Ride of the Peacemaker: an incredible journey across South Africa

The Ride of the Peacemaker is a gripping new docu-series on Horse & Country about two ordinary men who take on an extraordinary challenge on horseback.

Stuff of legends

In 1842 Dick King rode 950km across some of South Africa’s toughest country in just 10 days on a horse called Somerset. His mission was to summon reinforcements for the British Imperial forces, who were battling against the Boers.

This journey from Durban to Grahamstown has become the stuff of legends, and Barry Armitage and Joe Dawson decided to retrace King’s steps.

Assisted by a support crew and a team of five horses, Barry and Joe followed the same route, crossing over 180 rivers, in an attempt to keep up the furious pace set by King and Somerset 176 years ago.

Uphill battle

In addition to navigating their way across the remote and dramatic landscape of the Wild Coast, which has barely changed over the years, the riders encounter sprawling cityscapes.

Barry and Joe have to dig deep at times to rise to the challenge, and by the end of series four – when they are halfway through their 10-day adventure – they face an uphill battle as they fall behind schedule. Will they get to Butterworth in time?

You can watch this incredible tale unfold in Ride of the Peacemaker, which is on every Thursday evening at 7pm on Horse & Country throughout August and September.

Episode one of Ride of the Peacemaker premieres on Thursday 9 August at 7pm on Sky 184 and Horse & Country TV. You can also view the show via Amazon Video, Roku and Virgin TV.