Kaapsehoop Horse Trails
Article by Paul van der Schyff
So…a while ago, The Go Group / Go Southern Africa Tourism Marketing team run countrywide, we stopped at South Africa’s local “cowboy dream country”, called KAAPSEHOOP (roughly translated as Cape’s Hope) HORSE TRAILS – in Mpumalanga!
Yes…not in the Cape Province, but in the beautiful mountains less than 50km west of Nelspruit at a height of 1486m (4878 ft.) above sea-level, and once we turned into the road leading to this hidden fresh air sanctuary, we soon left any notion of city-life behind, especially when the first wild (yes…WILD – been there for over a hundred years since the gold prospectors and the Angelo Boer War) horses crossed our path on the way in. Then to stretch our imagination a little further, after descending into this beautiful country abyss in the mist, we were welcomed by old-school, wide open space and surroundings to let our hair down. The place is an exact balance between the old and the new. Nothing modern amiss (except cell-phone signal – thankfully), yet most of it disguised or hidden behind raw iron and wood…and the sweet smell of worked leather.
Upon arrival, Leon Smith of Kaapsehoop came walking through the garden, and no doubt existed in my mind from that moment onwards – that although he much appreciated every visitor to his place, the horses and their welfare enjoy priority. He is a skilled horseman, hands-on and pro-active every day, clearly loving every minute of it. I noticed his calm, yet excitable demeanour as he shook my hand, accentuated by the same attitude visible when introduced to the staff…and the horses.
The mostly crossbred horses (Geldings) are in excellent shape, by no means showing the average-looking “sadness” demeanour of most horses being ridden constantly at holiday venues. One of the secrets to keeping them (the horses) happy at Kaapsehoop, is the fact that the Christo Germishuys, local “horse whisperer” and true horseman with Leon and the team, accurately assess the level of horse-riding experience of visitors wishing to see the mountains and sights on the intimate level Kaapsehoop Horse Trails offer. The reason is simple. Novice riders are placed on intelligent rider-friendly animals, while advanced trails are for experienced riders, so are the horses they mount. The latter creates a sought-after experience to those advanced riders wanting to step back in time, get into the saddle and “cowboy and cowgirl” into the canyon and mountains. Both novice and advanced riders though enjoy a soul-reviving experience unique to the area.
Kaapsehoop Horse trails is not just a spot where you go to have a quick meeting with nature. There is accommodation in the form of self-catering units, a cosy little restaurant overlooking the vast landscape below the main farmhouse, beautiful gardens and a Homestay Volunteering option for horse-lovers from anywhere in the world.
After watching some of the volunteers and the horsemen work with newcomer animals, we were more than convinced that we will return to spend long, lazy days here to experience this incredible destination. Having the opportunity to see nature, history and internationally unique rock-formations on horseback remains an experience that should be on your bucket-list. Truth and Quality rates Kaapsehoop Horse Trails a very deserving 9.010 on our scale in the Outdoor Activity Class, which makes them join our Platinum Group. Congratulations Chris and Leon!
See you soon!
The T&Q Team ( Paul van der Schyff)
Follow us on Facebook | www.truthandquality.co.za