Zambezi Horse Trails have been operating under the guidance of
Alison Baker in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe since 1989. The
company is a small privately owned operation, which prides itself
on providing top quality horses for all types of riders.
Short trails for novice riders
The trails last up to 3 hours. You will have to control you own
horses as we do not provide leading reins. It's important to
realise that you don't just walk on a novice ride. There will be
opportunities to trot and even canter. Please notify the guide
should you only wish to walk. The horses used on a novice ride are
more complacent, though still of good quality, and shorter
distances are covered.
At the beginning of the ride, you'll be given instructions on
how to handle the horses. The ride will be conducted according to
your ability and inclination, with the pace at the discretion of
the guide. A guide and a tracker accompany all rides.
- Total length of rides - approximately 3 hours including
transfers, safety talk & drinks.
- Maximum of 8 (larger groups by special arrangement)
- Weight limit - maximum weight 95kgs. Heavier guests - on
request.
- Hard hats are provided.
Booking children on novice rides
- Please notify us when booking children, so appropriate ponies
are saddled.
- Children under the age of 7 years old must have had at least
one year of riding lessons, and must be accompanied by an
adult.
- No child, no matter how small, is permitted to share a
horse.
- Please use discretion when booking children, as it's very
possible that guests will see wild animals including buffalo.
- All guests must sign an Indemnity Form before the safari
commences. A parent or guardian needs to sign for their children
under the age of 18.
Short trails for experienced riders
This is a one-day trip designed for guests who've had
considerable riding experience. You'll be riding good quality
horses that might be slightly challenging. Please realise these are
not ordinary trail horses and, although there are a limited number
of quieter horses available, you'll be expected to control the
horses without assistance. The minimum requirement is that you have
ridden at least 20 to 30 times. If this is all the riding you have
done, at least half of this should have been in the past two years.
You should be able to control a horse at a canter - this means more
than just hanging on.
Brief notes on the short trails
- Morning or Afternoon - approximately 4 hours including
transfers, the safety-talk and drinks.
- Maximum group size - 8 (larger groups by special
arrangement)
- Age limit - 13 years - younger children by arrangement.
- Weight limit - maximum weight 95kgs. Larger guests - on
request.
- Guests will be asked about their medical condition - please do
not book if you suffer from back problems, epilepsy, fits, heart
conditions or if under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Pick up times for short trails ... any Victoria Falls hotel or
lodge
- Early Morning: August to March 05h45 - 06h15; April
to July 06h45 - 07h15
- Mid Morning: August to March 09h30 - 10h00; April to
July 10h00 - 10h30
- Late Afternoon: August to March 15h00 - 15h30; April
to July 14h30 - 15h00
Full-day trail for experienced riders
The ride takes place in the National Park and adjoining game
areas.
- Total length of ride - approximately 8 hours.
- Maximum group size is 6 (Larger groups by special
arrangement)
- Weight limit - 95kg.
- Hard hats are provided on request
- Age limit - 16 years old. Please note that NO children, no
matter what their experience, may do a full-day ride.
- You should be capable to canter, gallop and must be physically
fit and a competent rider.
- You will be asked about you medical condition - please do not
book if you suffer from back problems, epilepsy, heart conditions
or if under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Pick up times for full day trails ... from any Victoria Falls
hotel or lodge
- Summer (August to March) 05h45 - 06h15
- Winter (April to July) 06h45 - 07h15
What to wear
- Dull coloured clothing, no white or bright colours. Loose
T-shirt or cotton shirt and long trousers/jeans/jodhpurs.
- Takkies/trainers or riding boots - hiking boots will be too
hot.
- Chaps or half chaps if you prefer.
- A shady hat or peaked cap if you're going to wear a
helmet.
- Sunblock and any personal medication.
- Small automatic cameras only
We supply
- Hard hats for all rides, approved to Central African Standards.
They are obligatory for children.
- A basic first aid kit is carried on all trips.
- Bottled water and fruit on all rides.
- Saddle bags. Please note that daypacks can become very
uncomfortable and large cameras and video cameras are likely to
break.
- Peaked caps to wear underneath your helmet.
- Money belts to carry cash and travellers cheques, a small
automatic camera and any personal medication. We do not have lock
up facilities for cash at the yard.
- Khaki shirts if you have forgotten not to wear white. Rain
coats and ponchos during the rains. The above provisions are
on loan and laundered after every trip.
Types of horses on the trails
Anglo Arab, thoroughbred, Cleveland Bay, thoroughbred cross and
bush ponies. All horses are very light mouthed, responsive, fit and
in very good condition. There are different horses and ponies for
novice, intermediate and experienced riders. Horses range from 12
to 17 hands high in size.
Tack used
Australian Stock Saddles/Polocrosse Saddles, McClellan Saddles
and some English Saddles. Each horse has its own saddle although we
can change the type of saddle used if clients wish. Mainly snaffle
bridles.
