For beginners, lessons or an easy ride with one of the local horse-riding centres is the best start. Alternatively, if you have your own horse there are miles of horse-riding trails within easy driving distance of Brisbane, Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.
What to bring horse-riding If you’re going horse-riding on an organised tour then you need to wear long pants, such as jeans or leggings, with covered shoes or boots, preferably shoes with a formed heel rather than trainers which have a flat sole. Wear layers so you can take things off as you get hot and bring a water bottle, sunscreen and insect repellent with you.
Where to go horse-riding in the Gympie region
1. Mary Valley
Half day rides with Mary Valley Adventure Trails are a popular option for beginners and experienced riders who want a guide through the local horse-riding trails. Rides go through farmland and the shady Amamoor State Forest with the option to ride all the way up to the fire tower for panoramic views over the Mary Valley.
Mary Valley Adventure Trails provide a great horse-riding experience and offer exceptional value for money. During the school holidays they organise Kids Fun Days which includes a full day with the horses in the arena, novelty events and a sausage sizzle for lunch. Book early for special events or any of the trail rides as they offer exceptional value for money and get booked well in advance.
2. Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach Horse Rides caters for all levels of experience and can take you riding on the beach or in the surrounding countryside for a full or half day. Shorter rides include beach rides, swim rides and full moon rides.
As well as allowing you the opportunity to enjoy a horse-ride they also take photos on every ride and make them available to riders at no extra charge. The beach ride is an experience you’ll never forget; you can’t beat the feeling of freedom you get from riding a horse along the beach. This is a chance to see the coloured sands and even spot dolphins and whales from a unique vantage point.
Swim rides are another very special experience but only recommended for more advanced riders because the rides take place bare back with no saddle. For the ultimate romance experience in the saddle try a full moon ride enjoying the sunset and moonrise over the ocean.
Rainbow Beach Horse Rides
3. Seven day 'Beach and Bush Tour'
If you’ve got the bug and want to spend longer in the saddle, Equathon’s week long tours are a horse-lover’s dream. You’ll be riding an Australian Stock Horse, a rugged, dependable breed with strong athletic ability and a gentle temperament.
During the tour you’ll canter on the beach, ride through tropical rain forests, trot along historic cattle routes and try your hand at mustering cattle in the Aussie bush. Comfortable accommodation and good food is organised for you at B&Bs, country lodges and, finally, at a five-star resort in Noosa. So you’ll be able to enjoy your horse-riding experience in comfort.
What’s your dream horse-riding experience?
