Dune Beach Hostel • Horses • Calanga, Mozambique
At Dune Beach Hostel, everything we do is built around authentic experiences that feel natural, safe, and unforgettable. That’s why we partnered with Solo Saddlers in South Africa to create custom bareback saddle pads and treeless options designed specifically for our beach rides and horse experiences.
When we introduced beach riding and swimming experiences, we made a conscious decision to do things differently — for our guests and for the comfort and wellbeing of our horses. These saddles are a big part of that decision.
Traditional saddles have their place, but at the beach we wanted something that feels more connected, more relaxed, and more in tune with the surroundings. Bareback-style saddles let you feel the horse’s movement in a direct, balanced way — instead of sitting on the horse, you feel like you’re riding with the horse.
Our saddles are not standard bareback pads — they’re custom-made for our environment. Beach conditions mean sand, salt air, and moisture, and we needed something lightweight, practical, and secure.
Many of our guests are exploring the beach in swim shorts, light activewear, or casual travel clothing — and that’s exactly what our riding setup is designed for. Our custom bareback saddles provide soft padded contact without hard edges, making them comfortable even on bare skin.
A common misconception is that bareback riding is automatically less safe. With the right equipment and guidance, it can be a very stable, confidence-building experience — especially for relaxed beach rides.
One of the most memorable parts of our experience is swimming with the horses in the Indian Ocean. And this is exactly why our setup matters.
When we go swimming with the horses, we remove the saddles completely.
You go from riding along untouched beaches… to moving through the ocean with your horse — a true bucket-list moment.
We chose not to use traditional saddles because they can feel bulky in a beach setting, often require specific riding attire, and don’t transition well into water-based experiences. Our goal isn’t formal riding — it’s experience-driven adventure that feels easy and accessible.