9th November 2025
how each operator’s horses are cared for
We know that one of, if not the most, important thing to consider when choosing a riding holiday is how the horses are cared for. It’s paramount that working horses get the right care and breaks. That’s why we a) very carefully vet each operator we work with to ensure they take care of their horses well and b) wanted to create this blog post for you, so you can be sure that any ride you choose on Wild Mane will feature horses that are treated with the utmost care.
So here’s how each operator we work with takes care of their horses:
Namibia Horse Safaris | Namibia
The horses at Namibia Horse Safaris live out in the bush between safaris and their ‘paddocks’ are several thousand hectares. Though the farm is very remote, it’s in an usually high rainfall area meaning native grasses are available all year round and this is what they feed on when not on safari. When on safari, each horse is fed hard feed 3 times a day, fodder 3 times a day and lucerne twice a day.
The horses are left as natural as possible and live with their friend groups, who they also go on safari with. They do between 3-4 safaris a year with a 6 week break between each safari, and the younger horses will do slightly less as they learn to manage carrying weight and build muscles & confidence. Their horses aren’t schooled as they prefer to encourage them to move and be as natural as possible which prevents injury and keeps them happy.
Despite being ‘out in the bush’ when not on safari, each horse is checked over every few days. Their staff are trained in animal husbandry, trimming and shoeing. The horses are only shod on the front during safari and the rest of the time they go barefoot. When on safari, each horse is given a mini vetting at the end of the day to make sure they’re fit enough to be ridden and continue on the next day.
The horses here are at the heart of the operation and are valued above all else.
Offbeat Riding Safaris | Kenya
The horses are the heart and soul of Offbeat Riding Safaris and their wellbeing and safety is their top priority. During the day the horses roam freely as a herd under the watchful eye of a herder with ample grass to eat and this natural, stress-free lifestyle keeps them calm, confident and responsive. At night, they are stabled individually (with dry bedding, hay, water and summer sheets on) to keep them protected from predators.
Their horses are regularly rested for 1 day - 1 week at a time and most will have a month off during the closed season. Riding hours are generally from 7:30 - 10:30 am and 4:30 - 6:30 pm which protects them from working in high heat.
Life in the bush means the team at Offbeat have learnt to handle much of the veterinary care themselves - from treating minor ailments to day-to-day health. For more complex cases, there are vets in Nairobi and Nanyuki that they can fly or drive in. The horses are shod once a month, have their teeth done once a year, are wormed every 3 months and are fully vaccinated for Africa horse sickness, West Nile virus, rabies and tetanus.
The result of the extensive care the horses at Offbeat receive is a group of relaxed and well-schooled horses who are perfectly at ease with the sights and sounds of the wild.
jerebeque trails | Spain
At Jerebeque trails, the horses are part of the family and get taken care of as such. Most of their horses were born and bred at home and others have been with them since foals. The result is the extensive pool of knowledge Emilio and Mamen have about each horse including their personality and story which means they each get exactly the right care.
Outside of each ride, their horses live in a group, eating, drinking, sleeping and travelling together. They’re given the most natural life possible. They live in a huge pine forest, a common land of 500 hectares in the Gredos Mountains or in the rich pastures in the Dehesas of Extremadura. They keep naturally fit as they walk around 20km a day in freedom and they live amongst other animals such as donkeys, cows, roe deer, deer, wild boar and foxes.
Most of their horses are beautiful PRE horses with some Hispano - Arab crosses. They’ve all been backed and trained by Emilio with the result being a group of serene, confident and happy horses. Emilio has a special talent for matching horse with rider and you will no doubt fall in love with your match.
The horses here are the true protagonists of every riding experience and are treasured deeply by Emilio and Mamen.
cheval et Chateaux | France
The horses at Cheval et Chateaux are cherished and paid close attention, especially when it comes to their health and wellbeing. They value social interaction for the horses and therefore when they’re stabled, their kept close to their friends, with lower walls allowing them to touch and groom each other.
They have an 80% fibre diet with hay or grass on demand and they live in freedom 24/7 from spring to winter.
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