A pleasure for both rider and horse: Riding in the NAUkLuFT in the southern centre of Namibia

BüllsPort would not be BüllsPort without its horse breeding and riding programme. Anyone who sees Johanna Sauber with her horses immediately realises that there is a very special relationship. Based on understanding and trust.

She can tell anecdotes about each of her 20 horses. Like the one about Big Red: “Once he came up to me very slowly, with his head down, and scratched the ground with his hoof. When I looked, I saw that the shoe was missing. His attitude spoke volumes: ‘Again. Very annoying, I know. I’m sorry.’ Then he poked me gently with his nose. Turned round, took a few steps, looked back at me. Okay, he wanted me to come with him. So I followed him until he finally stopped. He scratched the ground with his hoof again. And what did I see? The lost horseshoe!”

Whether Big Red, Manitou or Miss Marple: each of the horses has its own character, its likes and dislikes, its own life story. And is therefore not really a farm animal, but a member of the extended family.

Almost all of the horses come from BüllsPort’s own breeding programme. “High-quality warmblood horses that I raise myself,” says Johanna. “They can move freely within the Kamps (pasture areas of the farm separated by a fence) and forage for themselves. Of course, we provide them with minerals and give them hay as supplementary feed in times of drought.”

Care and health care are important. Hoof care by a farrier, checking for internal and external parasites and vaccinations. Not forgetting an examination by a specialised equine vet every six months. Including the teeth.

Training is part of the rearing process. “At the age of two and a half, we familiarise the horse with the bridle, saddle and rider,” explains Johanna. This familiarisation takes about six weeks. “Then I let the young horse out into the field for another ten to twelve months, where it can romp around to its heart’s content. Only when it is three and a half years old do I start regular riding work.”

But even this is done in doses, as the horse is not yet fully grown. “There are always growth spurts that make riding more difficult for horse and rider. Then it is advisable to take breaks.” From the age of around four, the young horse is ready for its first ride. It is considered fully grown at the age of seven.

The careful rearing and training emphasise the horse and riding philosophy at BüllsPort Lodge & Farm. “We see riding as part of a two-way relationship between man and horse, based on mutual consent,” explains Johanna. “We do everything we can to ensure that both parties, rider and horse, enjoy their ride equally.”

This starts with safety and health for rider and horse. It includes the obligation to wear a helmet, the minimum age of six years for children and the maximum weight for riders of 90 kilograms. Each ride is customised according to the rider’s level of experience. Because all the horses have a calm nature and are ridden regularly, even beginners can go on (short) rides.

Johanna particularly enjoys watching how children interact with the horses. Whether they just sit on them and stroke them (children up to the age of six) or ride them at a walk, with the guide leading their horse by the halter rope (children aged six to nine). An intensive experience of nature that leaves a lasting impression.