Who we are and what we do?

Ranch Koiimasis is a western styled working-farm operation handling 250 horses, with an emphasis on specified wild-horse training.
But how did all this come about? The somewhat "moonstruck" Idea to bring the western lifestyle to Africa became reality by the hand of Rancher and owner: Wulff Izko. Nevertheless; possesing passion for equine, bovine and general wild west culture when living in a place similar to the depictions of John Wayne & Clint Eastwood films; one cannot blame his decisions. Back then, the somewhat hundred head of Wild Horses were the only choice on the ranch & Cowboys sure had a hard time putting miles on their backs (one may say it got a little "western" at times). As years passed by and many different cowboys and their training methods became depleted, Wulff had to put some time in for research, and as a result stumbled upon the American Quarter Horse breed. Time was not wasted and the first Quarter horse stallion (Jabaroan) was bought. Since then thorough selection was done to keep only the best string of horses on the Ranch. The aim of the experiment was to implement the human tolerance & natural composure of the quarter horse back into the wild horses on the ranch, yet preserving their natural instincts & ecological niches. During the past 15 years this pursuit has most certainly been achieved and is still being fine-tuned today.

- the generation of the "Hardy Quarter Horse" was born.

Let´s have a look at the present time:
Our Horses are schooled with strong influence of traditional western; californio/vaquero horsemanship. The aim of this method of training is to build a strong relationship between horse and rider in order to produce a working horse that wants to function with the rider as one body and soul. Cattle herding / doctoring, roping, cutting, trail riding & many, many more, all form part of the practice to a sound & versatile Ranch horse. A convincing introduction to this fine art of Horsemanship was carried over by Ray Hunt student & follower Jaqueline Nadler, with ever so consuming cow-horse convidence lectures taught by Martin Black and thorough cowboying wisdom passed on by Mark & Miranda Lyon, it not only assures us & our horses a solid future foundation to sound horsemanship but to a whole lifestyle within. So go on, give rein to your curiosity & partake in our passionate lifestyle whilst browsing through the site!

Our Team contains of the farmers Wulff and Anke Izko and our Cowgirl that runs the so called "Cowboycamp". Her name is Freda, she is 32 years old, and comes from Germany. She´s riding her whole life and started her career at Koiimasis as a volunteer as well, in 2017. She´s responsible for horse training, tour guiding and what is particularly close to her heart: the volunteers! She is supported by a native horsetrainer who´s responsible for the colt starting of the wild ponies. Both of them run the Cowboycamp together and try to do all in the name of the horses, with all their passion and all their heart.

Where we work?
Namibia offers one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth, with an amazingly rich flora and fauna. The area around the ranch is home to numerous wild animals, perfectly adapted to the hard life in the desert. Among them are Oryx Antelopes, Kudus, Springboks and Zebras, but also numerous predators such as Cheetahs, Leopards, Jackals and Spotted Hyenas. But nobody has to be afraid of the latter, no wild animals are fed here, so they keep enough distance to humans.

The nearest small town Helmeringhausen is located 70 km away (1,5 hours on gravel road). Our home is situated in a wild and rough environment, adventurous but totally safe - if you use common sense.

Please note, that the next hospital is placed in Windhoek, about 9 hours by car. So please, if you have medical history, ask yourself if youre willing to take the risk.

Our mission/vision
We want to create a horse experience that is unique for Africa. It should be a paradise for riders and horses by bringing together the wild untamedness of Africa with the romance of a Wild-West movie.

Our goals
The aim of this project is to create a unity with the people, the horses and the rustic, relaxed cowboy feeling that resonates everywhere.

As the volunteers are self-sufficient in their accommodation, i.e. cooking, washing etc. you should be able to do this yourself. You should be open-minded and adventurous to fully engage with life here. And you should definitely be "horse crazy".  You don't have to be a horse trainer or successful tournament crack to get by here. Nevertheless, you should have a certain basic experience, be safe in the saddle and not be afraid. You also don´t have to be a western rider. We teach you all you have to know about riding in western style and ranch working on horseback.

Why choose us?
You´re gonna have the time of your life! Let a former volunteer, meanwhile your contact person and passionate horsewoman tell you: "this is not work! It is the best experience of your life and worth every cent. Since the majority of your work is riding, this is not work for us horse people - is it?"