It wasn’t difficult to make up my mind whether or not I should do another ultra distance trip on horseback. I somehow simply knew this seventh one just had to be. What was more difficult about this 1744 km one however was which route to take and when to start and of course where it should end.
Dedicating this epic trip to the Tornado movie I eventually decided to start on top of Table Mountain and finish in Pretoria - a route that would take me through the heart of the South African landscape. I also decided to stick to dirt roads in an attempt to avoid heavy traffic and the risk it poses to the horses.
So I started on Christmas Day. From the top of Table Mountain on a small gravel road leading to the reservoirs of the back Table. Through the busy streets of Goodwood and Durbanville we soon left city life to continue our epic journey over Klipheuwel and Hermon Station. Through Nuwe Kloof Pass we boxed the horses because of bad weather. Through the dangerous Michells Pass we walked on the old railway line that took us from Wolseley to Ceres. After leaving Karoopoort we faced the hot summer weather of the Karoo and finally reached Sutherland after a midnight accident in Verlatenkloof Pass when Tornado slipped and fell on me. Badly bruising my lower right leg. Through Fraserburg and Vosburg we were still on schedule. But by the time we reached Hopetown we were one shift plus another 7 km behind due to bad weather.
We reached the halfway mark at Hopetown on 13 February. Fifteen year old Bennie Jansen with Tornado and me with Queen of Hearts. Having completed 880 km. Averaging 22.4 km per shift.
It was here in Hopetown that Bennie Jansen had to say goodbye to Tornado due to personal reasons back home. Pierre van Rooyen who helped me with Tornado in the Kalahari desert 6 years ago took over to make this trip a perfect and profound reunion.
Then followed Heuningneskloof station and Jacobsdal before we entered the battlefield of Paardeberg telling the sad story of the cruel Anglo Boer War of 1900. Crossing the Modder River needed much preparation because we had to do it on foot. Heavy traffic on the N8 between Bloemfontein and Kimberley made it impossible to use the newly built road bridge.
Many thanks Bennie for taking Tornado safely through many difficult and even dangerous situations. Well done son. You did a great job. We will see you at the premiere.
Also my deepest appreciation to Pierre van Rooyen for accepting the challenge to ride Tornado for the rest of the journey. I wish you the best of luck knowing the two of you will surely make it. Again.
To Tornado just a few words. Ever since you were brought to me in the desert I believed in you. You were much younger and the blood of your youth was clearly visible in your swollen veins. Your kicks were extremely vicious and quicker than lightning. Emotionally you were so confused and frustrated. But in the silence of cold and dark desert nights you soon showed your real character. Regardless of your unpredictable behavior your real potential could not be hidden. Not even in the dark. And when we stood together on the top of Table Mountain after 3 long hours of climbing I felt so proud of you. And when Pierre took you through those thick thorny bushes and over those slippery rocks of the Modder River I once again saw the true spirit of a champion. You have already done well over 1000 km for which I admire you. Sidi Tornado, I am so proud of you.
And to my loyal and brave companion, Queen of Hearts. This is your third ultra distance trip. That speaks for itself.
Written by "BARRIE"
