Horse Riding in Cape Town and Surrounds

A round-up of places that offer horseback rides, trails, lessons and more in and around the Mother City

It is one thing exploring glorious Cape Town on foot, or in a car, or in the sky – but doing so on horseback, where all sorts of rodeo-inspired dreams can come true, and bonding with an animal that has so carefully been looked after is something quite special.

For that reason, if you’re looking for where in the Western Cape you can mount up and experience the joys of horse riding, you’re at the right place. We’ve compiled an overview of spots in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Wellington and other areas that specialise in wine tasting horse riding trails, pony trekking, and even horse rides along the beach!

HORSE RIDING IN CAPE TOWN AND SURROUNDS

Horse About Trails 
Picturesque horse rides in the Cape Winelands town of Tulbagh are sure well worth it, and Horse About Trails offers just about every option under the sun (and the moon): From sunset and moonlight trails to romantic rides just for two, riders are sure to find something that tickles their fancy. For an even more unique experience, all horse trails can be booked with a stopover picnic that can include a bottle of Champagne (on request) - making it a well-suited activity to celebrate a special day or just to relax and unwind. All trails require a minimum of two and maximum of ten participants and the weight limit is 95kgs; expect to pay R280per adult and R200 per child 12 years old and under for an hour and a half long ride. Experienced riders can enjoy the two-hour trail at R400p/p. The Moonlight Trail Ride is R400p/p. Bookings are essential. Do note: all levels of experience are welcome.

Breede River DC | Tulbagh | +27 (0)82 884 9881

Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding 
Neatly tucked away in the rustic oceanside village of Noordhoek, Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding offers quaint bush trails, refreshing beach rides as well as pony trails for the little ones! Trollop along the sandy beaches of Noordhoek or conquer a hiking trail on a horse that has a colourful name (think: Truffles, Tweety, Blue Ice, Rebel and Mulan).  What’s more, Sleepy Hollow offers private (or group) horse riding lessons for avid riders.  Bush trails cost R285p/p for an hour, beach rides are R460p/p for two hours and pony rides are R130 per child for an hour. All levels of experience are welcome, and do note that there is a weight limit of 95kgs per horse. Bookings are essential.

Sleepy Hollow Lane | Noordhoek | +27 (0)21 789 2341

Imhoff Equestrian Centre
Forming part of the Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie, the Imhoff Equestrian Centre offers three daily rides along the popular 8-km Noordhoek beach stretch at R450p/p, private lessons as well as canters and quiet strolls on horses for special occasions (anniversaries, proposals, birthdays and more). A subtle trot along the well-known beach offers horse riders stunning views of Chapman’s Peak, a variety of wildlife and the washed up remains of Kakapo, a shipwreck that dates back to 1900. Horse riding at Imhoff is suitable for both beginner and expert levels of experience. Do note that there is a minimum age of 12 years and a maximum weight allowance of 100kgs.

Imhoff Farm | Kommetjie Road | Kommetjie | Western Cape | +27 (0)82 774 1191 / +27 (0)82 418 7877

Equanimity Equestrian Center 
Inspired by the notion of creating a deep and worthwhile horse riding experience, the Equanimity Equestrian Center on the edge of Stellenbosch has trail rides that meander through and beyond the Mooiplaas Wine Estate that treat riders to the beautiful hills of the Bottelary Conservancy and, if one has a sharp eye, that give magnificent views of Table Mountain, Muizenberg, the Boland mountains and even the hills of Durbanville. Horse riders will be pleased to know that the wildlife at Mooiplaas is respected and protected, ensuring that the environment is as natural and as untouched as possible. Trail rides range from R300p/p to R650p/p, and wine tasting trails are available upon request. Kiddies are also catered for – pony rides are available at R50 for a 15-minute canter. Do note that the weight limit is 80kg's and all levels of experience are welcome. Booking is essential.

