Horse Riding

Dragon Peaks is well known for its free ranging herd of horses; their equine cousins have also been part of the mix since Russell Tungay purchased a breeding pair of zebra way back when. While their offspring eventually died out some time back due to only males being reproduced, a lone zebra colt that had been driven out of the introduced herd over the hill at Bergview, followed our trail ride home a few years back and settled in. It’s natural need to dominate the herd resulted in him having to be castrated and while this has allowed peace to return to the herd, guests need to practice the same caution as with the horses and admire him from a distance; equines’ natural drive is to dominate lower ranked members of a herd and when we interact with them they regard us as herd members; this can lead to them kicking or biting us when we don’t react as they expect us to.

If you want to know more about horse behaviour, join us on our "Talking Horses" activity on Saturday afternoons; or talk to Lynn or Lwazi for alternate times if needed.

Lynn Tungay, Lwazi Khoza and Vusi Ntuli, run the Trail Centre.

Our aim is for both the rider and horse to enjoy the trail experience; horses are ridden iron free and riders are instructed where necessary on adapting to our riding style.

We offer different categories of trails to suit all skill levels and novice riders are not grouped above their riding capability. It may also be useful for first time riders to be informed that while our horses are ‘user friendly’ they are not robots and require a degree of involvement from the rider.

There is always a pre-trail briefing which necessitates riders arriving a minimum of 15 minutes before the starting time to ensure subsequent trails are not unduly delayed.

Helmets and secure footwear are compulsory; although helmets are provided, riders are encouraged to bring their own cycling helmets where possible. For your own comfort it is recommended that long pants are worn.

All rides to be pre-booked and paid for at Dragon Peaks Reception. An indemnity needs to be read and signed by an adult; our indemnity and rates are attached below, please take the time to read the indemnity so that the risks are fully comprehended.

Categories on Offer

Level One

Lead-rein walk around the exercise ring for young children or older first time riders who do not know how they will react when on a horse.
Helmets are not compulsory as the horse is under the direct control of the guide who is on the ground walking beside the horse.
Available between 8.15 and 10.15

Level Two

30minute walk trail around the Restaurant dam for anyone who has never ridden out on a trail.
Children under 12 years old need to be accompanied by an adult on foot; this also applies to people who do not understand English well enough to follow instructions and the accompanying person who is walking with them on foot must be fluent in English in order to relay the guide’s instructions; walkers also need to be confident around horses as they will be expected to contain the horse in the event of an incident.
Every morning @ 9.15 for 9.30

Level Three

One hour walk trail for novice riders. Nervous 1st time riders are encouraged to book the Level 1.
Children under 12 years old need to be accompanied by an adult on foot; this also applies to people who do not understand English well enough to follow instructions and the accompanying person who is walking with them on foot must be fluent in English in order to relay the guide’s instructions; walkers also need to be confident around horses as they will be expected to contain the horse in the event of an incident.
Daily @ 8 for 8.15, 10.30 for 10.45 and 13.45 for 14.00.
The afternoon trail to be booked by 11.30 for management purposes; also be aware that the afternoons can be very windy from around July to October and afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer months.

Level Four

An hour trail ridden at a walk and trot; catering to riders who only ride occasionally, have trotted before and are able to properly control the horse’s direction and following distance. Minimum age 12yrs.
Daily @ 8 for 8.15, 10.30 for 10.45 and 13.45 for 14.00.
The afternoon trail to be booked by 11.30 for management purposes; also be aware that the afternoons can be very windy from around July to October and afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer months.

Level Five

An hour trail for skilled riders only. The trail is conducted at a walk, trot and canter and it is recommended that for those who have not ridden for some while, book for the Level 4 ride and advance to Level 5 thereafter. Minimum age 14yrs.
Daily @ 8 for 8.15, 10.30 for 10.45 and 13.45 for 14.00.
The afternoon trail to be booked by 11.30 for management purposes; also be aware that the afternoons can be very windy from around July to October and afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer months.

Non Scheduled Trails

Level Six

Two hour trail for skilled riders who are riding fit.
Minimum age 14yrs.
Times on application.

Starlight Ride

Leaves the trail centre during daylight; we ride out to a spot on cemetery hill, dismount and share time together while waiting for the stars to come out; the ride home in the dark is done at a walk

Riders meet at the trail centre @ 17h30 in Summer and 16h30 in Winter
This trail is very much weather and trail leader availability dependent
Minimum age 12yrs old and definitely only people who have ridden before

Engagement Proposal Picnic Trail

This is a unique way to pop the question to your prospective life partner

The couple ride out with the trail leader under the guise of it being a standard trail; when we reach the special spot, the picnic basket will be waiting for you. The trail leader will then continue back to the centre with the horses and you will be left to pop the question and return to the Resort at your leisure.

While all levels of riding experience are catered for, try and not start life off together on the wrong foot by over estimating either of your riding capabilities.

General

Age, weight and physical limits are at the discretion of the Trail Leader
The listed schedule is subject to Trail Leader availability
Alternate times on request
For your own safety and enjoyment, refrain from booking out of your ability level, when in doubt, drop to the lower category
Riding is at your own risk
Closed shoes MUST be worn. No high heeled shoes or Crocs
Helmets are provided or bring your own cycle helmet
Long pants are advisable for comfort
There is NO galloping on any of the rides. The rides are conducted in single file and the last section back to the stables is always done at a walk
The leader of the ride has the right to refuse a rider who has booked out of their category if they feel that it will jeopardise their safety or impinge on the enjoyment of the other riders in the group, no refund will be given unless the ticket can be resold
Whilst all reasonable measures are taken to ensure your safety, be advised that horses are living beings and can be unpredictable
No alcohol, smoking or cell phones while riding
It is advised that pregnant women and people with back problems do not ride

Contact Dragon Peaks Bookings Office for details: 036 4681031 dpp@dragonpeaks.com

Indemnity Form

Download our indemnity form by clicking on the icon below

2024 Horse Trail Brochure

Download our Horse Trail Brochure by clicking on the icon below

Talking Horse Brochure

Download our Talking Horse Brochure by clicking on the icon below