Botlierskop - Western Cape, South-Africa

Nestled in the heart of the Garden Route between Mossel Bay and George is the hidden gem, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve.

Named after the spectacular odd-shaped rock formation "koppie", which is a landmark in this area, Botlierskop is a must visit for all ages wanting to experience various once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

Back in May, on a trip along the picturesque Garden Route from George to Cape Town with family, I spotted a brochure for horse-riding at Botlierskop and could barely contain my excitement at the prospect of going.

Upon googling just what they had to offer at Botlierskop we were amazed at all the varying activities we could take part in and so decided to make a family day of it.

To start my two Aunties and I headed over to the Elephant Park where we were lucky to be given the opportunity to feed the family of Elephants they had; a mum, dad, young son and baby girl. Up we climbed into a jeep and drove the short journey to where it all happened.

I've always wanted to feed Elephants but it's not something you're given the opportunity to do in England so I could barely contain my excitement and more than likely resembled a child in a chocolate factory on the short drive there!

Immediately my love for all animals shone through as we were presented a baby Elephant to coo over and stroke. I could have honestly taken her home, she was absolutely gorgeous and the three of us were in awe as her mum allowed us to stroke and feed her without a care in the world. These animals are breathtaking, you don't realise just how big and gorgeous they are until you're up close. I've only ever seen Elephants from a distance but was left speechless at the beauty of them.

The guides were fantastic, going through minor details about each Elephant, telling us where they originated from, how they ended up at Botlierskop and a little about their personality. Putting us at ease straight away, they told us how to carefully and safely feed the Elephants but not once interfered, giving us complete control of what we were doing and how we worked out to take it turns to ensure everyone had an equal amount of turns. 

In all honesty I expected the experience to last for no more than 10 minutes as they were clearly busy, but not once were we rushed or hurried along to finish giving the Elephants our buckets of fruit. 

The three dedicated guides even offered to take each of our cameras and snap away as we enjoyed living in the moment and experience something so surreal and amazing. They captured some gorgeous photos on my camera that i'll treasure forever.

Once finished we were asked if we wanted to pose for some more photos on the logs in front of where all the Elephants were stood so we could get a nice photo of the three of us. We couldn't have been looked after better than we were and if we didn't need to get back for my ride then I'm sure we could of spent much longer just sat admiring the beauty of these large animals.

If you're considering doing this experience I would highly recommend it to anyone. It really is one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that if you don't do you'll definitely regret. 

Next up was my 2-hour horse ride through the bush. Western riding in this setting has been on my bucket list since I was a little girl and I could not believe I was finally getting the chance to do something like it. 

I was given the most gorgeous bay gelding, whom I wish I could remember the name of and given a leg up. I half expected there to be quite a few of us going on the ride but was thrilled to learn it was just myself with two tour-guides. Even better! 

They asked about my riding experience, what I had done at home and what I would be confident doing. Everything was so thorough; not like your typical holiday riding experience where it's all go, go, go and hope for the best. I was filled with nothing but confidence and couldn't wait to just get going! 

Once I said I was a confident rider that was it, we were off! I admit I squealed like a girl during our first canter through a herd of other animals as I couldn't quite believe what I was doing. It was one of those moments where you realise you're actually alive and living in this very moment and no one can take that away from you. 
After a short while we slowed down to a walk and the main tour-guide offered to take my camera from me so I could just enjoy everything around me. I learnt once I got back that he'd been snapping photos the whole way around the ride, which was so very generous and something I was very grateful for. 

I cannot describe the views nor the experience - there are just no words strong enough that can get across how perfect the entire ride was. Even if you're not a rider, I really recommend doing this, just to be able to have the opportunity to soak up the scenery. 

We rode up and down tracks that I didn't even think we would make it up, cantered across land that I could only ever dream of cantering across and was in complete awe for every nano-second I was sat upon that horses back. In fact I was speechless, so much so the guide questioned whether I was always that quiet.

The whole ride simply felt like one of those moments where words weren't needed; the memories, the photos, the experience.....they all spoke a thousand words. It didn't need me to say "this is breathtaking", because honestly the smile I had on my face and lump I had in my throat did all the talking. 

We headed up to the 'Koppie' rock formation, posed for photos and the guide explained the story on why Botlierskop is called what it is. All I could do was nod and sit there to soak up just how beautiful and stunning the view was. The only way I can describe it, is something you never imagine to see in real life, but only on films, or a view you only imagine others get to experience and not you. 

