Season 3
In 1834, the Sixth Frontier War explodes in the eastern settler districts of the British ruled Cape Colony in southern Africa.
Thousands of Xhosa warriors pour over the Eastern border, laying waste to settler farms and Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Harry Smith, veteran of Waterloo and the Peninsula Wars, is tasked with taking command of the British garrison in the settler capital of Grahamstown.
On the 1st of January 1835 Smith leaves Cape Town and, utilizing the postal system of the time, rides the 950km to the frontier capital in just six days: one of the longest, fastest horseback journeys in recorded history.
176 years later modern day adventurers Barry Armitage and Joe Dawson attempt to emulate this heroic equestrian achievement. With 33 horses and the help of an extensive backup crew, they will recreate the postal system of 1835 and endeavour to match the furious pace set by Smith.
Part epic reality adventure, part historical enquiry, "Chasing the Ghost of Sir Harry Smith" documents this extraordinary journey in an eight-part season.
Discover what it took to shape a country on horseback and whether modern man and horse can match the strengths and endurance of this remarkable historic man of action.
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