Spring 2013 Saddle Club Newsletter - Honourable Artillery Company

RIDING HOLIDAY IN BOTSWANAIn October last year I, with a friend, Sally, had a wonderful riding holiday in theOkawanga Delta, Botswana (Windsor Park, eat your heart out). It was for onlyseven days but, in that time, from horse back, we saw at close quarters a wonderfulvariety of wild life: elephant, giraffe,zebra, hippos, many different breedsof buck as well as 100s of birds allattracted by the ready availability ofwater. Our stay was at Macatoo,approximately 60 miles from Maun,the nearest airport, a tented campbut equipped with everything weneeded in considerable comfort; oursleeping quarters had electric light,ensuite loo and shower with averandah overlooking the Delta. Thecamp was not enclosed and, duringthe night, there was evidence of elephant browsing a few yards from our tent and,in the daytime, bush buck, baboonsand many exotic birds were to beseen just as close. One magical night,we spent in a tree house 30 feetabove ground protected by mosquitonets over our sleeping bags. All mealsand unlimited drinks were includedand were served in great style in theopen in front of the mess tent, atnight lit by candlelight. There was asmall plunge pool to cool off duringthe afternoon siesta. Accommodationwas sufficient for 14 but there wereonly 12 whilst we were there, nearly all good riders. Non-riders are howeverwelcome and can explore the Delta by canoe or safari vehicle.Each day, we rode in groups of six plustwo guides for four hours in themorning and two in the late afternoon.There were 44 horses in all, somethoroughbreds but mostly cross breedswith local horses and Arabs, allbeautifully schooled, very fit, forwardgoingand fearless and no apparentvices. The guides were wonderful,could spot animals and birds long10