Horse Riding in Dullstroom

Exploring Dullstroom on horseback is one of the most memorable ways to experience the area’s tranquil beauty – and at Walkersons Hotel & Spa, guests are perfectly positioned to do just that. The Dullstroom Riding Centre, located on the scenic Walkersons Estate, offers guests and day visitors the opportunity to see the Highveld from a unique perspective.

Whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned equestrian, these guided outrides are designed to be both relaxing and invigorating, allowing you to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with nature during your stay at Walkersons.

What To Expect

Led by seasoned equestrian Dave Curtis, the Dullstroom Riding Centre is home to a herd of calm, well-trained horses suited to every level of experience. Trails wind through rolling hills, grasslands, forests, and trout dams, offering ever-changing scenery and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.

Each ride is accompanied by experienced guides who ensure your safety and comfort throughout the journey. For families travelling with young children, the centre offers pony walks in the paddock – the perfect way for little ones under 8 years old to enjoy their first introduction to horse riding in a calm and safe environment.

Rides are available for one or two hours and cater to all ability levels:

• 1-hour ride (beginner-friendly): R250 per person
• 2-hour ride (for riders with some experience): R400 per person

Please note: the maximum rider weight is 95 kg. Safety hats are provided, and it’s recommended to wear long pants and closed shoes for comfort and safety.

For children, pony rides are available at R60 per child for 10 – 15 minutes (subject to availability). Please note that pony rides cannot be pre-booked.

“In riding a horse, we borrow freedom.” – Helen Thompson

Riding Through the Seasons

One of the most rewarding aspects of horse riding in Dullstroom is how the scenery transforms with the seasons.

In autumn, the hills turn shades of amber and gold, and the crisp morning air adds a refreshing edge to each ride. Winter brings a quiet magic – misty mornings, cool air, and clear blue skies that make the landscapes appear almost ethereal. Many riders describe these colder months as the most peaceful time to explore, when the trails are tranquil and the estate’s natural beauty feels especially intimate.

Spring and summer bring bursts of green, the sound of birdsong, and flowing streams, making every ride feel alive with the energy of renewal. No matter the season, each visit to the Riding Centre offers a new experience – one shaped by Dullstroom’s ever-changing light, weather, and rhythm.

What Wildlife Can You See

Riding through Walkersons Estate and the surrounding Dullstroom countryside often includes sightings of zebra, blesbok, reedbuck, and wildebeest grazing peacefully in the open grasslands. If you’re lucky, you might also spot otters by the dams or a serval moving quietly through the long grass. 

The slower pace of a horseback ride makes it easier to notice these beautiful moments — the flick of a tail, the sound of a bird taking flight, or the crunch of hooves on soft ground. This gentle immersion in nature is part of what makes the Dullstroom Riding Centre such a grounding experience.

Where It All Began

The story of the Dullstroom Riding Centre goes back several decades. In the late 1980s, Dave and Rhoda Curtis began their journey in Pilgrim’s Rest, where they started running Valley of Gold Horse Trails in collaboration with Christo Germishuis at the Poniekrans Stables. Their passion for horses and the outdoors led them to open riding operations at Lakenvlei Forest Lodge and later at Elandskloof Trout Farm.

After years of perfecting their trails and growing a loyal following, the Curtises brought their horses to Walkersons Estate, where the Dullstroom Riding Centre found its true home. The horses — carefully hand-picked for their even temperaments and gentle natures — continue to charm both locals and visitors, offering unforgettable riding experiences in the heart of Mpumalanga’s Highlands.

Words of Appreciation

“I have been on a few outrides in my life but nothing could compare to this one. We went right up into the hills and rode amongst game — wildebeest, impala, zebra, and eland. These horses are trained with love and appreciation, and it shows. This was the highlight of our weekend.” ~ Juliett and Adrian Delport

Book Your Experience

To book your outride or pony walk, contact:
📞 Dave: +27 (0)82 442 9766
📞 Chrissie: +27 (0)82 581 0984
📧 Email: horsetrails@worldonline.co.za
Advance booking is essential.