Mooiplaas Wine Estate | Bottelary Road | +27 (0)83 957 1104

Mountain View Horse Trails 
Mountain View Horse Trails, located in Tableview, offers riders the chance to slow down, relax and fully appreciate the beautiful West Coast surroundings on horseback.  Regardless of fitness level, riders can indulge in a one- or two-hour trail (R200p/p – R300p/p), sunrise or sunset trail (R400p/p), full moon ride (R400p/p) or 15-km half-day horse trail with a picnic stop (R550p/p). Do note that there are no card facilities at Mountain View Horse Trails, so be sure to bring cash. The rider weight limit is 100kgs. Also, riders are kindly urged (if possible) to bring carrots or apples to serve as a ‘thank you treat’ for the horses.

Van Schoorsdrif Road | Tableview  | +27 (0)83 727 0256

Fynbos Trails 
Fynbos Trails, found at Diemersfontein Wine and Country Estate, gives amateur and expert horse riders alike a chance to explore half day trails (R800p/p) or one or two-day trails (R1000p/p per day) that gallop through Wellington’s vineyards, herb fields and natural fynbos and that also expose riders to unparalleled views of valleys within the Hawequa Mountains. What’s more, this venture gives equestrian-mad travelers who are competent riders the chance to do extended tours. These are combined with overnight stays at the picturesque Diemersfontein Wine Estate (at own account) and include wine tastings. Do note that riding fitness and experience is required for long trails and that the weight restriction is 100kg. Booking is essential.

Diemersfontein Wine and Country Estate |Wellington | Western Cape | +27 (0)82 335 8132

African Horse Company 
Situated on Farm 215 in the serene Overberg region, the African Horse Company offers trots and canters on South African Crossbreeds (Arab and Boerperd blood). Catering for beginner to advanced levels of experience, African Horse Company allows rides to choose from 1- to 6-hour beach and mountain rides and 2 to10-day overnight trails. The steeds take riders along beaches, crystal white sand dunes and through vast stretches of primeval nature (that includes an up-close-and-personal view of South Africa’s very own fynbos). The strong horses are also fit for adventurous swims in dams and clear water. Outrides, which are the shorter 1- to 3-hour rides, range from R250p/p to R550p/p. Do note that trails are limited to a minimum of two and maximum of eight riders. The maximum weight is 100kgs. Rates for the overnight trails range from R6 500p/p to R33 650p/p and include horse rides, accommodation, all meals of the day, luggage transport and non-alcoholic beverages.

Farm 215 | Southern Overberg | Western Cape | +27 (0)82 667 9232

Paradise Stables 
Found in the ‘culinary capital’, Franschhoek, in the Cape Winelands, Paradise Stables offers a signature horse riding experience that matches the culture of the surrounding village: a four-hour wine tasting on horseback session that takes a scenic ride through vineyards, forests and mountains (travellers also get to see the Rickety Bridge Winery and Mont Rochelle). What’s more, riders are led by the SA National Team Endurance Rider Pieter Hugo! Paradise Stables also offers shorter horse trails: Hourly horse trails are R200p/p and guided tours take place every day (except Sundays). The wine tasting on horseback experience costs R750p/p and does not include lunch. All adult levels of experience are welcome, but only supervised, experienced children over 12 years are allowed to ride; the maximum weight is 100kg.

Robertsvlei Road | Franschhoek | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 876 2160 / +27 (0)84 586 2160

Klein Paradys Equestrian Centre 
Klein Paradys Equestrian Centre, pleasantly situated in the Overberg region, gives horse rides a touch of personality as riders have the option to tailor rides to fit individual abilities and levels of experience. On top of that, Klein Paradys provides vineyard trails, beach rides on Kleinmond Beach, wine tasting journeys, Christmas riding camps and special horse activities for the little ones! Vineyard trails are R200p/p per hour, while a full day beach ride (lunch is included) is set at R1 200p/p. Do note that the weight limit is 120kgs.

Main Road | Bot River | Cape Town | +27 (0)28 284 9422

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