{"id":2632,"date":"2025-10-09T16:20:10","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T16:20:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/waitalittle.co.za\/?page_id=2632"},"modified":"2026-04-22T09:29:01","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T09:29:01","slug":"our-horses-copy-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/waitalittle.co.za\/?page_id=2632","title":{"rendered":"Our Horses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n

Wait A Little has a string of approximately 30 horses.<\/h3>\n

Our safari horses are known for their courage and comfort of riding. The herd features crosses of Shire, Friesian, Clydesdale, Warmblood, Thoroughbred and Boerperd breeds, standing between 15 and 17.3 hands tall. Each year, new horses join our group, while some older ones move on. When we feel our senior horses have served enough, they’re retired so they can enjoy a more peaceful routine. We usually send them to a local riding school or to friends, allowing them to spend their later years with less work but lots of affection.<\/p>\n

Typically, we purchase young horses around three years old, ideally already under saddle. It takes about one to two years before they’re ready for guests to ride. Their training not only helps them to become comfortable around animals but also includes schooling on the flat and over jumps. This education builds their fitness, enhances their natural balance, and makes them enjoyable companions for safari rides.<\/p>\n

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MEET THE HORSES<\/h2>\n

Take a look at our great horses, all of them named after beer! \u00a0Each with their individual personality, they are the heart of Wait A Little.<\/p>\n

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ALFA
\n<\/strong>Born 2009 \u00b7 Mare \u00b7 Friesian cross \u00b7 16.2hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Alfa princess. Colour: Bay<\/strong>
\nMeet Alfa – The queen of our horse safari and turns it every safari into a first-class adventure. The only mare in the herd and she knows it.
\nSmooth, comfortable, and classy… Alfa is a real lady who’ll carry you through the bush like royalty – the boys just try their best to stay on her level.\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"DSC_0439-e1776849660959\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

BUDWEISER
\n<\/strong>Born 2009 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Friesian cross \u00b7 16.1hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Bud. Colour: Bright Bay<\/strong>
\nMeet Bud- one of the legends of our horse safaris.\n

A trusted lead horse for many years, now enjoying life as a guest favourite. Big, steady, and incredibly confident… With a gentle eye and a brave heart, he takes the bush in his stride – calm, confident, and always looking after his rider.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"Bit\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

BITBURGER
\n<\/strong>Born 2010 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Boerperd x Friesian \u00b7 15.2hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Bit\u00a0 Colour: Bay.
\n<\/strong>Meet Bit – the quiet professional of our horse safaris.
\nKnown for his great walk and ground covering stride. Often our trusted backup horse.
\nSteady and honest in the bush, Bit gives our backup riders that feeling of effortlessness.
\nNot flashy, not complicated, just a good safari horse who gets the job done beautifully.\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"2c206ca7-82f8-4d2a-b637-85b3059e4577\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

HARDY
\n<\/strong>Born 2011 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Shire cross \u00b7 15.2hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Hardy.\u00a0Colour: Bright Bay.
\n<\/strong>Meet Hardy – the kind of horse every rider secretly hopes for on safari. Effortless to back, beautifully schooled, and uncomplicated, he’s the definition of “press play and enjoy.”
\nSoft, responsive, and happy in his work, Hardy makes riders of all levels feel confident from the first stride.
\nIn the bush, he’s calm, focused, and unfazed – A true gentleman with safari style.\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"DSC_0454\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

RAVEN
\n<\/strong>Born 2012 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Friesian cross \u00b7 15.1hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Raven. Colour: Black.
\n<\/strong>Meet Raven – sleek, jet black, and made to turn heads on safari.
\nWith a floating, effortless canter, he’s the kind of horse that makes experienced riders grin ear to ear.
\nConfident, bold, and beautifully balanced, he moves through the bush like he owns it –
\na stunning safari partner for those who love a bit of finesse and a touch of thrill.\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Maclay\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

