FAQs about Horse, Quad, and Carriage Trails

What should we wear?

Please wear long pants (gym pants, joggers, jeans etc) and closed shoes. Trainers are fine. You do not need special horse-riding boots. Men are advised that wearing tight underwear will be more comfy than boxers. Thin long sleeved cotton shirts work well to protect from the sun.

What should we bring?

Your guide will carry water and you can ask for a saddle bag, so bring extra water if you’d like. I do have some sunscreen, but if you prefer certain brands, please bring your own.

What time should we arrive?

You need to arrive at least 30min before your booking for the briefing and helmet fitting to avoid going into your booked time slot. Should you arrive late, you will forfeit some of your riding time or your trip altogether.  It is difficult to hold your slot for you as other bookings are running.   You will have received your electronic Indemnity Forms 48 hr prior to your booking to allow you enough time to go through it.  This is an electronic form where you can sign in on your computer or phone.   Please note that everyone must sign in individually.   Should participants be under 18, they will need to be signed in by their legal guardian.

Where do we meet our guide?

Your guide will meet you at the Lust Bistro on Vrede en Lust Wine Estate as you come through the entrance. If you arrive early, grab a coffee on the stoep. Please announce yourselves to the staff and they will let me know you are there. This is also a good opportunity to make use of the toilets as there are no toilets at the stables and starting point of our trails. For the carriage rides we will meet you outside the Lust Bistro.

What if it rains?

I will keep an eye on the weather forecast and be in touch if it looks like heavy rain. We will try to reschedule to a mutually convenient time, however, if this proves impossible, a full refund will be made.

I am an experienced rider, but my partner has never ridden. Is this OK? Will I still get to trot and canter?

We try our best to ensure everyone has a great ride. Beginners only walk, but we will split up and experienced riders will get a chance to go a little faster if they’d like. Safety is obviously our first priority, so as long as you can safely trot/canter, you will be able to pick up some speed. *at the discretion of your guide.

Will we be riding with other groups?

Generally, no. I try really hard not to mix groups, so if you book a ride, you will only be riding with your group. Very occasionally I do have to mix groups, but then there will be additional guides so everyone gets exactly the ride they want.

I weigh more than 95kg, can I still come horse riding?

No. Please don’t book this ride if you weigh more than 95kg. The horses work hard, and it’s not fair on them. Should we feel you are over the limited weight we reserve the right to put you on a scale and you may forfeit your ride without refund. We can offer you other options if you are over our weight limit including Quad Biking (limit 110kg) or our Carriage Drive (any weight)

We can also arrange a fun photoshoot for you and your group during all our activities in beautiful surroundings. This is great fun for birthday parties and any other occasions. Please enquire for a quote.

What qualifies as ‘experienced’?

Beginner/Novice: You know what a horse looks like. Maybe you’ve been on a horse once or twice. You want a couch with legs.

Intermediate: You used to ride a lot as a kid but have not been on a horse for many years.

Experienced: You ride whenever you go on holiday & are comfortable in trot and canter and hold. You can post the trot.

Advanced: You have your own horse, ride regularly outdoors.

I have a baby / toddler, can they ride with me?

No. It is not safe to have a child on the horse with you. We do not offer baby sitting services, please ensure you have someone to look after your child while out on trail. Please see our website for horse and quad bike trail age limits. There are no age restrictions for carriage rides.

Where can we eat?

The wonderful Lust Bistro on the farm makes the best coffee. It’s a great restaurant, serving scrumptious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Vrede en Lust boasts a world-class winetasting area and some of the region’s best wines. We have incredible neighbouring farms, including Plaisir de Merle, Babylonstoren, Rupert & Rothschild, and Noble Hill, to mention a few, with world-class wines and beautiful restaurants. Please remember not to drink alcohol before your Quad ride.

Do we need to wear helmets?

Yes. My insurance policy demands all guests wear helmets while riding. I provide helmets in all sizes. All riders are required to wear a helmet. Helmets are tight fitting; please note that wigs or extensions can cause the helmets to not fit. Therefore, we request that all riders have their hair in a practical hairstyle when coming for horse or quad bike as no one will be allowed out without a helmet. If you have any concerns about the above restriction, we recommend booking a carriage ride and/or a glamorous photoshoot instead.

Do you ride English or Western?

Our saddles are mostly English style GP saddles, but the horses are schooled in both English and Western riding. We post the trot, but horses can neck rein. We have Western, English and Trail saddles.

What is the best way to get to you?

Public transport in SA is not really a thing, so you may find your whole trip a little easier if you rent a car. However, in recent years the Uber network has improved dramatically and Uber is pretty reliable.

If you do not have a car, you can Uber. I can also arrange for transfers, but it will be more expensive than Uber.

Is there some-where someone can wait for me while I ride?

