HOW TO TRAIN YOUR BOYFRIEND FOR A RIDING SAFARI (10 STEPS)

For some reason we can’t quite understand there is a dire lack of men on riding safaris. Around 80%+ of our riders are women - accomplished, adventurous, sporty women - but it’s time we got the boys out riding too. This is how to get your man from zero to galloping across the Masai Mara next to a herd of zebra:

1. Start with a lesson on the basics; how to hold the reins, left, right, stop. If you really want to throw him in the deep end show him how to post to the trot on a lunge line with the reins knotted and arms out like Christ the Redeemer.

2. Get into the countryside and out of the school as soon as possible, practice rising to the trot on long stretches of flat land to find the rhythm.

3. Practice cantering up hill. Let him know that it’s easier than trotting and that he can stand and protect the ‘jewels’.

4. Spend as much time in the saddle as possible - go on three hour rides with the aim of getting ‘riding fit’. Your local stable might even offer a pub ride with a pit-stop for a beer included. A fun ‘training’ option.

5. Try different stables and different horses so that he doesn’t become accustomed to a single horse. This also sows the seed of having fun exploring on horseback.

6. Remind him that on the holiday no one is judging you on form, we’ll never ask to see a flying change, instead we like to see you relaxed and balanced, that’s the main thing.

7. Always take him to the pub after riding so that he starts associating riding with delicious meals and a pint.

8. Get him some smart looking safari clothing and tell him how handsome he looks in it (it will be true).

9. When he starts asking for a faster horse you know he’s ready.

10. A great first safari is Jakotango in Argentina or try Estancias Los Potreros or Don Joaquin, also in Argentina. Ready for a wildlife safari? Ants Safaris in South Africa will have you close to giraffe and rhino but they are predator free making it the perfect spot to head to first before building up to our advanced rides in the Masai Mara or Okavango Delta.

BONUS TIP

Phase two is for him to invite his single friends along. This should happen naturally when he discovers the world of riding safaris is filled with athletic, accomplished women. Simply repeat steps 1-9 for effective results.