MACLAY
\n<\/strong>Born 2011 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Shire cross \u00b7 15.2hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Maclay.\u00a0Colour: Dark Bay.
\n<\/strong>Meet Mclay – the horse every safari operation dreams of having.
\nWith everything going for him – strength, smarts, and a fearless heart – cruising the bush or clearing paddock fences like it’s nothing.
\nReliable, bold, and endlessly capable, making every ride feel like a masterclass. A true all-rounder and a showstopper in every sense.\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"3bc94e75-fc0e-4f53-b676-4a8ad2f6e7b0\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

BOMBARDIER
\n<\/strong>Born 2021 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Clydesdale cross \u00b7 17.3hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Bomb. Colour: Bright Bay.
\n<\/strong>Meet Bombardier – our new lead horse in training.
\nAt just 5 years old, he’s already showing the bravery and presence needed to stand tall in front of elephants, lions, and rhinos.Young, eager, and learning fast, he’s the kind of horse that makes even seasoned guides like Philip stop and take notice. With patience, courage, and a touch of natural flair, he is well on his way to becoming our next safari star.\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"DSC_0443\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

SAMURAI
\n<\/strong>Born 2012 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Boerperd \u00b7 15hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Samurai.\u00a0Colour: Bay.
\n<\/strong>Meet Samurai – once a challenge, now a safari star.
\nHe came to us with former guide Ray, who patiently rehabilitated him and turned him into a confident, reliable safari partner.
\nHe moves through the bush with courage and presence far beyond his height.Beautifully schooled in the arena and a favourite among our guests, Samurai proves that heart, training, and determination make a true safari legend.\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"a97cacde-a432-4519-85c0-c37ce7af9ccd\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

ICENI
\n<\/strong>Born 2006 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Boerperd cross \u00b7 15.2hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Ice. Colour: Grey.
\n<\/strong>Meet Ice – multi-talented and multi-loved.
\nA safari horse, a jumper, and great in dressage, he’s been part of Wait A Little for many years, and we owe him immensely.
\nHe can be a little grumpy at times, and his wonky ear points left, but those quirks are all part of his charm.
\nBrave, experienced, and endlessly capable, Ice has carried countless riders through unforgettable adventures in the bush – and over the years, has become a true guest favourite.\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Coopers\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

COOPERS
\n<\/strong>Born 2012 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Friesian cross \u00b7 15.3hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname:\u00a0 Coopy-Doops. Colour: Dark Bay.<\/strong>
\nMeet Coopers – the cheeky charmer of our herd.
\nHe came to Wait A Little at just 2 years old, full of himself and a little tricky to break in.
\nThanks to brave volunteers and plenty of patience, he’s grown into a confident, bold, and reliable safari horse.\n

A favourite among the guests who ride him, Coopers proves that a little attitude and a lot of heart make for one unforgettable bush experience. Smart, spirited, and always ready for the thrill of the bush.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"Bert\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

BERT
\n<\/strong>Born 2010 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Friesian cross \u00b7 15.2hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Bertie-Bert\u00a0 Colour: Black.
\n<\/strong>Meet Bert – the easygoing backbone of our herd.
\nLaid back, steady, and calm under any circumstance, he’s one of our trusted backup horses and shines in wildlife sightings.
\nSmooth in the bush, reliable for all our backup riders. Bert makes even long safari days feel effortless.
\nQuiet, dependable, and with a heart of gold, he’s the kind of horse every rider is grateful to have by their side.\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"ceade04f-cd92-48bf-b7de-24facc5605a7\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

