With the early morning mist still sifting through the pine plantations, an equine ­legend of the Lowveld is already guiding a group of horse riders through the ­mountainous heights above Nelspruit. It is all part of the equine adventure that he has been bringing to horse lovers for many years.

“We move with ghosts and fairies in our own wonder world,” says Christo Germishuys. He and his Kaapsehoop Horse Trails are probably just as well-known as the so-called “wild horses” of Kaapsehoop, a little mining town dating from the previous century. Kaapsehoop Horse Trails is located only a kilometre from the idyllic little hamlet. Over weekends and holidays, Christo and his 30 riding horses entertain a lot of the tourists flocking to Kaapsehoop.

This legendary horseman’s tourist unde­r-taking is located on the farm, Berlyn, where the first white state forestry settlement in the country was established in 1920. The land ­belongs to Komatiland Eco Tourism.

Christo’s involvement with horses started as a child in Krugersdorp and then in ­Nelspruit. He regards himself as having been truly ­incorporated into the equine art, when he was inducted into the now well-known Mataffin Riding School.

In a book on his life, we read of his many human intrigues and equine adventures, to his current status as a horseman of note. His first true involvement in the equine tourism started in the historic town of Pilgrim’s Rest, where he was ­involved in putting Nooitgedachters and ­Friesians to use in the fast-growing tourism ­industry in the area. Christo has even spent time in the Boland, honing his skills with draw-horses.

Christo has become somewhat of a specialist on the living patterns of the “wild” horses that have been roaming the area around Kaapsehoop since the last of the gold prospectors left them ­behind. Or are they perhaps the descendants of the horses that fled to the area during the Anglo Boer War? Nobody knows for sure. But ­Christo’s clients often have the honour of meeting these animals face to face on one of his routes. But even though he respects their existence, he is very careful not to let his horses become ­“involved” with these wild herds.

“Once a horse has been taken in by one of these herds, it becomes an impossible task to win it back,” says Christo. His horses are used to living in the veld and none of them sleep in a stable. In his breeding programme he makes use of Cape Boerperd studs and a Shire X ­Fullblood X Clydesdale cross. These horses have excellent temperaments, says Christo, and even visitors who have never been on horseback, can partake in the rides.

There is a variety of packages on offer for visitors – from two-hour rides to rides spanning a few days. During school holidays he holds “pony camps” for children. These camps are similar to veld school and the children sleep in the bush, swim in water holes and streams, and get to know the local veld and animal life.

Berlyn serves as the base camp and has overnight facilities, with other facilities along the horse routes. Christo also has an ­agreement with Vula Tours which allows riders on ­week-long tours, to visit and overnight in the Kruger National Park.

Horse and nature enthusiasts that wish to share in the adventure at Kaapsehoop Horse Trails, are welcome to contact ­Christo on 082 774 5826 or visit the website, www.horsebacktrails.co.za