isn’t just about the riding — it’s about the camaraderie that grows when a small group shares an adventure together.

On the other hand, if your idea of a riding holiday involves perfectly manicured show horses, spa treatments every afternoon, and five-star dining every night, the Wild Coast might not be your perfect match. Our trail is about wild beaches, long days in the saddle, and the kind of simple comforts that feel well-earned after a great ride.

Above all, the riders who thrive here are those who see their horse as a partner rather than simply a ride — riders who want to connect with other like-minded horse lovers and experience an authentic adventure where the real luxury is miles of empty beach beneath their horse’s hooves.

If that sounds like your kind of adventure, you may just have found your trail. If you’d like to know more, feel free to get in touch — or, if the call of the coast is already tugging at your reins, why not take the plunge and join us for our April adventure? 

P.S. If April feels a bit soon, there are still a few saddles available in June and July. It may be winter here, but along the Wild Coast, that means sunny riding days, crisp evenings, and weather that often beats the average European summer. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Wild Coast Horse Trail suitable for?
 This trail is best for confident intermediate to advanced riders who enjoy long days in the saddle, varied terrain, and making a genuine connection with their horse and fellow riders.

Do I need to be very fit?
You don’t need to be an equestrian athlete, but you should be comfortable riding up to six hours a day and able to handle a mix of paces and terrain.

What kind of horses will I ride?
Our herd consists of Arabs, Boerperds, Percherons, and crossbreeds, each of whom has been selected for their stamina, sure-footedness, temperament, and ability to thrive on long, varied trail rides.

What is the accommodation like?
Expect quirky, welcoming coastal hotels. Not luxury spas, but the kind of simple comfort that feels great after a big day in the saddle.

When can I ride the Wild Coast Trail?
Upcoming departures with available saddles:

• 15–22 April 

• 13–20 June

• 28 June–5 July 

• 15–22 July

• 9–16 August