RAMBO
\n<\/strong>Born 2014 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Friesian cross \u00b7 15.2hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Rambo\u00a0\u00a0Colour: Bright Bay.<\/strong>
\nMeet Rambo – the movie star turned safari star.
\nOriginally from Cape Town, he spent his early years as a stunt horse before joining Wait A Little.
\nGood-looking, smooth, and effortless to ride, his comfortable canter and steady temperament make him a favourite in wildlife sightings – and a guest favourite too.
\nElegant, reliable, and easy on the eye, creating the perfect safari companion.\n
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ORION
\n<\/strong>Born 2016 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Paint cross \u00b7 15hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Orion. Colour: Skewbald
\n<\/strong>Meet Orion – our striking painted trail companion.
\nSmall in stature but never in presence, he moves through the bush with confidence and grace, proving that size doesn’t define a safari horse.
\nOrion joined Wait A Little thanks to the generosity of a volunteer, and we are incredibly grateful for him as he’s turned into an amazing trail horse. Smart, bold, and full of heart, Orion is proof that the best horses come in all shapes, sizes, and colours.\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"49941f90-7e9b-4ce6-a8fe-92dfee05c7b5\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

GORDON
\n<\/strong>Born 2012 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Shire\u00a0cross \u00b7 15.2hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname:\u00a0Gorgeous George.\u00a0Colour: Dark Bay<\/strong>
\nMeet Gordon – the cheeky character of our herd.
\nHonest truth: he was a tricky and stubborn horse to train, taking two full years before he was ready for guests.\n

But his potential was clear – smooth paces, a great ability to collect, and a mischievous sense of humour that couldn’t be ignored.<\/p>\n

With patience, guidance, and hard work, Gordon has transformed into a reliable, confident, and fun safari horse.<\/p>\n

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SPITFIRE
\n<\/strong>Born 2012 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Saddlebreed cross \u00b7 15.1hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Spitty. Colour: Bay.
\n<\/strong>Meet Spitfire – the ultimate bush pony of our herd.
\nHaving lived wild in the African veld, he’s independent, confident, and a little bossy – but that’s all part of his charm.
\nSporty, quick on his feet, and full of energy, Spitfire is a thrill to ride and always keeps guests on their toes.
\nBold in the bush, clever, and endlessly fun, he’s the kind of horse that turns every safari into an unforgettable ride.\n
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MITCHELL
\n<\/strong>Born 2021 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Friesian \u00b7 17.2hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Mitch. Colour: Black.
\n<\/strong>Meet Mitchell – one of the youngest stars of our herd.
\nA striking pure Friesian standing at 17.2hh, he’s best friends with Walnut and can spend hours playing, chasing, and enjoying each other’s company. Despite his age, Mitchell handles the bush like a pro, and every ride shows just how much he’s still improving. With a canter to dream of and a presence that turns heads, he’s bold, playful, and a joy for our guests.\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"_DSC2734-Enhanced-NR\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

THE DUQUE
\n<\/strong>Born 2016 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Lusitano \u00b7 16.3hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Duque. Colour: Bay.
\n<\/strong>Meet The Duque – a Lusitano who truly earned his place at the front.
\nHe arrived at Wait A Little from JHB as a stallion and was later gelded, quickly revealing the exceptional safari horse beneath.\nOne of Philip’s favourite lead horses, built on trust and belief – and you only need to see him in work to understand why.
\nHe took to the role of lead horse with remarkable ease and stands beyond fearless in front of the Big Five.\n

Calm, powerful, and utterly dependable, The Duque is the kind of horse that makes leading look effortless.<\/p>\n

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MAUSER
\n<\/strong>Born 2016 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 THB Cross \u00b7 15.2hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Mauser. Colour: Bay.
\n<\/strong>Meet Mauser – a quirky Thoroughbred cross who’s fitted right in with the Wait A Little herd.
\nBeautifully schooled in the arena with a serious talent for show jumping, he brings athleticism and finesse to everything he does.
\nA little sensitive under saddle, he’s a rewarding ride for more experienced guests who appreciate feel and precision.
\nOut on safari, Mauser proves himself as a capable, confident bush horse who is unfazed by the wildlife \u00a0– smart, responsive, and a joy to ride for those who know how to ride him.\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"37d848ae-322d-4d25-a27f-77c2f2b73279\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