Lust Bisto is open 7 days a week has a playground and Wi-Fi. You can also have a glass of wine or winetasting on Vrede en Lust’s beautiful deck.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, bookings should be made at least 2hr in advance. Bookings are done on this website. Should you wish to book telephonically you may not be able to get hold of us as we are normally on a horse or quad.  There will be a handling fee of R500.00 for telephonic bookings.  Bookings are only confirmed on receipt of payment without exception.

Can I take pictures?

Yes, absolutely! Please ensure your phone is in a zip pocket.  We do not allow pictures to be taken while driving the quad bike, only when it’s stationary.

Your guide will also take pictures and share them with you after the ride.

The times on your website don’t work for us, can we book alternative times?

Yes, absolutely! I’m pretty flexible so just get in touch & we’ll make a plan, as we say down here. This will obviously depend on availability.

How does tipping work?

You are of course under no obligation to leave any tips. We love what we do and the greatest reward is that you have a great time. However, if you would like to leave a tip, all the tips go directly to our guides and grooms, who work very hard behind the scenes to keep the horses in such great shape, which will be very gratefully received.

Should you wish not to leave a tip, but enjoyed your ride and would like to show your appreciation, a review on Google and TripAdvisor would be hugely appreciated! Links to the reviews have been added for ease of use.

Is there somewhere to leave bags?

At the moment we recommend leaving your bags in your vehicles or with your guides.  We hoping to have lock up lockers available soon.

What is your cancellation policy?

Please see our T&C’s policies here.

What if we arrive late?

We will try our best to accommodate late arrivals, but we cannot guarantee that your ride will be extended, as we may have other bookings. Please always communicate with us if you are running late. We will do our best to accommodate you if possible. Sadly no refunds for late arrivals or missing your booking time. This means we have also lost business to that booking slot.

Is it legal to drink & ride?

Horses: Drinking and riding is completely at your own risk.

Quads: I warrant that I am free of any drugs and/or alcohol. Clients may not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You will forfeit your tour and you will not be refunded. I realize that certain of the Activities require of me to be in a good physical and mental condition and I warrant that I am in such a condition and that I have checked with my medical practitioner. I warrant that I have no disability, impairment, or illness and that I am not under any treatment or medication or suffer from any allergy that could impact on my participation in any activity.

Carriage Drives: You welcome to join us for a few drinks and wine tastings on our carriages

What is the best way to communicate with you?

Best to send me a whatsapp, you can do so by clicking this link, alternatively there is a link to whatsapp at the bottom right of the screen. I am always on a horse or quad bike.  Please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as I’m back on the ground.

What should we wear?

Please wear long pants (gym pants, joggers, jeans etc) and closed shoes. Trainers are fine. You do not need special horse-riding boots. Men are advised that wearing tight underwear will be more comfy than boxers. Thin long sleeved cotton shirts work well to protect from the sun.

What should we bring?

You will have a bottle holder on your saddle, so bring water if you’d like. I do have some sunscreen, but if you prefer certain brands, please bring some.

What time should we arrive?

You need to arrive at least 30min before your booking for the briefing and helmet fitting to avoid going into your booked time slot. Should your arrive late, you will forfeit some of your riding time or your trip altogether. It is very difficult to hold your slot for you as we have other bookings running. You will have received your electronic Indemnity forms 48hr prior to your booking to allow you enough time to go through it. This is an electronic form which can be signed in on your computer or phone. Please note that everyone must sign in individually. Should participants be under 18, they will need to be signed in by their legal guardian.

Where do we meet our guide?

Your guide will meet you at the Lust Bistro on Vrede en Lust Wine Estate as you come through the entrance. If you arrive early, grab a coffee on the stoep. Please announce yourselves to the staff and they will let me know you are there. This is also a good opportunity to make use of the toilets as there are no toilets at the stables and starting point of our trails. For the carriage rides we will meet you outside the Lust Bistro.

What if it rains?

I will keep an eye on the weather forecast and be in touch if it looks like heavy rain. We will try to reschedule to a mutually convenient time, however, if this proves impossible, a full refund will be made.

I am an experienced rider, but my partner has never ridden. Is this OK? Will I still get to trot and canter?

We try our best to ensure everyone has a great ride. Beginners only walk, but we will split up and experienced riders will get a chance to go a little faster if they’d like. Safety is obviously our first priority, so as long as you can safely trot/canter, you will be able to pick up some speed. *at the discretion of your guide.

Will we be riding with other groups?

Generally, no. I try really hard not to mix groups, so if you book a ride, you will only be riding with your group. Very occasionally I do have to mix groups, but then there will be additional guides so everyone gets exactly the ride they want.

I weigh more than 95kg, can I still come horse riding?

No. Please don’t book this ride if you weigh more than 95kg. The horses work hard, and it’s not fair on them. Should we feel you are over the limited weight we reserve the right to put you on a scale and you may forfeit your ride without refund. We can offer you other options if you are over our weight limit including Quad Biking (limit 110kg) or our Carriage Drive (any weight).

