Horseback Safaris at Reni Pani Jungle Lodge

A horse safari is like no other experience. The thrill of being one with nature on horseback is unmatched and exhilarating. It allows the animals around to get more comfortable with us. Every ride is different, whether it involves seeing Spotted Deer and Nilgai inquisitively watching the horses passing by or a flock of birds breeze past gently, or the view of the gentle and slow-paced life of a classic indigenous village.

The Satpura Tiger Reserve is Central India’s largest tiger reserve and the buffer forest around the reserve is characterized by beautiful woodland, seasonal streams, quaint villages, and sandy tracks perfect for horseback riding. At Reni Pani Jungle Lodge we offer a first-of-its-kind horse riding safari in Madhya Pradesh. Reni Pani is proudly family-owned and operated and the family has bred thoroughbreds for three generations. The horses available for riding are thoroughbreds and Marwaris. Both thoroughbreds and Marwari horses are vibrant breeds to ride. Our team has habituated and carefully schooled these horses to the local landscape and its wildlife.

While out riding guests can enjoy fine views of the countryside, wander through indigenous villages, and explore forested patches. The Likelihood of seeing wildlife like spotted deer, wild boar, nilgai, langur monkey, and sambar is quite high and if lucky the odd sloth bear or leopard may cross your path. The horseback rides are conducted in the private and reserve forest patches in and around the lodge. After a nice ride on the trail, guests can enjoy a well-crafted bush breakfast or a sundowner in a scenic location.


Governor


Governor

 
Thoroughbred – 63 inches – Bred at our farm, Governor is our senior most horse aged 11 years. He has taken to Satpura’s jungle very quickly and is quite brave and bold. He is a feisty ride and best suited for those looking for a lively ride in the wilderness.

Boomerang


Boomerang

 
Thoroughbred - 63 inches – Boomerang is the baby of the bunch, bred at our farm, he is a very good natured and well-tempered horse. He and Governor are full brothers and get along like house on fire. Boomerang is a horse for all kinds of riders including children, and when not out riding is very happy chomping endlessly on his fodder.

Candy


Candy

 
Thoroughbred – 65 inches – Candy is a 9-year-old mare who was a race horse in her early years. She then moved to competition and show jumping till we bought her and moved her to the jungle. Candy is a very lively ride and is perfect for someone who likes an energetic and alert horse.

Mahua


Mahua

 
Marwari – 63 inches – Named after a famous characteristically central Indian tree, Mahua is a natural leader. She is young but leads our bunch. Ever alert but always willing to go forward, Mahua has a very gentle nature. Mahua is built for long rides as she is never too happy being ridden in the paddock.

Champion


Champion

 
Marwari – 60 inches – Champion was Candy’s stable mate at their previous home. Both Champion and Candy moved to Reni Pani together, after we identified them as a good pair who would fit in well with our fleet of horses. He is also a natural leader and does lead the herd at times.

Riding Rules and Information

Rider Ability and Options:

  • Exclusive rides on request
  • Beginners are welcome for a relaxed ride close to the stables
  • Only riders of the same skill level will be mixed unless family group or friends
  • Weight limit of a maximum of 95 kg is permitted
  • 4 riders plus a lead guide and backup guide is the maximum we can accommodate
  • Kids or adults can also do half an hour or one-hour joy rides on a lead upon request

Terrain:
  • Combination of wooded terrain, indigenous villages and farmland
  • Ideal for strolls through the wilderness or some gentle trots and fast-paced canters
  • 50 square kilometres of terrain to explore. This area is a wildlife corridor having a rich habitat
  • Gond and Bheel people live in the area and guests can witness their livelihood on horseback

The Equipment:
  • Well-chosen, fitted and maintained tack is used for our rides
  • Adjustable high-quality riding helmets and chaps are provided
  • Our guest tack is professionally fitted English saddles
  • We provide whips for those who need them

The Riding Style:
  • We respect our horses and this reflects in our way of keeping, training and riding them
  • Our horses are English style arena schooled
  • Whenever situations allow, we walk our horses on fairly long reins
  • Trot should be done in rising and canters and gallops should be done in a fairly light seat
  • For the safety of everyone overtaking and racing is not encouraged

The Horses:
  • Diverse and unique in appearance and characteristics our herd consists of 6 safari horses that are well accustomed to the ecosystem we are riding in
  • Our stables accommodate Thoroughbreds and Marwari breeds
  • All horses’ vaccinations and other medicals are up to date
  • Their feeding plan is carefully adjusted with a change in workload and age
  • Our horses are regularly shooed and trimmed by a farrier

Safety and Security Guidelines while Riding:
 

Horse riding is an inherently dangerous activity. We will be riding in a wildlife area where we may unexpectedly encounter wildlife including spotted deer, nilgai, wild boar, and chinkara but also potentially dangerous game like sloth bear, leopard and tiger. Our horses are seasoned and experienced in this environment, however as they are horses they are unpredictable and they can all spook, buck, kick and bite. For your safety, we would recommend we keep in mind the following guidelines.
 
  • Familiarize yourself with your guides' names and their roles (lead guide/backup guide) and your horse’s name
  • Do not overtake the lead guide, there may be animals in the grass, holes, rocks, thorny sticks, etc. If a rider is unable to control their horse and stay behind during canters, we either need to put the horse on a lead rein or swap out with an easier horse and won't do any more canters
  • Point out holes, thorny branches or other obstacles to be avoided by riders behind you
  • Let us know if you have any discomfort or if you are getting a rub from your saddle, something can probably be easily adjusted to make you more comfortable. Do not remove your feet from the stirrups, if the horse suddenly spooks you could fall. If your knees and ankles get sore please advise the guides and we can assist you
  • Be aware that all horses have the potential to kick and bite so watch your space
  • Do not dismount for any reason at any time without advising the guide. If you drop something let us know and we will get it back to you
  • Do not let go of your reins as they may fall forwards over the horse’s head and you will not have any control or the horse might step into the reins and cause an accident. Be alert and in control of your horse at all times
  • Horses can bolt if a rider removes an item of clothing such as a jacket or pullover. Please do not remove any item of clothing without asking first. We will either hold the horse or advise the rider to dismount if the horse is nervous about clothes
  • No mount up with floaty scarves, open jackets or clothing, that may come loose during the ride and cause the horses to spook and/or bolt
  • No handbags/backpacks/binoculars or big lensed cameras on the horse
  • Trees: Many of our trees have thorns and spines, please do not try and feel branches or leaves or push them out of your way as you go past. Dodge all branches and in case of overhanging branches lean forward onto your horse's neck. Do not lean backwards as you can easily lose balance and your face would be exposed to the thorns/spines
  • We highly recommend the use of hard hats as falling off a horse could potentially cause a head injury. For riders below the age of 18, hard hats are mandatory
  • Please wait with dismounting until a crew member assists you
  • Feel free to ask any questions anytime and enjoy the ride

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