Selsdon Park Estate — Attraction in Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality

Worst experience. Do NOT recommend.

The owner rushed everyone to get on the horses, no induction other than telling patrons to make sure they have a loose reins and dont kick the horses or they will throw us off. No stirrups were lengthened or shortened or explanations given to novice riders. We were told to get going and just follow the road, no guide guiding the way. The horses are not schooled, they follow each other and do not listen to any aids. We requested an experienced rider excursion, when we arrived we were told we would break up onto two groups. When we arrived on the beach the horses simply refused to canter, we had to be led on lead reins and horses were forced to canter that way for a few steps.

When horses were assigned the owner gave us an appaloosa mare. She has severe trigeminal mediated head shaking to the point where it was unsafe and we had to get off the mare on the beach and walk back to the stables. The guide told us she is allergic to sugar cane, yet they keep using her and make her hack out through the sugar cane. It was clear the group was over booked and we were given what they had.

It takes 40 minutes of riding to eventually get to the beach, a small time on the beach and another 40 minutes back tot the stables. When we got off the guide offered to swop horses, she did try to make the experience better but nephew also has about enough at that point in time and the excursion was spoilt.

When we got back to the stables the owner took us aside to apologise for what happened and blamed his staff for using the mare.. I pointed out that he was the one that assigned the mare to us… He was cocky to say the least, but did offer that we can immediately go out again on two other horses. We drove 45minutes to get there and after 80minutes riding an unrideable horses and walking back to the stables we had enough. We requested a refund, needless to say thats when his temperament changed.

Our biggest concern is the welfare of the horse. It should not be used when it’s clearly in discomfort with head shakes so violent her reins kept flying to one side of her neck and knocking my phone out my hand.

If you are looking for a long walk via tar roads for a short ride on the beach on horses that follow the leader, this is for you. If you want to enjoy a beach ride and canter for a more experiences rider and schooled horses, dont go there....

Great for experienced riders, not recommended for beginners!!

We booked a beach ride with this stable. We were two people (one experienced rider, one complete beginner) and joined a group that also included one other experienced rider plus the guide.

The positives first: the location is beautiful, the beach ride itself was stunning, the horses are healthy, well cared for, and very well trained. The owner was also very friendly. For experienced riders, it was an enjoyable and memorable outing.

However, for beginners the experience was unfortunately very disappointing and even unsafe. Our companion, who had never ridden before, received no introduction or explanation whatsoever. Nothing was explained about how to start, stop, steer, or what to do in case of an emergency. She was simply placed on a horse and the group set off. Unsurprisingly, she struggled, quickly fell behind, and the guide did not pay any attention to this.

When we reached the beach, the other rider in our group asked to trot. Instead of checking whether everyone was ready – especially the beginner – the guide ignored our request to wait and simply set off. This caused all the horses to follow and start trotting, including the horse of the beginner companion. She panicked, lost control, and fell off in the middle of the ride. Thankfully, the horse immediately stopped, showing how well trained and calm the animals are and she wasn’t injured.

What shocked us most was the guide’s reaction: he was not the first to assist, but walked back slowly after someone had already rushed to her. His response was indifferent and careless. After briefly asking if she was “okay,” he immediately told her to get back on the horse without any guidance, reassurance, or alternative options. There was no concern, no responsibility, and no effort to ensure her safety or comfort. The ride then continued as before, with the same lack of support, and the beginner companion again fell behind, away from the group. That made her feel very insecure and unwell.

Overall, the scenery and horses were wonderful, but the guide’s complete lack of care and responsibility was unacceptable. For experienced riders this may be fine, but we strongly cannot recommend it...

Long review, good reason though.

As a regular horse rider and someone who has great fun on naughty horses, I can say: "Well looked after horses. Nice area and scenic views."

Although I have never ridden with them, I did take clients of mine here (gentleman proposing to his girlfriend) and they were beginners, their comments were "it was scary, the horses kept running and the guide laughed and refused to stop"

According to discussion with the guide's, the owners and other clients of theirs who are friends of mine, I came to the conclusion of: The horses are naughty and injuries common.

So make sure you are a good rider and know what you are doing on a horse BEFORE going riding here.

I will say the owners are very nice people.

*Post edited due to request​ directly from owners. Note this was a review I gave for an event that happened 1 year ago (today being 09 April 2017), so possibility that the horses are better behaved now, according other more recent reviews. Owners (very nice people and spoke with respect) merely said "... refrain from using outside information" and "... please edit or remove your rating" so I'm not sure if they have said similar to any other reviewers, use your discretion when choosing to ride here. *

I would like to use their services in future, but only for seasoned riders who can...