Kaapsehoop Horse Trails is a well-known and peaceful retreat for both horse and nature enthusiast. It is situated at the end of the Drakensberg Escarpment near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga in South Africa.
For a Sense of Well-Being
Christo Germishuys grew up with a love of horses. The world they lived in was the place that most interested him throughout his childhood years. He learnt the equine art at the Mataffin Riding School in Nelspruit under Mike Kay. He then spent his military training years in berede.
He began his journey in the equine tourism industry in the historic town of Pilgrims Rest. Here he was also involved with a Friesian breeding programme for carriage work and of Nooitgedachts to be used for both riding and nature conservation. He further learnt carriage driving under Jannie Louw during this time and established riding trails at Doornhoek on a 580 ha property.
In 1994, Christo began the horse trails on the Berlin plantation at Kaapsehoop, returning to the place he lived 15 years prior. He established a trail riding business that has grown today, renowned for both the excellent conditions of his animals as well as the safe riding. Furthermore the scenery and the soul and passion found in this unique setting draw visitors back time and again. Visiting the trails, one will soon be enticed with details everywhere, put together from any old piece, from old rusted tin cups, to found pieces of wood, to iron pieces, to all given a new life as artistic decorative pieces.
Natural Horsemanship
With more than 30 years of trail riding experience, Christo works on a natural horsemanship basis. This is a psychology-based training technique often referred to as gentle horsemanship. It is a sympathetic method working with the horse’s nature, using an understanding of how horses think, prioritising the animals’ instincts and focusing on understanding rather than controlling them. It encourages a horse to think for itself and figure out what the appropriate and desired response would be to a given stimulus, thus teaching a horse to understand what you want them to do. This approach also results in a healthy relationship between horse and handler.
Horse Whisperer
Christo has often been called a horse whisperer; as Mike Kay explained that he would give any difficult animal to him and he would sort it out, and described him as just brilliant with horses, understanding and respecting them. In Christo’s own words, he talks of the amazing life horses have given him, how special they are and what their forgiving nature has taught him.
Team Work
Mariska joined Kaapsehoop Horse Trails in 2010. She grew up spending her school holidays on horseback, either on her uncle’s farm in the eastern free state, or wherever she found the opportunity to spend time with these treasured animals.
She has an innate understanding of horses. Mariska has also adopted the natural horseman philosophy. She works with the young horses, even long before they are ready to be ridden. In this phase she builds a mutual trust. This time spent with these youngsters are invaluable. Furthermore already in these early years the horses learn lessons that becomes useful for their entire life. She continues working with them as they age, from work in the round pen, following the process through to being saddled, mounted and being fully schooled.
Mariska has a fine sense for matching rider and horses so that riding guests feel comfortable and safe and can enjoy a pleasant ride. She is always ready with assistance and guidance on the rides and even the novice feels at ease.
Besides her involvement with the horses, she oversees the stable management and handles the bookings. In addition she also sees to the general equine care and management.
Horse riding guests highly values her guidance, advice and assistance.
For Kaapsehoop Horse Trails, Mariska has become a vital part of the business with her dedicated and loyal approach and her passion for horses.
The Kaapsehoop Wild Horses
Kaapsehoop is known for its wild horses and Kaapsehoop Horse Trails has always been involved care for injured horses or orphaned foals. Mariska has already raised 6 wild horse orphans. For more information on the wild horses visit www.kaapsehoopwildhorses.co.za.
