Ron who has been on 12 In The Saddle rides. A very special place | Moolmanshoek breeds horses - Arabs for Endurance Riding and South African Boerperds for Trail Riding. There are over 300 horses on the ranch.
The quality of horses and horsemanship is unusually high.
The Trail riding is superbly led by Lindy Hill who has decades of experience in South Africa and Botswana. She was careful to match horse and rider.

Kate who has been on 4 In The Saddle rides. Moolmanshoek is a little slice of heaven! Restorative and peaceful with exhilarating riding and wonderful hospitality. | The horses are beautifully cared for by the entire team. We were perfectly matched to our horses, and I enjoyed riding several - that was my choice, whilst my companion enjoyed a bromance with a very special horse for most of our time at Moolmanshoek. It was his first visit (my second this year) and it completely exceeded his expectations and he will be back, as will I. Lindy is a highly skilled and hugely knowledgeable leader, and it was a joy to ride with her. Great care was taken to ensure the tack and saddles were well fitting for both horse and rider. We both found the trail saddles and endurance saddles to be very comfortable and each had a sheepskin cover and saddle bags for water bottle (topped up daily by the staff and a mac). The riding is fantastic and very varied - it was such a privilege to ride through the plains, mountains, rivers and pastures that are so lovingly curated by the Nel Family. The game was also very plentiful, we were able to quietly observe them at close quarters from horseback and very quickly spotted all 14 species.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you for your superb review. We are absolutely delighted that you had such a wonderful return visit to Moolmanshoek].

Katrine who has been on 12 In The Saddle rides. Super good horses that were very safe on all terrain!
The owner (guide three of the days) was a bit of a daredevil, but I felt very safe on my horse.

Annalea who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. I ended up riding 7 different horses; both because it was an opportunity, as I am curious by nature, and I think there is a possible lesson in trying several different horses, but also because I was looking for a horse that I really clicked with and would really like to ride again and again. I succeeded towards the end!
But generally speaking, the horses we rode at Moolmanshoek are some of the best I have ridden on a riding holiday; responsive, sensitive, well-behaved and comfortable.
Delicious terrain with room for both cantering over flat expanses, as well as exciting technical riding with climbing up in the mountains.
I would have liked more of a middle approach between the 2 guides. (Although I know that is not a reality, since Wiesmann is who he is)
Some of the horses were ridden too hard from what I could judge.
Comfortable saddles. Easy to sit in. Quite sharp bits on many of the horses. Some of the bits were too small.
Would have been nice with bigger saddlebags.

Astrid who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. All horses were well-schooled, sure-footed, and socialized to both humans and other animals. The guides were competent and had a good feel for the composition of the group. We were presented with exciting and varied rides of appropriate length. The tack was suitable for the purpose, and there was good help in untacking.

Ilanna who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Amazing sweet horses, well-schooled and easy to handle

Eleanor (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Fantastic! | Riding met and exceeded all expectations, after the first assessment ride Lindy matched me with horses perfectly. Incredible climbs up mountains on sure footed safe horses, long canters and gallops.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thanks so much for your super feedback. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay at Moolmanshoek].

Judith who has been on 20 In The Saddle rides. Great for riding and wildlife. | Experience stood me in good stead and I was completely comfortable with the ascents and descents.
I rode four horses and the latter two were more suited to my ability (tiny bit more lively).

[Abbie from ITS replies: We are so very pleased that you enjoyed the fabulous riding at Moolmanshoek. Thank you for your feedback].

Derry who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. Magical | The Moolmanshoek horses are simply incredible. Forward going, responsive, comfortable and extremely sure-footed.

The riding is a great mix of flat terrain with lots of canters - always keeping an eye out for the game - and technical climbs and descents. I would be lying if I said that a couple of the descents weren’t a little daunting looking down from the top but you just needed to listen to Lindy - sit back, heels down, hold the back of the saddle with one hand, trust your horse and ‘don’t look down’! Before you knew it, you were at the bottom and looking back up in disbelief that you were all the way up there just a few minutes before!

I rode three horses during my stay and loved them all. Thank you Shamrock, Mojo and Thunder

Lindy was a brilliant guide - passionate and knowledgeable about the horses, the wildlife and the reserve, encouraging, kind and fun …. but always in control.

Beatrice who has been on 9 In The Saddle rides. Awe inspiring | The riding exceeded my expectations, from the long steady canters across the plain to the steep technical ascents and descents in the mountains. Getting up close to the wildlife whilst on horseback was extra special.

