Blog 1. Ben Freeth: The day before my Namibian ride begins

16 September 2025

Ben Freeth has embarked on another epic Namibian ride, this time across western Namibia from Okahandja, north of Windhoek, to Cape Cross on the Atlantic Ocean’s hauntingly beautiful, desolate and remote Skeleton Coast. He is doing this to raise awareness of a travesty of justice in Zimbabwe and the subsequent fallout for the entire southern African region. This was the closure of the regional court of justice, the Southern African Development Community’s SADC Tribunal, in 2012. Ben’s objective is to raise the profile of the need to have the SADC Tribunal, which was located in the Namibian capital, Windhoek, reopened. He is also fundraising for a small rural school in Zimbabwe, a free seed project for poor families and to run conservation agriculture training courses for destitute farm workers.

Collecting Warrior, a magnificent few spot Appaloosa from WOW! Appaloosa Stud, in the Omaheke Region of Namibia

My route will take me from Okahandja, north of Windhoek, to Spitzkoppe, then Henties Bay and up to Cape Cross where, in January 1486, Portuguese navigator Diogo Cão landed and erected a padrao, a stone cross. 

Before any expedition there is always a time of deeply focused reflexion.

The road ahead stretches into the distance.  Am I prepared enough? What are the important things?  Where will I find water?  Will there be enough grazing?  Is my horse up to it?  Have I got enough food?  Will my feet be alright?  Will I have coms? 

Given that I will be crossing through desert to the forbidding and most severe Skeleton Coast, water will be my most important issue.

I have 9 litres with me along with some biltong, rusks, dried fruit and nuts and a few energy bars.  I have learned to keep things as simple as possible. 

Of clothes I have a spare pair of underpants and a spare pair of socks. 

For night-time I have my saddle blanket and a light weight sleeping bag with an ultra-light and very thin ground mat.  

I have a toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste; a small Bible; a couple of phone chargers and not a lot more.

What is already overwhelmingly evident is the incredible level of support from the Namibian people.  This gives me a deep sense of peace.  I can go to sleep tonight knowing that even though water is scarce in the desert there will be support along the way.  Already there are incredible offers coming through.  I know already that Warrior and I will be well cared for. 

Thank you to you amazing Namibians (you know who you are) for looking after me and giving me Warrior and shoeing him and helping me get organised - and thank you to our amazing God. 

The Long Ride for Hope - now on Warrior to the cross - will resume first thing tomorrow!