If pleasure riding, horse care and bonding, cattle drives, ground work and just “horsing around” sounds like your cup of tea…
WE HAVE JUST THE ADOPTION PROGRAM FOR YOU!!
We now offer a package for horse enthusiasts of all ages. If you’re an experienced(past and present) rider who love horses and would like to spend more time working & riding with and understanding these magnificent animals, this is the perfect opportunity for you.
Choose one of these beautiful steeds and contact us to start bonding:
Beauty
Fresian x Nooitgedacht
Beauty (yes, he is a male but sometimes acts like a typical mare), is the leader of the boys in the herd. On a trail, he’s the one responsible for keeping every horse in place and with one firm stare, believe me they do fall in line. Usually in the camp Beauty is best left on his own. He prefers company of his own choice and stays far away from any one that looks like work. In the saddle he is one of our most comfortable horses but can be a force to be reckoned with. He loves to run and to show off his good looks, but can have a mind of his own and at this stage is best left for the guides to enjoy.
Crystal
Arabian x Boerperd
The little Alpha female and Lizé’s all time sweetheart. Crystal is our best-of-both-worlds bitless superstar. She can take riders of all experience levels and give them a ride they’ll never forget. Novice riders enjoy this white beauty because of her gentle nature to check up on them before doing anything new. Crystal is also one of the best experienced rider horses as she loves a good canter and especially loves cattle work and exploring new trails. She truly knows no fear and will go the extra mile for her rider, if she thinks they deserve to see her best side. Please take note this sexy girl belongs to Beauty and anyone who disrespects her will get to deal with him(trust me not a good idea) and Lizé, which no human would survive ;).
Moya
Morgan x Arabian
Moya being our first Morgan have shocked us all with her unbelievable strength, brave personality and the most caring soul we know. She is our gentlest and most relaxed mare in the Woodifields herd and wouldn’t even consider hurting a fly. Sit back, relax and enjoy our scenic trails with this stunning mare that’ll take care of her rider whether you are experienced or novice while still giving you the option to wake her up and enjoy the power this little mare has under her hood. With 3 very comfortable paces and a level headed mind, adults and kids will feel like their sitting in a rocking chair on a trail they’ll never forget.
Gumby
Quarter horse x Boerperd (we think)
Gumby is a real-life horse teddy and absolutely loves cuddles and snuggles. He however hates anything that comes with a saddle and when on trails he turns into a grumpy old man that wants to do things his way or no way. His way is a nice and relaxed sleep walk and when asked for a faster pace he’ll oblige but with conditions of is own, like his head down to the ground or a proper stretch every now and again. He’s safe for any rider and does especially well with a slightly more stern yet loving hand on the reins. He chooses to follow instead of lead and prefers to stay in his comfort zone with another horse leading him into adventures.
Elzé
Percheron x Lippizaner
Mom to our youngster, Kira(no longer in our care but now performing like a champ at a riding school in George), Elzé is the big momma bear of the group and is the living definition of a gentle giant. She is an absolute softy and would much rather prefer a cuddle over work. Recently though, she has a new found love for adventure and will either be soft and gentle for beginner riders or she’ll show her spunk and muscle for those riders that are prepared to wake her up and ask for more than just a walk and occasional trot. She might sometimes need a friendly yet firm reminder that we are on a trail and not returning home or taking a picnic on route. Due to her Percheron blood she is a weight carrier and can take riders up to 135kg on short trail rides.
Tiara
Fresian x Nooitgedacht x Warmblood
Tiara is our 2nd Alpha female in the heard and she rules with a stern hoof over all her subjects. She’s a beautiful and friendly paint mare to meet on the ground and will definitely come for love, cuddles and falling asleep on your shoulder. On her back it is a completely different story though, she loves a challenge and permanently tests her rider with sudden spooks and bursts of enthusiasm. Unfortunately she is currently not available for adoptions and is only ridden by the owner. This beautiful girl is based at Louvain for extra love and cuddles; always remember to bring a treat for boss lady!
