Meet the Horses

Jabar, meaning Mighty, epitomizes his name. He had a short racing career before deciding wildlife was his passion. Completely unfazed by the wild animals, he’s the coolest cucumber in the bush, and totally undramatic. His previous career ensures he can run fast; elegant, lean and slender, he floats over the ground, his feet appearing barely to touch the land. Nadine met him at Nairobi Racecourse and it was love at first sight. Having tried to persuade her friends to buy him, Nadine came straight back for him when Ride Mara was established and he and Zaynah became the founders of the herd.

Previously known as The Whole Apple, Jabar was born on 6th September 2015.

Zaki meaning Blessed, came to Kenya by airplane from South Africa with his crew Ndovu and Samara. From the beautiful winegrowing mountains of Stellenbosh, he took quickly to Kenya’s wilderness. Zaki has become our most reliable lead horse. He walks up to every Elephant, Lion or Leopard sighting and crosses every riverbed, climbs every bank without a blink!

Tall and impressive, he has beautiful swift gaits! Though he can’t keep his hooves on the ground for long, he has just the right spunk for experienced riders. Forward going and fine on the aids! Zaki is the most gentle, polite and respectful soul. He loves his food, especially fresh fruits from our Bushbreakfasts and he loves to be talked to! Needless to say, we are certainly blessed to have found such an adorable horse for our Safari set up.

Zaki was born in 2011 in South Africa’s Western Cape.

With a name that means Protected by God, Samara shared the experience of travelling to Kenya in November 2019 on an airplane together with Zaki and Ndovu. Born on a big farm in KwaZulu Natal she was bred by our vet friend Pete Dommet who specialized on breeding hardy horses for the Safari Industry.

And what can we say? With Samara he has definitely bred a once-in-a-lifetime horse, we are truly thankful for such a fantastic horse. Being a Shire Thoroughbred mix, Samara stands tall and strong and is not only a beautiful appearance to look at but also an unforgettable ride. She looks after her rider as if she knows that is her job and just never puts a foot wrong! Everything about Samara is just perfect!

Samara was born in 2015 in South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal.

Our fierce and fiery chestnut mare! We lovingly call her “our Ferrari”, as she is fast, switched on and sure footed. Ask me Nicely was bred by David Sugden at their Njoro farm, close to Nakuru. Her sire was a locally bred race horse “Themistocles” formerly owned and bred by Ari Grammaticas. Her Dam was Botany Bay.

She was in training with Bindya Devani before coming home to Fiona Ansett being re-schooled for competition – Chyulu Smith was her rider. She did many riding safaris locally before she moved to Nairobi to become a privately owned horse. Her last nairobi based owner, Brenda Behan, kept her in a livery yard in Kitisuru. When Brenda needed to move countries, she decided to find Ask me Nicely a nice home somewhere in the bush. That’s how Ask me nicely ended up with us in Maasai Mara. And we couldn’t be more pleased having Ask me Nicely with her beautiful shiny coppery coat.

Ask me Nicely was born in 2006 in Njogo, Kenya.

She has such a happy little face. The horse that’s smiling on every picture! Also, Adrenaline Junkie never puts a foot wrong….when ridden! On the ground she prefers her personal space and if that’s respected by all humans entering the premises, our pretty little mare is pleased! Adrenaline Junkie was born and raised with the Elms Family in Karen, Nairobi.

After 10 years in the mother city and endless attempts to win Junkies interest for cuddles and any kind of arena work with her family, the decision was made that this is just not on Junkies agenda and she needs a change of environment. And wow, the Elms family knew Junkie so well! Despite the expectations her name raises, Adrenaline Junkie is the sweetest, safest, most reliable, surefooted, easiest and just most perfect horse to have in a safari stables! Junkie is a dependable ride for first timers but also spunky enough for a good gallop up the turf with an advanced rider.

Adrenaline Junkie was born in 2011.

Our stunning bay mare, that leaves everybody speechless when she shows her floaty trot on the grassy plains of Maasai Mara! Linen was born and raised in Port Elizabeth, South Africas Eastern Cape before Deborah Duveskog imported her to Kenya as a 5yo in 2014 to compete in Cross Country Classes.

Being an athletic thoroughbred, Linen makes a perfect all-rounder. She is well schooled on the flat and in jumping/eventing. Forward going and powerful she is an absolute pleasure to ride for intermediate riders that see a jump in pushed over trees and course builders in Elephants! Linen is brave and gutsy, she often is the leadhorse of our rides. If you feel the need for speed, she is your horse to ride and she for sure leaves you with a great addiction of a gallop across the plains!

White Linen was born in 2009.

Wakana, our spirited warmblood cross thoroughbred mare seems so inconspicuous at first. However, having a good look across our herd you will soon take notice of this strong and muscly, well build little bay in all her beauty! The second thing you will soon notice, especially when interacting with her, is that there is Wakanas way of doing things or no way! Having reflexes like a hyena crossed with a shark, Waka secretly rules this place and its staff!

This wonderful vital spark makes Wakana a perfect safari horse! Brushing through the bushes with Waka is always fun as this inquisitive soul can be so entertaining. Wakana was bred, born and raised in Kenya by Deborah Duveskog.

Wakana was born in 2016 in Nairobi, Kenya.

Meaning Splendour or Glory, Baha is a purebred Percheron Sports horse. Born and raised in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, he’s our thunder machine. With a weight of almost a tonne, Baha sounds like thunder when he runs alongside you; nearby Maasai think an earthquake is coming. Our most reliable and comfortable horse, he has enough power to keep up with the thoroughbreds. On the plane, he was more shocked by the artificial lights than the feeling of flying. Baha eats anything and everything; out grazing, he’ll never run away as long as there’s enough grass. He’ll plunge through any fence, no matter how strong or how narrow the gap, if there’s better food on the other side.

Previously known as Marrok, Baha was born on 10th April 2016.