African Hoofbeatz

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African Hoofbeatz African Hoofbeatz is a family-run equestrian initiative, for the retraining of ex-racehorses into polocrosse.

Our Retraining of Racehorses Working Holiday offers overseas horse enthusiasts an immersive experience in horsemanship, polocrosse and safaris. African Hoofbeatz is primarily a Internship program developed to encourage overseas riders to come out to Africa and participate in and further develop the horse culture of our continent. Whether it be competing in shows and competitions or helping out in a local horse riding school or working with equine vets on their call outs in the community. Horses are becoming more of a niche culture with every passing day, and with that we have more horse riders than Horsemen now days. African Hoofbeatz aims to provide a program that can both enrich our local African horse culture and that of the first world countries. There are very few places left it seems on this fine earth where we can shake off the restraints of man, and find out for ourselves just how far a horse will go to show the strength and loyalty that lies within his spirit. To show his speed on the track, nimbleness in the show ring and the very next day his boldness in the bush whilst chasing all things wild.

21/09/2026

A horseback safari in Zimbabwe is the dream. But imagine if it was only one part of your horse riding holiday. 🇿🇼

At African HoofBeatz, you can spend 3–12 weeks living and riding on a family-run horse property outside Bulawayo. You’ll have your own string of 2–3 horses to ride, school and get to know, with hands-on coaching as you help retrain ex-racehorses for their next careers.

Then there’s polocrosse. Think lacrosse on horseback: galloping down the field, learning to catch and throw one-handed, and discovering a whole new side to your riding. You’ll learn with international player Andy Taylor, join club practices and, during the season, have the chance to play in tournaments. No previous polocrosse experience needed.

And when it’s time for safari? Take one of the horses you’ve been working with on a 3-night horseback safari through the Matobo Hills, riding among zebra and giraffe and spending your evenings around the campfire.

With a maximum of four guests, there’s plenty of time in the saddle, individual coaching and friendships that make a few weeks feel far too short.

If you’re an experienced rider dreaming of an affordable horse riding holiday in Africa, an equestrian gap year or a university break with horses, this is your chance to do it all. Veterinary students can also join us for an equine AHEMS placement.

Come for the safari. Stay for the horses, the polocrosse and the life you’ll wish you could take home.

Comment “ZIM” or click the link in our bio for dates, prices and the full info pack.

19/09/2026

Ever wondered what it takes to turn a racehorse into a polocrosse horse? 🇿🇼

At African HoofBeatz, you can spend 3–12 weeks in Zimbabwe learning how to take a horse from the racetrack into a completely new career.

Working alongside Andy Taylor, our founder and international polocrosse player, you’ll get your own string of horses to ride, school and develop. You’ll learn how to retrain off-the-track Thoroughbreds, build their confidence and prepare them for new careers, including polocrosse.

And because you work with the same horses throughout your stay, you get to see their progress for yourself. The small improvements, the things that finally click and the difference your time with them has made.

You’re learning how to produce a horse, not simply how to ride one.

And that’s only part of the experience.

Learn polocrosse with Andy, join club practices and, during the season, get the chance to play in tournaments. Then take one of the horses you’ve been working with on a 3-night horseback safari through the Matobo Hills, riding among zebra and giraffe.

With a maximum of four guests on our family-run horse property outside Bulawayo, you’ll get plenty of individual coaching and hands-on experience.

African HoofBeatz is an affordable horse riding holiday and equestrian working holiday in Africa, ideal for experienced riders looking for a gap year adventure, university break or horse volunteering opportunity abroad. Veterinary students can also join us for an equine AHEMS placement.

Come for the riding and safari. Leave knowing how to produce a horse for its next career.

Comment “ZIM” or click the link in our bio for dates, prices and the full info pack.

16/09/2026

You know how to ride. But have you ever had to do it one-handed, at speed, while chasing a ball?

Polocrosse is basically lacrosse on horseback, fast, competitive and a lot harder than it looks.

At African HoofBeatz in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, you can learn from the basics, build your stick and ball skills, and during the season join club practices and games.