Thornado
Vlaam
Six months after Midnight joined our team, she gave us one big surprise: a beautiful baby boy was born at Louvain. Thornado came into the world with a bang and is now learning the ways of herd life and what it means to be part of the Garden Route Horse Trails family. He’s an absolute stunner and though not planned, he’s very welcome and dearly loved by all. Welcome to the family beautiful boy, we’ll make sure you get to become the best at what you’ll love the most. Thornado is now a yearling and have been weaned; so if some of the others are a little mean to him in the group, they’re most propably just teaching him some herd manners;)
Phoenix
Boerperd x
This beautiful boy is getting some well deserved time for himself at Louvain. He’s enjoying our herd life after a well accomplished life in the arena doing what he does best, Showjumping, Eventing and a little Dressage here and there. Phoenix is only visiting while our Waldo gets a taste for the arena showbusiness, which just saying, he’s absolutely loving at this stage. In the mean time we’re enjoying Phoenix’s company very much, though not there to ride, he’s definitely a very special boy to get to know
Arif(our special boy is recovering from an injury at our hospital location and will be back in action as soon as he is better)
Arabian x Boerperd x
Nicknamed as our herds Circus Clown, Arif is a character to meet. He resembles a pony but definitely makes up for his size in personality. Arif is safe for all riders and is mostly used for small kids as he loves to be a shadow and prefers to leave decision making up to the one infront. He is perfect for a ride along passenger that just wants to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. Arif can be seen as a living breathing roller coaster because of his quick footwork and bumpy stride but can guarantee lots of fun and laughter on the ride. Keep an eye on this boy in the camp as he’s usually up to something and can be quite entertaining at times.
Maximus(no longer with Garden Route Horse Trails but forever in our hearts)
Fresian x Boerperd
We absolutely love this beautiful boy to bits and because of this we had to let him go. Maximus is a stunning talented boy with lots of potential for DRASA and even dressage and the trail riding with many different riders just wasn’t his thing. He’s got so much love to give to his one special person and we won’t be holding him back from that. We loved him with all his personality on the trails, with his big lazy canter and trust me if I say this boy has left big hoofmarks in my heart but deep down we knew he would do so much better with a rider of his own. Max is currently living the best life with a very special young lady in PE and is loving the one on one relationship, and with a herd of almost only mares, lover boy is in heaven and we can’t be happier for him! We love you lots my boy and just know your adventures have only just started.
Rain(RIP our special, blond surfer dude)
Thoroughbred x Nooitgedacht
Our dearest Rainy Boy was put to sleep and crossed over the rainbow bridge on April 5th, 2023. This was an enormous shock to our family and a big loss to the trails at Louvain. Rain suddenly became very ill at Louvain and after many weeks of vets, tests, medicinal attempts and so many prayers, he gave us the sign that he’s had enough. With many tears and treats we helped him cross over the rainbow bridge and finally earn his Pegasus wings. My sweetest boy, Rain, I thank you for the many years of service and giving your absolute everything to every rider you had on your back. You were always a superstar on the trails and stole all our hearts with your spooky big eyes, your caring and relaxed demeanor and of course your handsome blond curls. I’m so sorry that your journey was cut short but I know you are in a much better place now. We will miss you dearly and know you are watching over us from above. Run free my boy, until we see each other again.
Kalahari(Grandpa) (No longer at Louvain or Map of Africa)
Anglo-arab
Kalahari is our herds very own trail legend. After many years in the trail service he was retired to just enjoying horse life to the fullest, but he decided after a while that he is still kicking and would very much prefer to take young kids on safe relaxed trail rides. He now lives on a farm in George with he’s very own little girl teaching her what it is to own a horse. He is however given multiple off days where his daily agenda consists of laying, basking in the morning sun, then thereafter enjoying a nice grassy meal and will maybe end the day off with a nice groom or a walk around the house with his little master.
Adopt one of our horses for an entire month, or longer if you would like to extend. Please note that adoption fees must be made at the beginning of the chosen month/s and are non refundable.
Adoption options with your trusty steed include(sessions can be anything from 2 hours to a day depending on the owners daily schedule):
R750 = 2 sessions per month
R1000 = 4 sessions per month (once a week)
R1500 = 8 sessions per month (twice a week)
Adoption includes bonding, training, riding, lots of fun and exploring the farm with the horse you’ve chosen to “adopt”. We have all the required safety measures and lots of space on an active working farm. All we need from you is a minimal adoption fee and your love for horses.
See you soon!!
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