BACK IN THE SADDLE…AGAIN

If the truth be told, the last time I sat firmly in the saddle must have been 25 years ago. I was in my late 20’s getting over a broken heart. A girlfriend had this bright idea that we should take up horse riding and I struggled through a few lessons, finally giving up, deciding that a broken heart was easier to mend than aching thighs.

I have known Isabella Stepski from Pakamisa for 14 years and have always admired her beautiful Arab horses, and longed for the day when I could ride through the pristine bushveld at Pakamisa viewing game.

September is such a gorgeous month in Zululand. The air is crisp, not too hot, and ideal for game viewing.

I rode Apache, a gentleman of a horse, who patiently carried me on our hour and a half amble. The other guests were also novices and we all felt extremely confident on our steeds. The Pakamisa horses (not all Arabs) are well schooled and used to meeting other four legged creatures. There are no predators or dangerous game on the reserve, so no fear of joining the food chain.

Isabella is fastidious about her tack. Her saddles are custom made for each horse. Out of the 33 horses 18 are under saddle. I confess that I did look with extreme envy at the accomplished riders, sitting so naturally on their horses. 

There is something special about the relationship between rider and horse.

We allowed the horses several pub stops. Water is extremely important in our warm, dusty climate. That done, we weaved our way through tamboti forests, following animal tracks and on farm roads. We saw zebra, impala, giraffe (a Pakamisa signature), kudu, duiker and wildebeest. All the game was so calm and it was wonderful to be at one with them.

A flock of ostrich has taken up residence around the stables. 

Mum and dad proudly guarding their 11 new hatchlings.

I slipped off my steed, sorry that the ride was over. Isabella has a group of young volunteers who are kind and efficient. Together we unsaddled the horses and rewarded them with a good brushing. 
Apache thanked me with nuzzling kisses and almost fell asleep during his preening!

It was a wonderful morning. 

Well worth repeating.

Pakamisa Private Game Reserve is just outside Pongola in Zululand, South Africa. www.pakamisa.co.za

Other blogs by Lois Kuhle:
SMOKE RINGS IN CUBA. A TWO WEEK JOURNEY FILLED WITH SALSA, SUNSHINE AND SILLY PEOPLE: http://smokeringsincuba.blogspot.com/2013/10/smoke-rings-in-cuba-journey-filled-with.html
'LIFE'S COOL'. MY NEAREST AND DEAREST BECAME THOSE THAT GRUNTED, BARKED OR BIT.
http://milimanilifescool.blogspot.com/2013/12/i-n-2002-i-was-lucky-enough-to-be-given.html
COOL THOUGHTS – LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE: http://loiscoolthoughts.tumblr.com/
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