Season 1
Filmed as the first in a series entitled The Ride by Cooked in Africa Films, the first edition - entitled "The Ride of the Peacemaker" - takes viewers on a fast-paced horse-back journey across South African cityscapes and farmlands, including some of the remotest regions of the Wild Coast, as modern day adventurers Barry Armitage and Joe Dawson retrace the hoof-prints of Dick King's historic ride 168 years ago when he rode from Port Natal to Grahamstown in 10 days.
The Ride is about great horse journeys that shaped the history of this country, and specifically the daring exploits of individuals from the tumultuous period when South Africa as we know it was being formed.
At its heart, it's a rollicking boys-own adventure that takes the viewer on a journey back in time, where our protagonists replicate a nearly-impossible journey in the modern day.
The Ride platform provides a rare view back – mostly from the back of a horse - into South Africa's past to see what it took to make this country.
It allows us to reflect on those pioneering spirits who left their mark, and appreciate some of the extraordinary accomplishments of relatively ordinary individuals.
The six-episode first season sees Barry and Joe keep up the furious pace set by Dick King "Mlamulankunzi" (the Peacemaker) and his companion Ndongeni when they rode 960km from the British trading station in Port Natal to Grahamstown, to request help for the besieged British garrison.
Viewers will be taken on a virtual journey into the territorial heart of a by-gone era as the adventurers and their faithful mounts travel through contrasting and at times hostile environments, including busy, urban centres and highways to the rugged and almost impenetrable Natal South Coast.
The 10-day expedition, which was filmed in October 2010, included five support crew, three Land Rovers, two horseboxes and a production team of eight people.
Due to the extreme distances the team had to complete each day, they spent most of their nights camping outdoors before setting out daily before dawn.
While Barry and Joe's bold journey replicates one of the greatest endurance rides in history, The Ride of the Peacemaker represents the first-of-its kind South African-inspired equine adventure reality TV show.
Through The Ride series Barry and Joe aim to raise awareness and funds for working horses and donkeys by inviting the public to visit their website and pledge their support by contributing to a fundraising campaign that will directly benefit the Cart Horse Protection Association.
The Adventurers
Barry Armitage
A career in the international yachting industry based out of Palma de Mallorca, Spain, where adventure and travel were part of a day's work, followed by the development of a ground breaking wildlife reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, where the history of the Anglo Boer War and horses became a passion, sowed the seeds for the idea that was to become The Ride.
Impatient, curious, daring and always up for an adventure Barry has lived in Cape Town with his wife and son since 2009.
Joe Dawson
Educated in England, Joe returned to live in the Midlands of his native KwaZulu Natal. He joined Barry on the team developing the Dalton Private Reserve, where the two, already related through marriage, developed a bond and mutual reliance that will stand them in good stead when undertaking The Ride.
Cool under pressure, a passionate conservationist and horseman, fluent isiZulu speaker and always circumspect about an adventure, Joe runs the Dalton Private Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, where he lives with his three children.
Mark Samuels
Expedition Producer
Dekuyise Caine
Groom and Guide
Thokoza Mqhotheni
Groom
Servaas "Spud" Murray
Horse Master