Horse trail in Stellenbosch: 2-hour Winelands ride

The horses here are bred on-site and many have worked on film sets.

A 2-hour guided horse trail through the Stellenbosch Winelands where you ride terrain from tractor routes to mountain climbs, matched with a horse suited to your experience level. The operator breeds most of the horses used and groups riders by ability, so each guide leads a cohort at the right pace. Hard hats are compulsory. Tack is fitted to both rider and horse. Arrive 20 minutes early for the safety briefing.

The experience

The ride starts with a 20-minute arrival window for your helmet fit and briefing. You'll be matched with one of the operator's cross-bred horses (mostly South African Boerperds, Friesians, Thoroughbreds and Warmblood crosses) each with a known temperament and history. The operator bred most of them on-site from a herd of nearly 300, selecting for sound minds, attentiveness and good rideability. Tack is fitted to give both you and the horse comfort. McCellan trail saddles are standard, though English General Purpose saddles are available if you ask.

The trail itself mixes tractor routes, open areas for cantering and mountain climbs. The 2-hour ride reaches the top of Paarl Mountain, where the views across the Winelands justify the climb. Riders of different levels ride together but are grouped by experience, so each guide leads a cohort at the right pace: beginners get a steady meander, advanced riders can push into faster canters and gallops. The terrain changes throughout, so you're not repeating the same ground.

Bring riding boots and long pants with a slight heel, or full riding gear if you have it. Jodhpurs and chaps are ideal but not required. Hard hats are compulsory and provided in all sizes. The operator occasionally sells horses from the breeding program, and some of the animals you might ride have worked on movie and photo shoots. Rides can be customized to add meals and wine or olive tastings at boutique wineries in the Boland if you want to extend the experience beyond the saddle.

What’s included

• Use of a schooled horse matched to your riding level.
• fitted helmet and tack (McCellan trail saddle or English General Purpose on request).
• guide for your group.
• 20-minute pre-ride briefing.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 15:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “ROADWORKS ALERT: Expect delays of up to 40min due to roadworks. Set your Google Maps arrival 40min earlier than your booking time. Guests must arrive 30min early for a safety briefing.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPublic transport nearby

Operated by Wine Valley Adventures

Is this one for you?Groups stay under 15 riders and are split by experience level, so beginners ride with beginners and advanced riders push harder. Pick this if you want to ride at your own pace without holding back or struggling to keep up.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (8 to 12 years). Under 8: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the age range for riders on this trail?

Riders must be between 8 and 75 years old. The operator accommodates beginners and experienced riders in the same group by matching each rider with a horse suited to their level and grouping riders by experience so each guide leads at the right pace.

Can I ride if I've never been on a horse before?

Yes, beginners are welcome. You'll be paired with a well-schooled horse and grouped with other novice riders, so your guide leads at a relaxed pace. The operator emphasizes that the horses are calm, attentive animals suited to all levels.

What does the 2-hour ride include?

The 2-hour trail includes use of a horse, a fitted helmet, tack matched to your size and the horse, and a guide for your group. The ride climbs to Paarl Mountain, where the views across the Winelands are the main draw of the longer option.

What should I wear to ride?

Bring riding boots with a slight heel and long pants, or full riding gear if you have it. Jodhpurs and chaps are recommended but not required. Tight long pants and a closed shoe with a heel will work. Hard hats are compulsory and provided in all sizes.

Is there a weight limit for riders?

Yes, riders must weigh no more than 90 kg (198 pounds). The operator categorizes horses by the weight they carry to ensure both your safety and the horse's wellbeing.

Can I customize the ride to include wine or food?

Yes, rides can be customized to add meals and wine or olive tastings at boutique wineries and smaller estates in the Boland. Discuss this when you book to arrange the stops and timing.