| It was to be my first excursion on horseback for, | | | | Without time to comprehend exactly what had been |
| well more years than I care to remember and I | | | | said to me my trusty steed trotted down the bank |
| certainly didnt want to remember my last experience | | | | and up the other side. With a lot of bouncing around |
| at the tender age of 17, on a bolting horse down a | | | | and huffing and puffing, eyes closed, I had actually |
| muddy track with overhanging trees and a fence at | | | | managed to stay on! |
| the end of the track leading directly onto a main | | | | I looked back at the vast creek I had just crossed |
| road. | | | | and a huge smile came across my face! |
| Anyway, enough of the ancient past this was a | | | | Well that was just the start. The days progressed, |
| holiday that was going to be a relaxing time as my | | | | up at 6am heading for the horses at 7am and out in |
| partner was the one who wanted the riding. I was | | | | the bush for 7:30am. |
| going to sunbathe, swim do a little fishing maybe. | | | | With each passing day my confidence grew, mainly |
| The arrival into Johannesburg was uneventful | | | | thanks to that chestnut mare and the guides leading |
| although the security in the airport was a shock and | | | | us. |
| one that I did not expect. During the transfer to the | | | | During a chat with one of the guides I was informed |
| riding centre in the Waterburg area about three | | | | that I would be cantering by day three. I had a real |
| hours north of Johannesburg time to relax and chat | | | | belly laugh at that. Well I was. I had NEVER cantered |
| about the holiday ahead. | | | | before and it was incredible. |
| An early introduction to the wildlife was meeting the | | | | So, onto our 'close encounter' with three rhino. |
| 'friendly' rhino who lived in a game reserve where the | | | | After a long days riding we headed back to our |
| driver pulled over and let us take a closer look on the | | | | camp. It had been a long day and we had spent a |
| right side of a very strong looking fence. | | | | little too much time watching the rhino on the plains |
| Arrival at the riding centre just in time for lunch was | | | | so it was dusk as we approached the encampment. |
| a very welcoming sight meeting the owners and the | | | | Our guide made us stop a little way outside the |
| other guests. With the formalities out of the way I | | | | camp whilst she checked for rhino. They occasionally |
| was ready for an afternoon relaxing by the 'Hippo | | | | made there way into the encampment but very |
| Dam' with a good book whilst the better half went | | | | rarely. The group sat around chatting for about 10 |
| off for her first excursion. | | | | minutes until we were given the all clear by the guide |
| To cut a very long story short, after a lot of cajoling | | | | to follow. |
| and the promise of a gentle walk around one of the | | | | As we entered the encampment it was pretty dark |
| game reserves I was led to my mount. A pretty | | | | and the only things that could be seen were the |
| chestnut mare who "knew the ropes and would take | | | | 'rhino' shaped bushed off in the distance. As we |
| good care of you". | | | | came up the bank and into the main camp the guide |
| She looked nice and had a kind eye so I figured it | | | | froze, quickly signalling us all to stop. As we peered |
| was ok to show willing and join the one and only ride | | | | through the dark gloom of night there they were. |
| I was having over the next 10 days. | | | | Three of the biggest rhinos in the park, no more |
| A quick shower to freshen up and hopefully loosen | | | | than three feet from us and heading directly toward |
| some of those aching joints from the long flight to | | | | us. In a flash our guide signalled right and we headed |
| South Africa I headed toward the stables where we | | | | for a very small, narrow tree. The tree was not big |
| were all meeting. Everyone was very excited about | | | | enough to hide a small person behind let alone six |
| their first ride out in the Waterburg. Me? I was | | | | horses and riders. As we grouped together the three |
| terrified. How did I manage to let myself be talked | | | | rhinos gave us a glance, a knowing glance, and then |
| into such a stupid situation? | | | | passed by without even a snort. |
| Once onboard the mare I adjusted, coughed, tried to | | | | To say that I was scared would be an |
| smile even chat with other guests. Deep down a | | | | understatement. Would I have missed it for the |
| raging terror ate at me. | | | | world? Never! |
| Our guide for the first ride was a young South | | | | My thanks to Louise at for organising such a fantastic |
| African girl who seemed very sweet, if a little 'hard'. | | | | trip and of course our hosts, Shane and Laura. |
| We walked out of the stable yard and headed | | | | I will definitely be returning, one day, and will again be |
| toward the creek leading into the dam. At the top of | | | | calling on the services of Louise at Equitour |
| the very high, steep edge of the creek our guide | | | | Worldwide Riding Holidays to make all of the |
| shouted back to me that the horse likes to trot | | | | arrangements. |
| down into the creek and back up the other side. | | | | |