Donna who has been on 41 In The Saddle rides. Fabulous riding | Moolmanshoek far exceeded my expectations. I don’t know where to start- except that we had booked again for next year before we finished this ride!

Guides, horses, scenery, staff, food and accommodation was all wonderful. We had a fabulous time.

[Abbie from ITS replies: We're so pleased that Moolmanshoek's magic affected you! It is wonderful to receive such super feedback, thank you.]

Vivien who has been on 45 In The Saddle rides. Excellent | Moolmanshoek is stunning. An absolutely beautiful location with some of the best riding I've ever experienced. A mixture of long, fast canters across the plains and climbing up and down mountainsides, with views to die for. The two horses I was allocated were really good quality, especially Mojo who stole my heart. Special mention to Lindy who is an excellent, really professional guide who made the holiday so enjoyable and run smoothly.

[ITS replies: Thanks so much for your super feedback. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your time at Moolmanshoek].

Jo who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Best holiday so far | This was my first centre based holiday and I did wonder if if would be as exciting as a trail holiday. How wrong was I! Every day was different as we explored different areas inside and outside of the reserve. Some of the riding was challenging and technical which made things more interesting. As well as time for some long lovely canters. You need to trust these horses 100% (especially when your fear of heights is tested!). Their ability to ride in this terrain is amazing. Big shout out to my boy Rino. He was calm and relaxed (the older man of the group). Happy to go at the back but a little pocket rocket when at the front.

The horses are well cared for and have the most amazing temperaments. Lovely to see that there is a place for all horses. From foals, pregnant mares, youngsters living on the mountains, stallions, those in work, to those that have retired and living the most wonderful life. It is such an interesting place. You could never get bored.

Lindy was an exceptional ride leader - as were all the guides and back up guides. During our rides she shared her knowledge of the animals, plants etc. It was great to learn more about the area.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We are so happy that you enjoyed Moolmanshoek].

Charlotte who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. Lovely horses and some challenging riding in a wonderful location | The riding was wonderful but I found it much more challenging than other rides I have done in recent years - in Sicily and Portugal - and the steep ascents and descents were physically more tiring than I had anticipated. The horses are incredibly sure footed and a pleasure to ride but two horses had falls while we were there, one on a descent and one on a canter, which was slightly unnerving.

The guides (especially Lindy), back up guides and grooms were all fantastic. Lindy was the best ride guide I have ever ridden with.

I am not sure why but on several of the ITS holidays I have done I have been initially paired with a slower horse and then “upgraded” later in the week. I am not sure if this is because I am a bit diffident about riding experience when I arrive, but in Los Alamos, Portugal and at Moolmanshoek I have been given a really lovely horse by the end of the week. I appreciate they need to test and assess riders as the week goes by but that has been a bit frustrating!

[ITS replies: Thank you very much for your constructive feedback, which we are following up with the ride operator. As I understand it, the falls involved the back-up guide who was training a younger, less experienced horse.]

Birgit who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Moolmanshoek - absolute recommended | After this holiday your "horse world" is not the same like before:
Unbelievable what these horses (grown up in the mountains) are able to do!!!
I didn't expect such an adventure. Really challenging.
You start with a small hill and day by day it's getting more complicated.
The endurance horses are a dream....I had the chance to join an endurance ride 🙂

Wendy who has been on 20 In The Saddle rides. An adventure that exceeded expectations! | Moolmanshoek is a stunning place to visit. It may not have the big game, but it has so much more to offer. The horses are incredible and negotiate the steep ascents and descents as if they were mountain goats! As someone who doesn't have the best head for heights, the riding was both challenging and amazing in equal measures, but I put my trust in the horses that I rode and they didn't let me down. I am in awe of what they can actually do! It wasn't all up and down the mountains though, we also explored the pastures and the valley, mingled with the game, cantered on the miles of endurance tracks that they have there and just enjoyed the beauty of the reserve. Wiesman and Lindy were both excellent guides who helped to make our adventure complete.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you - we loved getting your feedback on Moolmanshoek and are really pleased that you enjoyed your trip].

Kate who has been on 4 In The Saddle rides. The most exhilarating week | I was lucky to ride 4 horses during the week - all were fit and fantastic. As my confidence grew I rode different horses, it was wonderful to be able to try others, I loved every single ride. Each was unique and superb. The team matched me so well. Of course I had a favourite!