All too soon it was time to head back down and slowly we navigated our way back to some flat land suitable for a few more gallops. I don't think the smile left my face for even a second. Especially as we headed for a pack of Rhinos and slowed when nearing them to take in their beauty and get some photos. 

I had to pinch myself - how can one ever imagine being that close to such an animal on horseback. I suppose for some it's normal everyday life, but for us here in England it's something we don't even dream of doing.

*

Next up was our next adventure which I was equally as excited for. I'd always wanted to go on a Game Drive and finally I was about to live my dream!

All of us were bundled into a 4x4 open-sided vehicle, given blankets to keep us warm when it got a little chilly and off we went on a 3-hour long adventure!

This experience was just as amazing as the previous two - we drove up mountains that I never thought we'd get up, we drove back down drops I didn't think would be possible and we saw animals I could only ever dream of being close to. Everything about the trip was simply out of this world.

Initially when booking I thought 3-hours was a long time to be sat in a truck driving around looking for animals, but honestly the time passes so quickly you don't realise. The tour guides help make the experience as well by stopping by each animal, offering information and answering any questions anyone might have. They didn't rush anyone taking photos and it felt like you had all the time in the world to soak up the experience and capture those special moments.

The highlight for me had to be stopping literally feet away from a Lion and Giraffe. I never imagined I would have the opportunity to see such two beautiful creatures up close, let alone get some breathtaking photos of them.

Even when driving to find the next animal the drive is far from boring and mundane as you're treated to stunning views over the reserve and further, which leave you feeling care free and on top of the world - quite literally.

For anyone thinking of wanting to experience any of the above then I would highly recommend Botlierskop. As soon as I have the money next year I will be going back and cannot wait to experience the tranquility, peacefulness and breathtaking views of the reserve.  I mean it when I say there isn't anything quite like Botlierskop and if you have the opportunity it's one of those places you have to visit.

(All views are my own. This is not a sponsored post and by no means influenced) 

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#WillYouSlowDownForMeNow? Slow Down For My Horse Campaign!

A 19-year-old from Jersey has started the #WillYouSlowDownForMeNow campaign by encouraging riders to take selfies of themselves naked whilst out with their horse.

The campaign is hoped to raise awareness to drivers to encourage them to slow down by grabbing their attention.

The Facebook page which has over 6,000 likes in just two weeks is spreading worldwide, with both young old, male and female getting involved.

Fun? Not necessary? The page has been hit with some criticism but generally everyone is in favour.

Of course, I couldn't pass the opportunity of having a go! Here's one of the not so revealing photos!

*No under 18's 


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10 annoying conversations we have to endure with non-horse folk!

You can't deny we've all been there. We've all had those awkward conversations with non-horse folk about how it is possible for our horse to see out of their fly mask and no they're not cruel. I also bet I'm not the only one that's had to explain ample times you don't flick your reins and nor do you scream "Ye Haaaaa" if you want your horse to walk on.

All sport-fanatics get it and all are probably more than used to the hilarious and ridiculous comments about their sport, but it doesn't make it any less of a "wanting to roll your eyes" moment when the hideous and completely laughable comments do crop up.

In no particular order, here are the most 10-annoying things a non horsey person can say:

1) "Horse-riding isn't a sport. All you do is sit there and let the horse do all the work."

I'm sorry I must have not received the memo that falling several feet from a large animal isn't hard work, nor is controlling a large animal with a mind of its own.

2) "Oh you've written for Horse & Hound... how awesome is the film Notting Hill..?"

Please. I've heard all the Notting Hill / Horse & Hound jokes you can imagine. Yes you've watched Notting Hill, no it doesn't make you a Horse & Hound expert, so don't pretend to know the magazine just because it was referenced in a film.

3) "Ah you do dressage? That's the horse dancing isn't it? How do you make your horse dance?" 

The amount of times I've had to explain my horse doesn't "dance" is getting tiring now. Move on!

4) "Why are you putting nail polish on your horses toes?"

I'm sure my Carr & Day & Martin buddies have heard this one ample times! A) They aren't toes, they're hooves and B) it's not nail polish! I stopped explaining a long time that what we do is actually beneficial.. I'm sure my friends think I just do it to make sure Ceaser has "pretty toes".

5) "Oh my god, look at that baby horse!!"

*Face palm* it's not a baby horse, it's a foal. It doesn't take much brain power to remember this simple four-letter word.

6) "Why does your horse have a blindfold on? That's cruel"

It's not a blindfold. It's called a fly mask to keep the flies out of his eyes. It's far from cruel.

