“There is something about the outside of a horse
that is good for the inside of a man”

Winston Churchill

Horses are both beautiful to watch and of significant impact to the lives of many. A ride on a horse is akin to no other feeling and psychologists and other mental health professionals are more and more recognising the value of horses’ particular character to promoting well-being.

Kaapsehoop Horse Trails is a well-known and serene mountain getaway on the Drakensberg Escarpment, 35km from Nelspruit, Mpumalanga in South Africa, near the quaint historic gold mining village of Kaapsehoop. As you follow the winding 7km forest track through the Berlin Forest, you will find your shoulders lightening, your eyes being drawn to the horizon and your lungs drawing in the fresh pine-scented air: 
a beautiful equine world awaits.

Established in 1994 by equine legend and gifted horseman, Christo Germishuys, this 17000 ha private concession with Komatiland Forests boasts of natural splendour with gorgeous vistas and scenery. Over the years this trail riding establishment has grown to have a well regarded reputation, both for the excellent conditions of the well-trained horses as well as the safe riding, all combined with the soul and passion found in this unique setting.

Christo works on a natural horsemanship basis, a psychology-based training technique often referred to as gentle horsemanship. It is a sympathetic method working with the horse’s nature, of gentling a horse and teaching them what you want them to do, encouraging cooperation and trust. It is a way of working with horses and training them unlike the traditional breaking in of a horse.
The breeds used on the trails are mainly crossbred horses who through this way of training and their free-roaming life, are not only well-schooled horses but also have excellent temperaments.

Enjoy the soul-reviving adventure of horseback riding, regardless of riding experience. Safety, comfort and enjoyment takes precedence while both novice and experienced rider can enjoy a wonderful ride. The trails run through rolling grasslands, pine forests and along the edge of the breathtaking escarpment.