THE DUDE
\n<\/strong>Born 2015 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Clydesdale \u00b7 17.3hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Dude.\u00a0Colour: Bright Bay.<\/strong>
\nMeet Dude – our gentle giant with a heart of gold.
\nOriginally in training to become a lead horse, he decided that life as a superstar guest horse suited him better and we couldn’t agree more.\nA big Clydesdale with a kind eye and “sauce plates” for feet, he’s brave in the bush and calm in wildlife sightings, always happy to be in front behind the lead horses.
\nGuests love spending time with him on safari, enjoying his steady stride, easygoing nature, and quiet confidence.\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Sam\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

SAMUEL SMITH
\n<\/strong>Born 2005 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Selle Fran\u00e7ais\u00a0\u00b7 16hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Sammy. Colour: Bay.
\n<\/strong>Meet Sam – the Dalai Lama of our herd, as Philip likes to say.
\nNothing phases him. Calm, wise, and supremely confident, he’s one of the best lead horses we’ve ever had. He’s taught Rusty, Ray, and Jo the tricks of the trade, passing on his knowledge with patience and quiet authority. Reliable in the bush, steady in wildlife sightings, and is the kind of horse that makes every safari run smoothly – and effortlessly.\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"DSC_0751\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

PERONI
\n<\/strong>Born 2011 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Friesian cross \u00b7 15.2hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Peroni Pony. Colour: Bay.
\n<\/strong>Meet Peroni – the surprise of our herd.
\nHe arrived so unexpectedly that we didn’t even have a stable ready for him!
\nOur trusted contact promised he would be the ultimate trail horse, and they were absolutely right, we haven’t looked back since then.
\nReliable, brave, and steady in the bush, Peroni quickly proved himself and has become a favourite among guests who ride him. A true surprise that turned into an unforgettable safari companion.\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"a9ae60cc-a9a0-46c5-a01d-cf70b20ca912\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

WALNUT
\n<\/strong>Born 2020 \u00b7Gelding \u00b7 Saddlebred. x Paint \u00b7 15.2hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Walnut. Colour: Skewbald.
\n<\/strong>Meet Walnut – one of the young standouts of our herd.
\nBacked right here at Wait A Little
\nA striking chestnut paint with a kind eye, he’s best friends with Mitchell and the two can spend hours playing non-stop in the paddock.\nHis canter feels like riding a sofa – smooth, relaxed, and endlessly enjoyable. Despite his age, Walnut handles the bush beautifully and continues to impress on safari.
\nGuests absolutely adore him, and it’s easy to see why.\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"69a69a60-cda8-4509-a701-7b9b62671aa2\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

COMANCHE
\n<\/strong>Born 2021 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Percheron x Paint \u00b7 15.1hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Comanche. Colour: Skewbald.
\n<\/strong>Meet Comanche – one of the newest painted additions to the Wait A Little herd.
\nStill very young, he comes from a cattle-herding background and brings a calm, switched-on mindset to his work.
\nCurrently in schooling before stepping into life as a guest horse, he’s already showing good paces and a natural feel for the job.
\nUnfazed by wildlife and impressively brave out on trail, Comanche is showing all the right signs for a promising future as a safari horse.\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"84489986-f499-4053-8774-358575e0f3bc\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

KARIBA
\n<\/strong>Born 2022 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Percheron Cross \u00b7 15.2hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Piggy. Colour: Dark Bay.
\n<\/strong>Meet Kariba – a young pure Percheron and one of the newest members of the Wait A Little herd.
\nBacked last year by a very good friend of Gerti’s, he’s still learning the ropes but improving every day thanks to schooling from our talented volunteers.
\nAlready showing great eagerness on our small hacks around Wait A Little, he’s unfazed by the wildlife he’s encountered so far.
\nWatch this space – with his schooling and natural ability, Kariba could become either a fantastic guest horse or a confident new lead horse.\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"DSC_0032\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

HABANERO
\n<\/strong>Born 2012 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Warmblood\u00b7 16.2hh<\/h2>\n\t

