THE ORIGINAL RIDING MUSE
About
Rebecca Moolenburgh
Eleven years ago, my career and my life’s priorities were redirected towards the care of my family when my husband was diagnosed with a chronic illness. Like so many women, I encountered a slow but sure drift in my identity, away from the adventurous, career-driven woman I once was.
As a graphic designer who has lived across Paris, Amsterdam and New York City – I had always identified with being many things at once – mother, wife, traveller, artist and professional. Yet I found myself increasingly disconnected from the latter.
As my family became more capable without my support, I yearned to reconnect with myself, and my sense of purpose outside the family. The process got under way when I rediscovered physical activities and then ultimately through horseback riding. A fortuitous family holiday saw me saddle up and reconnect with a skill I had only ever touched in childhood. This marked the beginning of my somatic, emotional and spiritual reclaim of self.
By 2019, I was in Namibia on my first horseback safari, an intense 300km endurance ride . Cut off from civilization, camping in the open desert with no connection to technology, riding 6 hours by day and connecting with our small group by night. I knew then and there, that this was more than a hobby for me – it was my calling. I’ve since been on safari to Pakistan, South Africa, Morocco, Botswana and Patagonia.
On each safari, my fashion choices have become equal parts bolder and more refined. I quickly came to realise that how I dress impacts how I feel, and how I ride. Part of the great joy of safari is selecting the outfits that will carry me through the journey. Riding Muse is my gift to other women: a curated selection of the best safaris, with clothes that rise to the occasion.
My journey is proof that it’s never too late to rediscover your purpose and your passion. It’s a story that proves courage is found in the small steps that lead us out of our comfort zones.
Horseback safari isn’t for the fainthearted. But I don’t believe there are faint-hearts, only hearts that are yet to be awakened to their full potential.
Because if you have the choice, why not be bold?
What I stand for
Bold decisions, bold actions and bold adventures
Riding in the saddle of your own life
Grabbing life by the reigns
Adventure at any age
Never holding back
Doing it in style
Authenticity
Wild hearts
Connection
Gratitude
Freedom
Explore the platform that inspires women to ride boldly and live fully
Gear up in style
The biggest misconception about packing for an adventurous safari is that in the name of comfort, you must give up on anything stylish and limit yourself with either traditional safari wear which often is unexciting or with ubiquitous sports wear which is never stylish and usually not in the right colour palette for outdoor assimilation. Choosing earth tone colours that let you blend and integrate in the environment is of very important. Leave your bright funky colours for another occasion.
As the weather and temperature can change quickly depending on the time of the day and season, packing in layers is essential. Choose light, breathable shirts for the heat of the day, gilets for early morning ride crispness, and long sleeve jackets for the cool evenings. A scarf or a buff is not only stylish as it ads a finishing touch to a look but is also very effective in keeping cold, sun or dust away from the face and neck and can make all the difference.
Sunglasses are another essential accessory that offer protection for your eyes from the elements and add a nice touch to complete a look. Wearing a hard hat is recommended but not mandatory everywhere so if you opt for a more glamorous look that will still offer good protection from the sun and wind, felts hats like the Australian “Akubra”hats are unbeatable in comfort, style and sturdiness as the brim will not twist away in the wind. I always prefer long boots to ankle ones, as you avoid chap hassles and they look more glamorous. Being ready for anything is part of the experience.
Collaboration
Interested in collaborating?
If you’re a brand or tour operator I can, I can help your ideal customers find you.
If you’re a rider I can inspire you to take the adventure of a lifetime.