7) "Oh, you must sponge off Daddy"

Don't tar us all with the same brush. Not all of us belong to super rich dad's that can't resist the urge to buy their daughter anything they want, when they want.

8) "You must be rich if you've got horses!"

Actually I'm far from rich. My horse has new shoes every 6 weeks, I have new shoes probably once a year. Most Equestrians are normal and hard-working, with responsibilities and a career.

9) "Do I put my feet in these pedals?"

Pedals are what you push round to make your bike go faster. Stirrups might be the correct word you're after.

10) "Can we borrow one of your whips...?"

Just no.

Do you have any annoying things to share? If so, comment below or tweet me at @SLEquineJourno
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Before I die...bucket list

A few days ago now I posted a photo on my Facebook page with the following words and suddenly it got me thinking. My life has changed dramatically over the last 12-months for various reasons and one day it hit me that there's so much I want to do whilst I have the chance, and suddenly, I've got this chance. 

"My Monday morning motivation. What would you do if you knew today was your last day here, or life suddenly stopped tomorrow. Would you be satisfied with every decision, choice and road you've taken? If you had the ability to think once it was all over, would you look back and wish you'd done things differently? Don't leave room for regret; Live, Laugh, Love."

I've always told people I've got a bucket list and in my mind I have a list as long as my legs put together, yet on paper do I have a plan? A new friend asked me recently whether we need a plan, or if things are just what they are and we should just let them happen. 

Whilst I was tempted to argue discuss my case that everyone in life needs some sort of plan in order to get through their day, it got me thinking about my bucket list and things to do before I'm 30. If I knew today was going to be my last would I be happy with the things I've done and content that I'd lived life to the full? In all honesty, not really, no. We can't plan exactly what's going to happen next month, next week or even tomorrow, but we can think about what we want at the end of it all. 

So, with the above in mind I decided to make my plan. It wasn't everyone's "get engaged at 28, get married by 30, have kids by 32" plan - that happens when it feels natural and with the right person,, it was the things I want to do and see in the world before I hit the big 3-0. In January I'll have just 5 years to complete the list, so plenty of time to get down and think about ticking everything off. Some of them I've maybe already done in the last year, but it's worth jotting them down. 

Here goes and in no particular order:


1) In a nutshell; Travel. I have this incredible urge to travel, live and see the world. 
2) Go Skiing and learn to Ski without breaking a bone.
3) Run a 5k and 10k marathon. This time not dressed as a horse.
4) Go Gliding. I would absolutely cr*p myself, but this something I really want to do!
5) Ride in a Helicopter over somewhere amazing. (thinking of doing this in New York!) - DONE
6) Go to Paris and up the Eiffel Tower
7) Have some more Polo lessons and learn to play properly. 
8) Visit Australia.  
9) Succeed
10) See a Kangaroo up close!
11) Write and publish the books I've always wanted to - don't be afraid of this. 
12) Go to a ranch in America and live like a Cow Girl. - DONE
13) Go to a Rodeo. - DONE
14) Take part in a Barrel Racing competition - but not in the UK. 
15) Kiss a Cowboy. Question: Can this be on a bucket list, because I really want to do this?? - DONE
16) Go in a Hot Air Balloon
17) Gain a marketing qualification
18) Fall asleep under the stars in a nice Country. 
19) Have a VIP meet and greet with Bon-Jovi at his next concert. 
20) Go skinny dipping at sunset or sunrise. Preferably in a warm country. 
21) Go up the Empire State Building to the highest floor. - DONE
22) Lose (or win) more money that I care to remember at Roulette in Vegas.  DONE
23) Compete in top hat and tails on a horse I've produced. 
24) Stop caring what others think.
25) Take up German again and remember it this time. 
26) Visit Calgary
27) Go to a Rodeo. - DONE
28) Ride a bronc - but just don't tell my mum. Explain the broken arm when home!
29) See more of America
30) See more of South-Africa
31) Learn how to play Chess
32) Escape to Malta, on my own for several weeks. DONE
33) Run and dance barefoot, in the rain. 
34) See the Northern Lights
35) Learn to like Wine. You can't stay on Arches and Lemonade forever Sian. 
36) Do Route 66 and go on a incredible journey. 
37) Start to play my Violin again. (Sorry neighbours!)
38) Live in a different country for at least 3 months. 
39) Shower in a Waterfall
40) Do something completely out of character, wild and crazy
41) Fly first-class. 
42) Make amends with those I've lost touch with, or had disagreements with. 
43) Go on a road trip across Europe
44) Arrive at an airport with my bags packed and buy the first 2+ hour flight out of there. 
45) Learn how to shoot (clay pigeon) and do Archery  - properly, not just on holiday!DONE
46) Swim with Dolphins - again. 
47) Spend New Years in Times Square
48) Go on Safari
49) Ride an Elephant
50) Fly a plane
51) Fall in love with the wrong person. DONE 
52) Visit Niagara Falls
53) Go Whale Watching
54) Spend the day at a Spa, doing nothing!
55) Get a spray tan.
56) See a Koala Bear
57) Be treated to a romantic dinner in the shard, Eiffel Tower or somewhere amazing.  DONE
58) Have proper show-jumping lessons again. 
59) Learn to rope in America. - Half Done!
60) Ride an Ostrich, this time without squealing. 
61) Ride a well-trained, top, dressage horse
62) Fall in love with the right person
63) Go on a romantic getaway
64) Make a difference to someones life. 
65) Become happy with who I am and who I want to be. 










