|
THE "KLEIN PARADYS" STORY Klein Paradys is a family business, run by Sue and Manfred Klein and daughter Deidre (now in the USA)Trail Rides are Manfred's department - he knows every interesting and enjoyable trail in the area, and loves introducing clients to the beautiful Overberg. His friendliness and expert knowledge ensure that riders return over and over again !. Klein Paradys Equestrian Centre in Bot River is centrally situated close to Hermanus, Kleinmond, Grabouw & Caledon right in the middle of the scenic Overberg region. We have been in operation there for over 17 years, and are privileged to have access to the most spectacular and varied range of trail rides in the country. On one day riders can experience the amazing Beach Trail, riding in a Nature Reserve together with wild horses, abundant bird - life, whales & seals (in season) Deserted beaches stretching for miles tempt the riders to gallop and rejoice in total freedom; but civilised amenities and a great lunch take care of the "inner man" at lunch time. On the second day riders can tackle the scenic Mountain Trail; winding up into the Groenberge along the old Stagecoach Road, and through pristine mountain fynbos preserved in another Nature Reserve. Lunch is enjoyed at the historic Houw Hoek Inn, which welcomes the horses with a specially provided paddock, where they enjoy their own lunch while the riders relax under the enormous, ancient oak trees. A third full day trail; which can be shortened to half a day, as can the Mountain Trail; strikes out in yet another completely different direction, fording rivers and exploring the farmlands and vineyards. Plenty of scope for wonderful canters on this ride, and yet another great lunch at Gabrielskloof Winery & Restaurant. The excellent wineries in the area can be sampled on our Winetasting Trails, choose how long you want to ride and how many wineries you want to visit ! Winetasting Trails can be as short as 1 hour and as long as a full day, with lunch along the route.We pride ourselves on our service and flexibility - we will accommodate any reasonable request, and will tailor the length and speed of the Trail to suit the riders. Our horses are all top quality, fit, fat and well schooled - but also safe and reliable. Experienced riders and horse - owners are always impressed by the appearance, schooling and ride ability of our horses and ponies - we have 25 , so there is a wide choice of different sizes and types. We guarantee that you will find one that you will hate to leave behind ! Our horses are a lifetime commitment for us - and you will meet horses & ponies which have been with us for a lifetime !An inspiring example is Sunsilk, a Palomino pony who has been with us for 20 years; competed in the Western Province Children's Eventing Team with Deidre; and subsequently with other children - he is still going strong and teaching the kids how to jump ! Another great equine ambassador is Crackerjack, who was Deidre's mount in all the Western Province Teams - from Children's to Juniors to Adults. I am sure no other horse has been ridden by the same rider in all three age groups, representing their Province at Interprovincial SA Championships. Not only that - he was placed every year he competed in the SA Interprovincial Eventing Championships, and came second three times ! What an Eventer, you just don't find such a winner more than once in a lifetime ! He is now 20 years old and still looks like a 5 year old; he knows that he is a VERY IMPORTANT PERSON, and doesn't let anyone forget it.Klein Paradys also has an exclusive Riding School, run by Sue, who is a qualified SANEF Level One Instructor. Limited numbers of pupils are accepted, and they are encouraged to progress to competing on the excellent competitive horses and ponies in the school. The "Klein Paradys Team" attend all the local shows and have an excellent record of winners. Horses are available for Full or Half Lease to approved riders only; we seldom sell our horses, but occasionally we do sell to a pupil who has leased the horse for some time and has demonstrated that the two of them are a real "team" With Klein Paradys the welfare of the horse is paramount - which anyone can see from their friendliness and love of people !
|