WINTER WARMER
in hand. Everyone is silent as we set out in small groups. The fi rst stage is to get close enough to identify the injured cow, then closer still so the vet can get a clear shot. My horse dances on the spot, inconvenient, but adding to the sense of excitement.
The cow is successfully tranquillized and with the terror it brings to the herd they charge off through the thick bush; angry, aggressive in defence. The cow moves with them,
NOW RUN BACK TO YOUR
HORSES AND GET OUT OF THE WAY.”
running for her life. Our job now is to ensure we do not let her out of our sight, so the chase begins. At full speed we whip through the bush, weaving through the spiky trees and shrubs, dodging low hanging branches and jumping fallen ones. My heart is pounding, but I am smiling, not caring about the scratches to my arms or the angry buffalo I am chasing. Suddenly she stops running and drops to the ground, sedated.
“I’M GOING TO REVERSE THE ANAESTHETIC.
Dismounting, we radio in and the team that had been following in the jeep with all the necessary equipment needed for the vet, arrive within precious minutes, running from the nearest dirt road through the bush. It takes four men to hold the buffalo down and a towel is placed over her face to ease her of disorientation. The wound the size of a dinner plate, I will say no more than... maggots!
The vet’s nimble work is soon complete and with other buffalo approaching to protect their companion we listen closely to his instructions: “I’m going to reverse the anaesthetic. Now run back to your horses and get out of the way,” he shouted. We did just that, watching from a safe distance as she climbed back to her feet, wasting no time to join her herd once again.
Intoxicated with sheer exhilaration from the chase, it is time to rest, recuperate and indulge in a delicious braai, before mounting our horses once again for the afternoon safari. A gallop across the plains, a rhino encounter, the majestic sable and the unusual oryx make for a fantastic day of game viewing. Then, on impulse, before enjoying sun downers at the dam, we strip our horses of their saddles and ourselves of our chaps. The sun is at eye’s level as we race bare-back into the dam. Some horses love the water and swim, others love it too much and role as soon as they feel the splash around their hocks. It makes for me one of the best days of my life. It makes for all a refreshing dip, laughter all round, and the perfect end to the days adventure, before enjoying a gin and tonic.
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