Nickname: Nero\/Noisy Nero. Colour: Liver Chestnut.<\/strong><\/p>\nMeet Nero – the horse who decided to swap dressage for safaris!
\nProbably one of the best-schooled safari horses you could wish to ride, he brings elegance, precision, and a joyful attitude to every trail.
\nBold, confident, and absolutely in his element in the bush, Nero loves every minute of the safari and makes each ride a delight for guests lucky enough to follow him.\n

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GEMMA
\n<\/b>Born 2020 \u00b7 Mare \u00b7 Hanoverian \u00b7 16.3hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Princess. Colour: Dark Bay.
\n<\/strong>\n

Princess stands out for her strong opinions-she’ll show her displeasure and isn’t shy about throwing tantrums, but she’s also brave.<\/p>\n

As Gerti’s future dressage horse, she has an interesting road ahead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"Doom\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

DOOMBAR
\n<\/strong>Born 2011 \u00b7 Gelding \u00b7 Shire\u00a0\u00b7 16.3hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname: Doomie. Colour: Dark Bay.<\/strong>
\nMeet Doom – a pure Shire who surprised everyone including Gerti who couldn’t believe that Doom was Philip’s choice as a lead horse.
\nLuckily he didn’t grow quite as tall as expected, but when he canters in the arena, it still sounds like a stampede of buffalo thanks to his dinner-plate-sized feet!
\nTurns out Philip made the right choice. Calm, strong, and reliable in the bush, Doom carries Jo and Philip with confidence and has earned his place as a true lead horse favourite.\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"ObiWAL\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

OUTBACK
\n<\/strong>Born 2009 \u00b7Gelding \u00b7Boerperd x Warmblood\u00b7 15.1hh<\/h2>\n\tNickname:Obi \/ Obi-Wan-Kenobi.\u00a0Colour: Chestnut.
\n<\/strong>Meet Obi – Clare’s perfect partner and a true match made in heaven.
\nThe kind of horse everyone wishes they had, he truly ticks every box.\n

Talented across the board – jumping, dressage, and cross country and impressively brave on safari, Obi takes it all in his stride. Reliable, willing, and endlessly versatile, he’s the ultimate all-rounder and a joy to have as part of the Wait A Little family.<\/p>\n\t

Wait A Little horse safaris are highly personalised and specialised riding safaris for experienced riders<\/b>, run by Gerti and Philip Kusseler in the Karongwe Private Game Reserve<\/strong> close to the famous Kruger National Park<\/b> in South Africa.\u00a0There are three types of safaris that take you over an area of 30.000ha of African wilderness, between 6 and 10 days long.<\/p>\n

Years of experience<\/b> and training enable the horses to be calm merely meters away from big game<\/b>. A high standard<\/b> of riding within the group ensures exciting up-close game sightings<\/b> and sporty riding<\/b> on wonderful horses. Because of Gerti’s level of schooling and training, the horses are fun to ride and together with Philip’s guiding experience over the past 20 years is a safari with “Wait A little”<\/b> the perfect thrill for the experienced rider.<\/p>\n

Small groups of only seven riding guests<\/b> and the permanent personal attention<\/b> of Gerti & Philip and their staff ensures you an unforgettable week. Their passion for nature, conservation, the environment and their involvement in the game reserve management gives a lot of material for exciting stories and will give you a wealth of information about the hard work required to protect the last remaining wildlife areas.<\/b><\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Wait A Little has a string of approximately 30 horses. Our safari horses are known for their courage and comfort of riding. The herd features crosses of Shire, Friesian, Clydesdale, Warmblood, Thoroughbred and Boerperd breeds, standing between 15 and 17.3 hands tall. Each year, new horses join our group, while […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"inspiro_page_layout":"narrow","inspiro_hide_title":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2632","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/waitalittle.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2632","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/waitalittle.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/waitalittle.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/waitalittle.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/waitalittle.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2632"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/waitalittle.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2632\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2887,"href":"https:\/\/waitalittle.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2632\/revisions\/2887"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/waitalittle.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2632"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}