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We are thrilled that you had such a great experience at Moolmanshoek & have already booked a return visit.]

Diana who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Beautiful Moolmanshoek, what an adventure ! | There was a variety of riding from fast cantering in the plains, sauntering through the long grasses in the evening whilst quietly watching the game and steep ascents and descents up narrow paths reaching summits with panoramic views below. We saw lots of game and learnt so much from our guides who had so much knowledge and passion .
The riding was absolutely brilliant, I was perfectly matched with my horse but could easily change
if had wanted to. I felt perfectly safe always with complete trust in my horse even when we were traversing ridiculously challenging routes. The beautiful Boerperd horses we were riding are so surefooted and so keen to please, great fun to ride and extremely well mannered.
This ride is definatley not suited to anyone with a fear of heights but if you are prepared to put all your faith in your horse and follow the excellent instructions from the guides then go for it!
[Olwen from In The Saddle writes - We are so glad that you enjoyed the wonderful horses and riding at Moolmanshoek]

Vanessa who has been on 10 In The Saddle rides. Another incredible experience with In the Saddle. Thoroughly recommend combining these two holidays. | Both the Wild coast and Moolmanshoek were extremely keen to make sure we were happy with our horses and gave us plenty of opportunity to try a few out until we found our perfect partners.

Even on the Wild Coast we spent a day and a half at Key Mouth so I could try different horses before we set off on the trail.

Wild Coast Riding - Qolora Trail
Fantastic beach riding with plenty of opportunities for fast canters on the firm sand. There was also a lot of riding in land as some of the rivers were too high to cross but this was a good opportunity to see more of the varied landscape and there were still plenty of places to canter. Some steep ups and downs (especially on the way down to the waterfall) but this was all good practise given we were heading to Moolmanshoek for our second week!

This trail worked well for us as there was ample time to relax over lunches or at the end of the day but still lots of fast riding.

And must give a mention to the guides who were fantastic, especially Jess who was our guide for the first four days when there was just the three of us. We then met up with the other group doing the mini trail, at Wavecrest.

Moolmanshoek
The farm is set in stunning scenery and is miles from anywhere so gives a wonderful feeling of remoteness. We were warned the riding was 'adventurous' due to the steep terrain and it was no exaggeration! I had been hoping it would be tamer than advertised as I'm not that good with heights but, in actual fact, it was a fabulous experience and there is plenty of time to get used to the climbs before embarking on the higher rides.

The horses are incredible, extremely footsure and powerful so you very quickly get used to the climbs and declines, and the saddles are extremely comfortable and supportive, with large stirrups so you feel very safe.

[Olwen from In The Saddle writes - we are so glad that you enjoyed your adventures on the Wild Coast followed by Moolmanshoek. Two great riding holidays].

Tina who has been on 5 In The Saddle rides. A life-affirming adventure | The riding was varied with plenty of opportunities for quietly looking at game and long canters. The most challenging aspect was long hours climbing up and down mountain tracks. However, the saddles are very comfortable, the guides outstanding and the horses are incredible - amongst the best I have ever ridden. You get plenty of opportunity to try different horses; I rode five during my week's stay, and enjoyed them all.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Many thanks for your wonderful feedback. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time at Moolmanshoek - it is such a special place].

John who has been on 14 In The Saddle rides. Surpassed all of our previous holiday rides, overall an outstanding vacation. | This ride was a real delight, all accommodations were made for riding preferences, guiding and instruction were outstanding, and there was a delightful family feeling during our stay. Just can't say enough good things about our time. To note, our guide Lindy, and owner, Wiesman, were outstanding hosts who made us feel welcome from the start. 5 star rating!

[Abbie from ITS replies: It was an absolute pleasure to arrange your holiday. Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your experiences. We are thrilled that you enjoyed the fabulous Moolmanshoek].

Brenda who has been on 14 In The Saddle rides. Amazing and Challenging Ride | The riding was one of the most challenging rides we have been on...and we have been on many. Riding up and down mountains is not for the faint of heart! Yet, there was something for everyone, from valleys where we had long canters by the wildlife, to the mountains where the sure-footed horses picked their way along the trails. And the folks at Moolmanshoek are able to cater to different levels of riders. The horses are incredible! They safely carried us on every kind of terrain. Our hosts expertly matched each person with just the right horse (or horses). The riding was amazing.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thanks so much for your lovely feedback. We're so pleased that you enjoyed the fabulous Moolmanshoek.]

