Arabella Equestrian Centre — gentle, well-schooled horses and BHS-qualified guides on the doorstep of the hotel.
About this experience
Hand-selected horses, qualified guides, and routes that wind through the Arabella estate down to the Bot River lagoon. Suitable for absolute beginners through experienced riders — the centre keeps a stable of gentle, well-schooled horses chosen specifically for resort guests.
The Bot River lagoon is one of the most important estuarine systems in the Western Cape — flamingos, fish eagles and the occasional otter share the path with you. Your guide pauses at three viewpoints to talk through the geology and the surrounding wine farms, and you'll generally have the trails entirely to yourselves.
A glimpse of the day
Imagery courtesy of Arabella Equestrian Centre.
Your day, hour by hour
- T-30Short transfer to the centre
A 5-minute hotel shuttle drops you at the stable yard where you'll meet your horse and ride leader.
- T-15Fit-out & mounting block lesson
Helmets, chaps and a quick walk-trot lesson in the arena — total beginners welcome and prepared.
- 0:00Onto the trail
Out through vineyard rows and into the fynbos belt, with three viewpoints over the Bot River lagoon.
- 1:30Lagoon-edge canter (optional)
Confident riders can open up on the flat stretch beside the estuary; beginners hold a comfortable walk.
- 2:00Untack & transfer back
Quick photo at the stables and shuttle back to the hotel lobby.
Highlights
- ✓All abilities welcome — beginners taught from the mounting block
- ✓Lagoon-edge, vineyard and fynbos trails
- ✓British-Horse-Society-qualified guides
- ✓Hard hats and chaps provided
What's included
- +Helmet & chaps
- +Qualified ride leader
- +Short transfer from the hotel
- +Bottled water
What to bring
- ·Long trousers or jeans
- ·Closed shoes with a small heel
- ·Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
Things to know
- 📍 Meeting point: Arabella Equestrian Centre (5 min from hotel)
- 🗓 Best season: Year-round · sunset rides Nov–Mar are unmissable
- 🥾 Fitness: Light to moderate · able to mount and sit a walking/trotting horse for 90 minutes
- 👶 Minimum age: 8 years
- ⚖️ Maximum weight: 95 kg (operator safety requirement)
- ♿ Accessibility: Tell us about any mobility needs or disabilities at checkout — we'll share them with the operator in advance so they can prepare.
- 💳 Payment: Secure card payment, instant confirmation
Frequently asked questions
How do I confirm my booking?+
Pay securely by card and you'll receive instant confirmation by email with a booking reference, an add-to-calendar file, and the operator's contact details.
What's the cancellation policy?+
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your departure for a full refund. Inside 48 hours the booking is non-refundable, but you can change the date or transfer the booking to another person — manage it any time from the Manage Booking page.
What if the weather is bad?+
If your operator cancels for safety or weather, you'll be offered a free reschedule or a full refund — no questions asked. Light rain or wind usually does not affect departures.
Are children welcome?+
This activity has a minimum age of 8. Younger children unfortunately can't be accommodated for safety reasons.
Where do we meet?+
Arabella Equestrian Centre (5 min from hotel). Full meeting instructions, a map link and the operator's mobile number are included in your confirmation email.
Can I pay in cash on the day?+
No — all bookings are pre-paid by card to secure your seats. This is what allows us to give you instant confirmation.
Cancellation & changes
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure for a full refund. Inside 48 hours, the booking is non-refundable but can be rescheduled or transferred to another guest. Manage your booking any time at /manage.
Disclaimer of liability
overberg.activities operates as a booking aggregator. The activity is provided by Arabella Equestrian Centre, an independent operator. By booking you accept that all outdoor activities carry inherent risk and that you participate at your own risk. The operator's own safety briefings, waivers and indemnities apply on the day.
You must disclose any medical conditions, pregnancy, mobility limitations, or recent injuries at the time of booking (in the field provided) so the operator can assess suitability. Misrepresenting your fitness, age or medical status may void the booking and any insurance cover.
Full terms and the complete disclaimer of liability are available on our Terms & Conditions page.