We can also arrange a fun photoshoot for you and your group on any of our activities in beautiful surrounds.   This is great fun for birthday parties and fun events.  Please enquire for a quote.

What qualifies as ‘experienced’?

Beginner/Novice: You know what a horse looks like. Maybe you’ve been on a horse once or twice. You want a couch with legs.

Intermediate: You used to ride a lot as a kid, but have not been on a horse for 15 years.

Experienced: You ride whenever you go on holiday & are comfortable in trot and canter and hold. You can post the trot.

Advanced: You have your own horse, ride regularly outdoors.

I have a baby / toddler, can they ride with me?

No. It is not safe to have a child on the horse with you. We do not offer baby sitting services, please ensure you have someone to look after your child while out on trail.

Where can we eat?

We have a wonderful Lust Bistro on the farm that makes the best coffee. It’s a great little restaurant too, serving scrumptious breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Vrede En Lust boasts a world class winetasting area and some of the best wines the region has to offer. We also have incredible neighbouring farms including Plaisir De Merle, Babylonstoren, Rupert & Rothschild, and Noble Hill to mention a few serving world class wines and beautiful restaurants. Please remember no drinking before your Quad rides.

Do we need to wear helmets?

Yes. My insurance policy demands all guests wear helmets while riding. I provide helmets in all sizes. All riders are required to wear a helmet. Helmets are tight fitting; please note that wigs or extensions can cause the helmets to not fit. Therefore, we request that all riders have their hair in a practical hairstyle when coming for horse or quad bike as no one will be allowed out without a helmet. If you have any concerns about the above restriction, we recommend booking a carriage ride and/or a glamorous photoshoot instead.

Do you ride English or Western?

Our saddles are mostly English style GP saddles, but the horses are schooled in both English and Western riding. We post the trot, but horses can neck rein. We have Western, English and Trail saddles.

What is the best way to get to you?

Public transport in SA is not really a thing, so you may find your whole trip a little easier if you rent a car. However, in recent years the Uber network has improved dramatically and Uber is pretty reliable.

If you do not have a car, you can Uber. I can also arrange for transfers, but it will be more expensive than Uber.

Is there some-where someone can wait for me while I ride?

Lust Bisto is open 7 days a week has a playground and Wi-Fi. You can also have a glass of wine or winetasting on Vrede en Lust beautiful deck.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, bookings should be made at least 2hr in advance. Bookings are done on this website. Should you wish to book telephonically you may not be able to get hold of us as we are normally on a horse or quad.  There will be a handling fee of R500.00 for telephonic bookings.  Bookings are only confirmed on receipt of payment without exception.

Can I take pictures?

Yes, absolutely! Please ensure your phone is in a zip pocket.  We do not allow pictures to be taken while driving the quad bike, only when it’s stationary.

Your guide will also take pictures and share them with you after the ride.

The times on your website don’t work for us, can we book alternative times?

Yes, absolutely! I’m pretty flexible so just get in touch & we’ll make a plan, as we say down here. This will obviously depend on availability.

How does tipping work?

You are of course under no obligation to leave any tips. We love what we do and the greatest reward is that you have a great time. However, if you would like to leave a tip, all the tips go directly to our guides and grooms, who work very hard behind the scenes to keep the horses in such great shape, which will be very gratefully received.

Should you wish not to leave a tip, but enjoyed your ride and would like to show your appreciation, a review on Google and TripAdvisor would be hugely appreciated! Links to the reviews have been added for ease of use.

Is there somewhere to leave bags?

At the moment we recommend leaving your bags in your vehicles or with your guides.  We hoping to have lock up lockers available soon.

What is your cancellation policy?

Please see our T&C’s policies here.

What if we arrive late?

We will try our best to accommodate late arrivals, but we cannot guarantee that your ride will be extended, as we may have other bookings. Please always communicate with us if you are running late. We will do our best to accommodate you if possible. Sadly no refunds for late arrivals or missing your booking time. This means we have also lost business to that booking slot.

Is it legal to drink & ride?

Horses: Drinking and riding is completely at your own risk.

Quads: I warrant that I am free of any drugs and/or alcohol. Clients may not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You will forfeit your tour and you will not be refunded. I realize that certain of the Activities require of me to be in a good physical and mental condition and I warrant that I am in such a condition and that I have checked with my medical practitioner. I warrant that I have no disability, impairment, or illness and that I am not under any treatment or medication or suffer from any allergy that could impact on my participation in any activity.

Carriage Drives: You welcome to join us for a few drinks and wine tastings on our carriages

What is the best way to communicate with you?

Best to send me a whatsapp, you can do so by clicking this link, alternatively there is a link to whatsapp at the bottom right of the screen. I am always on a horse or quad bike.  Please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as I’m back on the ground.