Janet who has been on 9 In The Saddle rides. One of the Best In the Saddle Holidays | This was one of the best In the Saddle riding holidays our group (the Maneiacs) has ever done.

Our guide Lindy Hill was amazing; nothing was too much trouble catering for our group of older but fit riding ladies. She was very informative about the wildlife and local plants and trees to the area, making the excursions out from the lodge each day very enjoyable. The riding was fantastic, on horses of all ages, up rocky slopes high into the mountains, sometimes on narrow ledges, but you could trust them to look after you.

The staff at Moolmanshoek were all lovely - nothing was too much trouble, and the food was brilliant. All in all I could not fault this holiday - well worth the long trip to get there. Thank you to all of you at Moolmanshoek for making our holiday so memorable

Lesley who has been on 10 In The Saddle rides. Brilliant food, horses, accommodation, hosts, riding. | The riding more than met expectations although I have to say I think you needed more than a head for heights. Some of the inclines were quite scary, however, the horses were superb.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thanks so much for your lovely feedback. I'm so happy that you enjoyed Moolmanshoek. There are definitely some paths with steep drops up in the mountains, but as you say, the horses are incredibly sure-footed and well balanced so you feel in good hands (or hooves!) at all times 🙂 ].

Sarah (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Amazing | The riding was amazing , a bit scary at times but pushed me out of my comfort zone which overall I enjoyed.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thanks so much for your feedback. We are really pleased that you enjoyed your holliday overall.]

Lindy who has been on 10 In The Saddle rides. Wonderful | There were 10 of us in our group and we all had a wonderful time. It exceeded all our expectations. Lindy Hill, our guide, was very knowledgeable, caring and really looked after us.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you for your super feedback. We are really pleased that you enjoyed your long-awaited holiday at Moolmanshoek.]

Gwen who has been on 10 In The Saddle rides. Truly Fantastic week! | Excellent horses, so well cared for and very sure footed- which was needed on some of the steeper areas we rode over. My Tuff was a gorgeous boy who looked after me so well - loved him very much!

Sue who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Wonderful Moolmanshoek | The riding was absolutely fabulous. The scenery and wildlife were incredible. Lindy our guide was so knowledgeable and accommodating we had a wonderful time over and above our expectations.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We are really pleased that you enjoyed your stay at Moolmanshoek.]

Caryl (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Every day was an amazing adventure | This holiday met all my expectations and more…loved every minute of it. So much to explore, riding amongst the wildlife and birds across the plains and in the magnificent surrounding mountains. The views, blue skies and beautiful sunsets were amazing. I rode 4 different horses during my stay, including a beautiful stallion. They were all so well behaved and very sure footed, especially on the steeper terrain. I can’t thank our guide Lindy enough…a very knowledgable and helpful lady who looked after us all extremely well.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thanks so much for your lovely feedback. I'm so happy that you enjoyed your stay at Moolmanshoek. We appreciate your taking the time to tell us about your holiday.]

Rebecca who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. An awesome place, great variety of riding, lovely horses and staff | Moolmanshoek exceeded my expectations, I did a variety of riding across from week from high mountain trails to endurance training to chilled hacks. It was great to see the game while out riding. The horses were a local South African breed and Arabs for the endurance, I got to ride many different horses while there and they were all super lovely but with spark and they enjoyed what they did. We wre only a small group of 2 however riding preferences were catered for, for example I asked for a faster rider and was taken out individually for this and I was also able to join the endurance training which I loved!

[Abbie from ITS replies: Many thanks for your feedback. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your riding holiday at Moolmanshoek].

Sylvia who has been on 5 In The Saddle rides. Adventure | I found the riding challenging at times due to the steep climbs and descents but the horses were brilliant. The rewards were the amazing views once we reached the high peaks.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We're really pleased that you enjoyed your time at beautiful Moolmanshoek].

Sylvia who has been on 4 In The Saddle rides. Out of the world experience | The riding was out of this world- an amazing combination of technical mountain riding, slower pace when looking for the game and faster riding on the plains with plenty of trots and long canters. The thrill of ascending and descending different mountains went hand in hand with the sense of accomplishment after one just rode 50 km distance ride. I was expected to be challenged and I was and in the best way possible.
While the rides were exciting, it is also people that make Mooolmanshoek the treasure it is. The whole staff made me feel like at home and I cannot find enough words to describe their loving attitude and caring spirit.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you so much for your feedback, we are so pleased to hear how much you enjoyed Moolmanshoek!]