Meet The Guides - Michelle | Wild Coast Horses

Meet the Guides - Michelle

Nicky Hoseck

Out of the Office, into the Saddle

When Michelle joined the team at Wild Coast Horses in September last year, she was only too happy to exchange her office chair for a saddle.

Having previously worked as a receptionist for a local veterinarian, Michelle was itching to get outside and get her hands dirty. Of course, we were only too willing to help her along and quickly got her up to speed with trimming hooves, dishing out the horses’ daily meals, and learning the routes that would, in time, become second nature to her.

A year on and Michelle is confidently taking out riders of all ages and abilities, sharing with them her love of horses, and her extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna.

Answering the Call of the Wild Coast

From an early age, Michelle was certain her destiny involved working with animals and being outside in a natural environment, so when she chose to study conservation after leaving school, it came as no surprise. Although her dreams were temporarily thwarted after she was involved in a nasty traffic accident, it wasn't long before her determination and passion for wildlife led her back to her true calling.

While it hasn’t been easy for Michelle to achieve her dreams, the journey she’s travelled means she knows only too well what it takes to pursue a career with horses and to those seeking to follow in her footsteps, she says, “Be ready and eager to work hard, expand your knowledge and constantly grow and evolve.”

Of course, it’s not all hard work and no play - there’s a lot of fun to be had as well, and Michelle is quick to remind me that we should never overlook “the pleasures of working with such amazing animals.”

A Special Bond with a Special Horse

Not all horses are created equal, however, and there’s one who’s wormed his way into Michelle’s heart. Tashbah is a 20-year-old homebred Anglo Arab with a bouncy trot and a quick ability to spook. As you can imagine - he’s not for everyone, but Michelle has established a close bond with him which, she says, enables them to "work well as a unit in all kinds of situations.”

As quirky as he is, Mich says, he’s got a lovable character that makes him fun to ride and to work with on the ground.

While the horses make up a large part of the team, Mich’s job is made a lot easier by the “like-minded people I get to work with.” Not only that, but she loves “the immersive lifestyle,” and the opportunity to “meet and work with people that share my passion for horses and nature.”

The Art of Being a Horse Trails Guide

Much as Mich’s conservation training stood her in good stead for being a horse trails guide, other aspects of the job can only really be mastered through experience, such as matching riders to horses and ensuring the safety of everyone on the ride.

These are high priorities for all our guides and Mich says it’s important to “Take into account riding ability, preferences, physical factors like weight and height when pairing horse and rider.”

Even after carefully matching her guests to their ideal horses, Mich still goes the extra mile to ensure their safety and enjoyment, briefing them on each horse's unique personality and position within the herd hierarchy.

She also advises riders on good trail riding etiquette while keeping them safe and comfortable by “Keeping a steady pace, sticking to harder sand, and choosing the best routes.”

A Vision Of The Perfect Trail Horse

Fortunately, Michelle is lucky enough to work with some amazing equine colleagues, many of whom meet her criteria for a good trail horse: “A horse that is reliable, sure-footed, and trustworthy, one that works well with the herd while still maintaining its uniqueness and ability to think for itself.”

While Michelle could easily have ended up guiding in a game reserve or at one of the other horse riding operations in South Africa, she’s grateful to have ended up with Wild Coast Horse Trails, which, she says, stands out from the rest by “The variety of experiences offered and the incredibly hard-working and yet charismatic and happy horses.”

There’s much to love about being a horse trails guide, but for Michelle, the highlights include, “Working with the horses daily and being outdoors.”

Falling in Love with the Wild Coast

Michelle’s favourite days are those spent riding to the Gxara Falls on the other side of the Great Kei River. Not only is the waterfall a place of cultural and historical significance, but it’s also a “magical place to stop for lunch and have a swim.”

Better still are the beautiful beaches and panoramic views of the hills and valleys.

You can understand why Mich doesn’t have any trouble getting out of bed in the mornings! Even routine days are varied as Michelle and the rest of the team care for the horses, “By checking temperatures, spraying for ticks, checking for injuries and attending to each horse’s individual needs.”

Conclusion

In the year since Michelle joined the Wild Coast Horses team, she's not only embraced the challenges of her new role but has flourished in it. Her passion for horses, combined with her conservation background, has made her an integral part of the team.

Whether she's guiding riders through breathtaking landscapes or tending to the horses' daily needs, Michelle's enthusiasm and love for what she does shine through. For Michelle, working with horses isn't just a job - it's a way of life.