And that is only one part of the trip.

Stay for 3–12 weeks and spend your days riding, schooling and retraining off-the-track Thoroughbreds, heading out on trails and developing your horsemanship with a small, family-run yard.

You’ll also head into the Matobo Hills for a three-night horseback safari, riding through one of Zimbabwe’s most incredible landscapes and getting the kind of experience you are not going to find on a standard riding holiday.

It is a good fit if you are an experienced rider looking for something different, planning a gap year or working holiday, want to improve your riding while travelling, or you simply want more than a week of following a trail guide around.

Small groups. Plenty of time in the saddle. Proper involvement with the horses.

Click the link in bio for dates, prices and more info

If your idea of the perfect trip involves coming home a better rider than when you left, keep reading.African HoofBeatz ...
13/09/2026

If your idea of the perfect trip involves coming home a better rider than when you left, keep reading.

African HoofBeatz is a 3–12 week horse riding working holiday in Zimbabwe built for riders who want more than a traditional horseback safari.

Stay on our small family-run horse property outside Bulawayo, become part of everyday yard life and spend enough time here to actually develop your riding and horsemanship.

There’s retraining off-the-track Thoroughbreds, your own string of horses, polocrosse, plenty of time in the saddle and, yes, the safari too: three nights riding through the Matobo Hills among zebra, giraffe and other wildlife.

It’s an affordable way to experience Africa on horseback, whether you’re planning a gap year, looking for something completely different to do with your university summer, searching for a longer horse riding holiday in Africa, or a veterinary student looking for an equine AHEMS placement abroad.

Come for 3 weeks. Stay for 12. Either way, this isn’t the kind of trip where you simply pass through.

Save this for when “one day” becomes “this year”.

Comment “ZIM” or click the link in our bio for dates, prices + the full programme.

31/08/2026

What if your vet placement could also be one of the best parts of your summer?

Maya is studying Veterinary Medicine at the University of Liverpool. After spending six weeks with African HoofBeatz last year, she came back for another two — this time with even more confidence and the chance to build on the practical experience she’d already gained.

African HoofBeatz is a 3–12 week equestrian working holiday and equine placement in Zimbabwe, based on a small family-run horse property outside Bulawayo. You’ll ride regularly, work with different horses, help retrain ex-racehorses, learn polocrosse and experience Zimbabwe in a way most travellers never do.

For veterinary students, it’s a chance to gain hands-on equine experience, improve practical skills and develop a much stronger understanding of horses and horsemanship. It can suit students looking for an equine AHEMS placement, but also those planning a gap year, university summer abroad or practical veterinary experience overseas.

And outside the placement, there’s still plenty of adventure — including polocrosse, trail riding and a 3-night horseback safari through the Matopos.

Would you spend part of your vet degree doing this in Zimbabwe?

Comment VET for dates, prices + more placement information.

28/08/2026

This kind of rich > everything else.

Rich in horses.
Rich in adventure.
Rich in friendships.
Rich in stories you’ll still be telling years later.

Turns out the best things you can come home with don’t fit in your suitcase.

African HoofBeatz | Zimbabwe

26/08/2026

Would you spend your trip doing this?

This is the kind of horse riding holiday you don’t expect to find in Zimbabwe, especially at this price.

African HoofBeatz is a 3–12 week equestrian working holiday for experienced riders who want more than a week of trail rides.

Get your own string of 2–3 horses to ride and develop. Retrain ex-racehorses. Learn polocrosse and play at club practices and tournaments in season. Then take one of the horses you’ve been working with on a 3-night horseback safari through the Matopos.

You’ll live on a small family-run horse property outside Bulawayo, with a maximum of four participants, plenty of time in the saddle and individual coaching to seriously develop your confidence, riding and horsemanship.

Perfect for an equestrian gap year, horse riding holiday in Africa, university summer adventure or equine AHEMS placement.

And yes, it’s far more affordable than most people expect.

Comment “ZIM” or click the link in bio for dates, prices & the full info pack.

Address

46 Pinedale Drive
Bulawayo

Telephone

00263 777 958 270

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