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All shopped out at Hickstead thanks to PetPlan Equine

A couple of weeks ago I received an email from PetPlan Equine asking if I'd be interested in having a day out at the Royal International Horse Show held at Hickstead courtesy of them. All I had to do was head over to their stand and take their Responsible Riders Quiz in return for a free day out. I didn't even need to think about it, ran out of the office at lunch time and organised a suitable date with my good friend Amy. 

I've never been to Hickstead before so was quite excited at the thought of heading somewhere horsey that was new and getting to do some shopping. That night Amy phoned and said "You do realise where Hickstead is right...?" Okay, so my Geography isn't great but I didn't realise it was right the other side of the Country. Still, we managed to be on the road at an unearthly time in the morning and off we went for a girly day out! Thank goodness Amy was driving! 

We arrived at about 11am, with plenty of time to do some shopping, find the PetPlan stand and then settle down to watch some Show-Jumping. I had a shopping list as long as both my legs put together but had to be responsible and just buy the "most needed", which unfortunately resulted in Ceaser not getting the LeMieux Matchy Matchy set I've had on my radar for a couple of weeks. Boring! Armed with my new Chaps instead off we went in search of food. 

I couldn't believe how big RIHS was! Amy and I were shocked at just how many trade stands and competitors were there. I knew it was big, but not that big, and certainly not that popular for spectators! I definitely think it's something i'll add to my calendar that needs a visit from now one. 

Finally after a spot of lunch to keep us happy, and doing all the browsing our legs could take we found the PetPlan stand. The condition was that both Amy and I needed to take the Responsible Rider quiz and be willing to post our results. Absolutely no pressure there then - can I call myself responsible? Some reading this might beg to differ! 

The quiz focused on your attitude to your horse's health and welfare rates, whilst questioning you knew what to do to ensure your horse is happy and healthy. Having insured horses for over 27 years, PetPlan Equine has gained a vast amount of knowledge about horse health and welfare and aim to share it with both horse owners and riders alike. 

I'm sure at times when there's been an emergency with one of the horses I've gone into absolute meltdown and on to auto pilot, but lets see! 

Thankfully the questions weren't too harsh and I'm proud to say both Amy and I passed with flying colours and a big fat 14/14 written on our score card. Phew! That could have been very embarrassing. For passing we gained ourselves two goody bags packed full of useful information and some goodies - which we proudly showed off later that afternoon. No one can call us irresponsible now! 

If you're interested in taking the quiz you can enter online, on their website by clicking this link. It's worth having a go as it definitely makes you think about what you should and would do in certain critical situations with horses, testing your knowledge on what you'd do if your horse had a slightly loose shoe or was unfit. 

Next up was show-jumping time. Amy and I found our seats and settled down for a few hours in the sun whilst making several "now if that top rail was taken off, I'm sure I could do that jump" and "we need to become owners for some amazing riders" comments. Of course, girls can dream and we planned a million ways to become rich, quick. 

Following the show-jumping we headed to the showing arenas and were lucky enough to find two spaces by the workers ring just as the m&m 138cm and under class was underway. I'm always in awe of the little gutsy ponies with hearts of lions storming round the workers class like they're out doing a days hunting and will never tire of watching them. Amy and I decided this was probably much more our domain and instead of a large showjumping horse we needed a m&m pony! 

By this point we were well and truly exhausted and just about ready for the 4 hour trip home. Thank you to PetPlan for this very generous opportunity. We had a fabulous day and both would certainly recommend RIHS to anyone wanting a family day out! 
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