Question 1

What about the horses?

Accepted Answer

We have about 200 homebred American Paint and Quarter Horses, all with different levels of training. If we see that you are able to train a young horse, you are welcome to join us. If your skills lie more in the training and gymnastics of experienced horses, our oldies are also very happy about health-maintaining training. Please note that we first have to get an idea of who you are and that you will be under our control for a while. But if you prove yourself, you will soon be allowed to work independently.

Question 2

What is the training approach based on?

Accepted Answer

At Koiimasis, our training approach is based on the classic California vaquero horsemanship, to create an all-round horse that can be used for cattle drives, rope, cutting, but also for trails and many other areas. Our older riding horses have been trained by renowned international horse trainers and their students, such as Mark & Miranda Lyon whose training style has been influenced by Ray Hunt, Buck Branaman, Martin Black and many other big names in western riding. The goal is to build a strong relationship between horse and rider in order to obtain a horse that wants to serve its rider with body and soul - without force or coercion!

Question 3

How does a day look like?

Accepted Answer

Morning kick-off: Start the day with a walk to the cowboy camp and head to the stables to assist with morning feedings and essential chores, such as filling water troughs.
Training sessions: Once the horses have eaten, you begin working with your assigned string. Your morning involves grooming, saddling, and training in various settings: the round pen, obstacle course, big arena, or cross-country.
Lunch break: Ride one of your horses or a bike back to your accommodation. After ensuring they are settled in the paddock with water, the midday break is yours to cook, rest, or relax in the sun.
Afternoon training: Ride back to the stables to continue training the rest of your assigned horses, focusing on their development both in the arena and out in the field.
Evening wrap-up: After the final training sessions, head back to your house to recharge for the next day.
The next day you might have a cattle drive, help sort out the cattle for sale and assist with branding, etc. Or maybe you go for a ride with some guests in the afternoon, or you stack hay bales, etc. As you can see, no two days are the same.

Question 4

Is there supervision?

Accepted Answer

You won't be navigating this experience alone. You will work directly alongside Wulff and Immanuel, who are always available to answer questions and provide guidance on horse welfare. While you will have the autonomy to work and train your assigned horses independently, please note that we do not offer formal riding lessons. We are here to support you whenever needed, but we expect you to be confident enough to manage your horses' training and progress on your own responsibility.

Question 5

Can I accompany the riding safaris?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to join the riding safaris as an active member of the team. While you'll support Wulff in hosting, please remember that guests are the priority; if an issue arises, you may need to swap horses or step aside to assist them. This isn't about being a "second-class guest", it’s about being a vital part of the crew. You’ll work alongside Immanuel to provide an elite experience while getting an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at ranch life in Namibia.

Question 6

Will I get homesick?

Accepted Answer

While Immanuel and Wulff are your primary contacts, you’ll be part of a much larger community. You can enjoy a chat with our cook at the saloon, work alongside the ranch hands, or visit Roland - a German expatriate who runs the "Fest Inn Fels" lodge - for a weekend update on news from home.
Settling into ranch life typically takes about 14 days. Depending on the season, you may be the only "Dude" on the farm or one of four. Being prepared for this adjustment period helps make the transition smoother as you immerse yourself in the Namibian wilderness.

Question 7

Where is the Ranch exactly?

Accepted Answer

Ranch Koiimasis is situated in the Karas region, nestled in the Tiras Mountains on the edge of the Namib Desert. It is approximately 650 km from Windhoek. The nearest village, Helmeringhausen (65 km), offers a small shop for essentials. Lüderitz is 290 km away and is a popular destination for group excursions when multiple Dudes are on the ranch.
Languages: German, English, and Afrikaans.

Question 8

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

To apply, simply reach out to Wulff via WhatsApp at +264 812628545 or use the contact button on our website. Once your dates are confirmed, you will receive a PDF offer to sign and return via WhatsApp. We recommend booking at least 4 weeks in advance, though last-minute stays may be possible - just ask! Please note that it gets very hot in the summer months (Dec-Feb).

Question 9

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

​To save on transfer fees, you are welcome to pay the full amount in a single transaction.
Deposit: A 50% deposit is due within 2 weeks of receiving your invoice, unless otherwise agreed.
Currency & Transfer: Payments should be made via bank transfer in Namibian Dollars (NAD). If your bank cannot process NAD, please transfer in South African Rand (ZAR), as the exchange rate is 1:1.
Bank Details: Note that Namibia does not use IBANs; the bank details provided on your invoice are sufficient for international transfers.
Final Balance: The remaining 50% can be paid via bank transfer or in cash (NAD, ZAR, or Euro) upon arrival.
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Good to know: The current exchange rate is approximately €1 to 19.70 NAD. Please withdraw cash or exchange money in Windhoek or at the airport upon arrival, as there are no ATMs at the ranch and international credit cards can occasionally be unreliable in Namibia.

Question 10

What if I get sick?

Accepted Answer

Travel health insurance is a booking requirement – you can't do without it. However, such insurance is relatively inexpensive. A stay abroad of up to 6 weeks is already covered by many health insurances - just ask your insurance company. For minor aches and pains there is sufficient medication at the ranch. Otherwise, the nearest doctor is in Lüderitz. For the really bad cases, the ranch has an airstrip.

Ranch Koiimasis

Answers to your questions