Pearly Beach Horse Trails

With over 35 years of hands-on experience in riding instruction, natural horse training and trail riding, Sarah Coronaios would like to share her passion with you.  An excursion on horseback with Gansbaai and Pearly Beach Horse Trails is undoubtedly the most pleasurable way to explore this secluded and pristine stretch of the Cape Whale Coast. Our team of good-natured horses and ponies love the feel of the Pearly Beach beach sand under their hooves, the spray of surf in their manes and the sweet smell of indigenous Fynbos, making these trails a truly unique bonding experience between horse and human.

In 2006, Sarah and her husband Kos established Rondebosch Riding School & Trails on their smallholding below the beautiful Soutpansberg Mountain Range in Limpopo province in northern South Africa.  From humble beginnings, starting with only three horses, the business grew to a stable of over 20 horses and ponies, offering a safe environment for riding instruction for all ages as well as trails in the area, training of horses, horse carriage for events such as weddings and much more.

After nearly twenty years of life in the northern region, the family relocated to the South Western Cape in 2017, bringing their equine family along, and continue to operate horse trails in the stunning Overstrand area, with mountains and endless pristine beaches as the new backdrop to the business.  Sarah & Kos also renovated two well-appointed, self-catering cottages available on the farm where guests can experience the peace and tranquility of this beautiful location.

Pearly Beach Horse Trails is an owner-operated business, and Sarah guides every trail.  Kos accompanies the trails capturing all your memories on photo and video, including drone footage wherever possible.  Kos is also a passionate astronomer and member of the Astronomical Society of South Africa.  Guests staying overnight on the farm have the opportunity to enjoy the on-site observatory and Kos’ expert guidance of the night sky.  Sarah & Kos also offer Sunset & Full Moon Trails for intermediate to experienced riders for a truly unique experience.

Pearly Beach Horse Trails is an environmentally friendly business, adhering to National rules with no vehicles on the beach, leaving only foot & hoof prints in the sand, and never to be forgotten memories with our guests.

OUR HORSE RIDING TRAILS

We have a full range of speciality trails awaiting you, all expertly guided by Sarah who has over 30 years experience guiding trails.  We endeavour to match you with the perfect equine companion on your trail, suiting your riding experience and personality.  See our frequently asked questions (FAQs) for information on what to expect, wear etc.  Please note – with our horses in mind, a weight limit of 95 kg applies.

Premium Beach Trail

Embark on a relaxing ride from the farm and through dune forest, allowing you and your equine partner to bond.  The dunes often provide unexpected surprises in the form of diverse bird and wildlife, interesting fynbos species, and beautiful flowers.   Then it’s onto the pristine stretch of coastline where you get to see first hand how Pearly Beach got its name.  The long untouched beach is the perfect place to allow your horse to show you what true freedom is, and a canter or gallop is surely the most exhilarating way!  Novice or nervous riders will be well looked after, and can enjoy a placid walk or more adventurous trot.

Weather dependent, guests will also have the opportunity to swim with the horses.  This has to be one of the most unique experiences, that moment of buoyant weightlessness as your horse’s hooves lift off the ocean floor and you swim bareback in the swell.

Mountain Fynbos Trail

Experience the Cape Floral Kingdom at its best from your seat in the saddle as you enjoy the fauna and flora of Pearly Beach’s inland territory, including a beautiful crystal clear dam and the call of the African Fish eagle. This trail is a scenic bounty of magnificent indigenous fynbos including endemic Protea species, endless mountain and sea vistas, with the chance of spotting a proliferation of our local birdlife and animal species.

Sundowner Trail

Witness an explosion of colour as the sun sets over Pearly Beach.  Our stretches of untouched white sandy beaches and the azure Atlantic are a breath-taking backdrop on these memorable sundowner rides.  This trail includes sundowners of your choice and snacks.   Return to the farm via vehicle after sunset.

Exclusive Champagne Trail

For that extra special occasion, book a Champagne Trail. Follow the beach to a scenic spot, where you then dismount and enjoy a glass of bubbly and snacks, before returning.

This trail lends itself to couples or small intimate groups for special occasions such as proposals, anniversaries, birthdays, etc and besides a trail to the beach, also includes a finale with sparkling wine and finger foods. Return to the farm via vehicle.

Sunset & Full Moon Trail

This very special trail occurs only once a month and is a magical adventure.  Riders depart for the beach late afternoon, enjoy a ride along the white sand whilst watching the sky turn golden as the Sun sets over the ocean and the Moon rises over the mountains.  A short drink and snack break, and the return along the silvery sand under the light of a huge full Moon, accompanied by the wondrous African nightlife chorus of crickets, frogs, owls and nightjars.  Kos who accompanies all trails to take photographs and drone video, is also an astronomer, and can show you around the wonders of the Southern Hemisphere night sky.

Our next Sunset & Full Moon Trails are on the 7th January 2023, and on the 4th February 2023.  As we do not take grooms to assist on these trails, they are for experienced riders only.  Riders must be able to control their own horses comfortably in all gaits on outrides, and not just in an arena situation.

Tasting Trails

Wine or beer tasting trails, showcasing the delicious products of our area, whilst teaming up with a never-to-be-forgotten coastal horse trail along the stunning paths and beaches of Pearly Beach.  The trail starts from our farm, making its way through coastal dune forest to the beach.  We then follow the sand and paths, making our way to our tasting destinations, where you will dismount and enjoy a carefully selected choice of our local wines or beers and a delicious snack platter.  Transfer return to the farm via our 4×4 vehicle.

Beach Weddings & Vow Renewals

Picture idyllic views of white sand, dunes, and endless ocean.  What better backdrop for a wedding or vow renewal, as the bride and groom arrive on horseback.   The ultimate in romance. For less formal and very intimate gatherings, nothing beats a barefoot beach celebration.  Create special memories and customise your special day.   We can provide the perfect venue, beach, farm or fynbos, catering, décor, professional photography (stills /drone /video) and of course horses.

Overnight Trails

One, two and three day overnight trails are available.  These trails are not available during peak season, and are for experienced riders only.  Please contact us for more information.

SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION

Two well appointed, self-catering cottages are available on the farm.  These allow easy access to Pearly Beach Village, near-by Gansbaai, restaurants and shops, Kleinbaai for shark cage diving and boat cruises, and of course the beautiful unspoilt beaches of Pearly Beach. Central to exploration of many attractions including lighthouses, L’Agulhas (southernmost tip of Africa), prehistoric sandstone caves, hikes and mountain bike trails, quad biking and of course horse trails from the farm, all in unrivalled scenery.

Relax in the tranquil environment of horse farm life, surrounded by fynbos covered hills and the pristine white sandy coastline of Pearly Beach at your doorstep. A premium whale watching spot annually from July through to November, where the Southern Right Whales visit to breed, birth and nurture their calves.

Also on site, resident astronomer Kos Coronaios can lead you on a Night Sky Safari from a fully equipped observatory. Discover many of our southern hemisphere stellar delights, in a dark and unpolluted sky and marvel at the Milky Way in all its splendour.

This closely guarded gem of the Cape Whale Coast awaits your exploration.