What do riders really want out of their trail ride experience?

I work at a trail riding company, and we get people (mostly students studying some form of equine studies) from all over the world staying with us from 1 week - over a month, working with our horses, going on a multi-day horse trail along the beach and through the big hills and mountains...

We offer all sorts of activities aswell, such as going om a safari drive, elephant & cheetah interaction, swimming in the sea and lagoons with he horses, experiencing the African culture (as you can tell, we are a trail company in South Africa)

What would you, as riders and outdoor adventure lovers like to do and see on a working holiday like this? And would you enjoy this if you got the opportunity to come here with a bunch of horsey friends?

Thanks, all input is appreciated! :) We try and deliver the best experience for clients, something new and exciting, memories that would last a life time! And at an affordable price!

Thanks!

P.S. If anyone would like more information about this "working holiday" (maybe you know some horse clubs, or are apart of some horse riding establishment that would really benefit from an experience like this) you may send me a private message. :)

Wow! What a cool job!

If I were going to Africa, I would love to ride horses while visiting nature and seeing as much wildlife as possible. Wildlife makes any ride fun.

I would, however, prefer not to be eaten by lions..........

Touring around the countryside on horseback is an ideal vaction for me. I'd love to ride out and see native wildlife (from a safe distance of course) and then eat gourmet food at camp with luxury accommodations. But, I'm past the age where a working vacation sounds like a treat. I'm now at the age where I want to be catered to, not to be the one doing the catering. Sorry, can't be a whole lot of help to you!

Wow.. just riding everywhere from mountains to safari (though I'd be scared of the horse spooking and/or teasing the lions and cheetahs and crocodiles.....

But having a little grill campout in the middle of the countryside would be awesome, being told about African culture in story form.

Sounds like a blast. I'd love to ride there - the scenery and animals would be fantastic. I am like Celeste though - I don't want to be eaten by the lions, attacked by the chimpanzees or anything that wants to be pissed off at me.

I'd like great food, great companionship, and a place to get cleaned up at - wouldn't have to be luxury, just functioning!!!

Tell me before the ride and during breaks what I'm seeing. While the horses feet are actually moving I prefer mostly quiet from my fellow riders. To much talking is distracting so things are missed. I only like lots of chatting on familiar trails I've already seen a bunch.

I'd like to know local legends/ stories, have a cook-out, see lots of wildlife, dramatic views and I do like a bit of a gallop... not asking for much am I lol ;)

Wow, that sounds really cool. My horse is terrified of deer, so I can't begin to imagine horses who are calm around all those animals you have over there. Those must be some level headed equines!

As for guided trail riding in general, the only thing I don't like is when they group different level riders together. Beginners don't want to gallop anymore than experienced riders want to walk the entire way.

If I ever get canned and given a healthy "go away" paycheck, maybe I'll come over for a working vacation for a few months.

Saw a story once on TV about a couple of friends riding in Africa. Although quite pretty, there ended up being a lioness chasing a horse rider full run(caught off guard.) The other rider started to chase the lioness and eventually(horse got slightly clawed) she stopped. But as they all calmed down and let their horses take a drink from a small stream, the lioness was watching from a hilltop.

^ Yeah Noooo with a big ol heaping spoon of WAY on top.

I believe that would ruin safaris for me lol.