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Horse Trails in Franschhoek

Wine Valley Adventures has horse trails to suit everyone. Whether you fancy an hour or two in the saddle to simply get a taste of riding in the Winelands, or whether you are a seasoned rider looking for more riding time with trails of up to four hours, we have the right trail for you. Rides can be customized to include meals and wine – and olive tasting at boutique wineries and undiscovered gems in the beautiful Boland.   

Whether you are an experienced rider wanting a fast and exhilarating canter / gallops, or just a beginner /novice wanting a relaxing meander on a steady horse to get a different perspective of the magnificent scenery, you will have a great experience.

Want to mark a special occasion? Whether it’s a marriage proposal, corporate team building or just a group of friends wanting a different kind of day out, we’ll put together a memorable day ride set against the magnificent Cape Winelands and surrounding spectacular mountain ranges,  full of local flavour.

We are passionate about our animals and therefore you are guaranteed well-looked after horses, ponies, and mules who in turn, will look after you. 

The rides are available 7 days a week, Wine Valley Adventures is based at the historic Vrede en Lust Wine Estate, nestled in the foothills of the Simonsberg in South Africa’s most celebrated Franschhoek wine valley. The history of the farm dates back to 1688 and tells a story of vision, passion and pride.

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.

Horse Trails

Speciality Horse Trails

Definitions of Riding Abilities

Experienced: Confident at all paces on almost any horse, competes or hunts seriously.

Intermediate: Ridden for a number of years. Able to control fit thoroughbreds at all paces.

Competent: Able to control a sensible/quiet horse at all paces and feels confident on such a horse. Balanced in the saddle and able to rise/post to the trot.

Novice:  Only ride occasionally with no formal riding lessons.

Beginner:  Never ridden before. 

Please note that we do not use our hard working trail horses for people to learn to ride on. This is done in a riding school environment and not on trail. If the rider cannot post properly at the trot they will only be allowed to walk. This is for the safety of both horse and rider.

horse trail riding franschhoek
horse trails at wine valley adventures
guests enjoying their horse trail with wine valley adventures
guests enjoying a speciality horse trail with wine valley adventures

Riding Restrictions

We do not allow any rider over 95kg on a horse, or any rider over 110kg on a quad bike, and reserve the right to put a rider on a scale should we feel that they are over the weight limit.  If you are over the weight limit when making the booking you will not be liable for a refund.  

The Horse Drawn Carriage is a great option for persons over 100kg, but we do need to be notified in advance to ensure there is space on our carriage.

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 riding 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.