Itinerary - Extensions - Horses and required riding level
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking

All along this ride, we follow quiet little horse trails, 4WD Tracks, Fire Trails and Forestry Roads. We go throughout the State Forest including Eucalypt forests, pockets of rainforests, waterfalls, creek crossings, historic timber railway line, special rocks and trees. We also climb up and descend along steep ridges and pass through rolling farmlands.
We visit a local winery, cafes and a Macadamia Farm to taste the unique products from this region and ride along the Pacific Ocean for kilometres of long deserted beaches.
We climb up to the picturesque Comboyne Plateau, an elevated farming region of green rolling hills, to take in the breathtaking views to the Pacific Ocean.

Day 1 : Port Macquarie or Kendall
Arrival in the afternoon. Transfer from Port Macquarie Airport (at 5 pm) or Kendall Railway Station (at 6 pm).
Dinner with your hosts and co-riders and discussing the week program.
Night at the lodge.

Day 2
Ride through the hilly terrain of the Kerewong State Forest with eucalypt forests and rainforests.
Stop at a creek side picnic ground in the middle of the forest for lunch with the opportunity to swim in a rockpool swimming hole.

Day 3
Ride to impressive Comboyne Mountain (670 m), which peak can be seen from the riding centre. Magnificent 360 degree view at the top. Horses and riders enjoy a well deserved lunch break at the peak, before descending back home.

Day 4
Long day ride, starting along a historic timber railway line, to local Bago Winery. Creek crossings with many opportunities to watch wildlife (eg Kangaroos, Wallabies, Black Cockatoo's, Goanna's).
On arrival taste the local produce while looking over the vineyards. Transfer back to riding centre.

Day 5
Fantastic beach horse riding along the Pacific Ocean. Watch out for dolphins in the waves and a close encounter with kangaroos . Lunch in the dunes or at a local café. Transfer by horse float.

Day 6
Farmland horse ride to the beautiful green rolling and fertile farmland of the Comboyne Plateau. On clear days views to the Pacific Ocean. In the evening farewell dinner with authentic Aussie Barbecue.

Day 7 : Kendall or Port Macquarie
Departure after breakfast. Transfer to Kendall Railway station or Port Macquarie.

Important
All our programmes above are indicative. They can be modified or rearranged for Forestry activities, technical, safety and weather reasons. In this case, only the people in charge of the supervision are able to take the decisions that are necessary.

You could take advantage or your riding trip to make an extra stay in Australia. Many differents points of interesting are possible to visit in this big country (the only country which is also a continent) : Sydney, Ayers Rock, Alice Springs, Cairns or Townsville (the big coral reef and the AEC), Darwin (with the Kakadu National Parc, one of the most important parc in Australia, which is completely wild and part of Unesco).

Contact us for any enquiry

Horses
Our guide have 7 well schooled, Australian pure and part bred Arabian horses, including Arab-Quarterhorse crosses, carefully selected and trained for long distance trail riding. Many of the horses were bred specifically for endurance riding and complete endurance rides regularly.

The Arabian horses' agility, great stamina, adaptabilty to the Australian climate conditions and excellent people friendly temperament, make them ideal horses for multi-day long distance trail riding through challenging terrain. The horses are trained to be ridden on a loose rein in English style but some are used to Western style riding also.

Tack
We ride with English Style lightweight endurance or all purpose saddles and use snaffle or bitless bridles.

Required Riding Level
This ride is for experienced or intermediate riders and more advanced horse riders only.

Horse riders should be reasonably fit, capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, have a firm seat and be confident and capable to control a forward going fit horse at all paces in varied open country. Leading the horse on foot over short distances may be required on occasion.

Minimum age : 18 years old
Weight maxi : 80 kg (or 85 kg on request for advanced rider)

Horse and rider safety are a consideration at all times and the wearing of safety helmets (provided) and suitable riding boots/shoes (heeled) are compulsory for all riders at all times.

Prior to riding out a short warming up and training session will be held in an enclosed arena to familiarise riders to their horses.

Non-riding partners are welcome to travel in our 4wd vehicle to meet riders for lunch on day rides or to stay and enjoy the facilities and hospitality provided at our house on extended horse trekking tours.

This ride is operated by Kathy Holtrust & her equestrian farm & riding team.
Wanting a change in lifestyle, Kathy migrated to Australia from The Netherlands in 2000 with the plan to start a horse riding holiday establishment. She have opened her business on January 2004.

She has a diverse equestrian background and know perfectly the area. She will make her best, as all her team, to show you the diversity of the australian's countryside.
Also, riders are well looked after when they are not on the horses!

Accomodation Guests stay at the riding centre: 60 acres farm property. 2 types of guest accommodation are available. There is 1 studio-style cabin in private surroundings with view over the valley and forest, with veranda, shower/toilet, air-conditioning, fridge, coffee and tea facilities, ideal for a couple or 2 singles traveling together. The main house or lodge in modern Australian style has 1 single bedroom with ensuite (toilet shower) and 1 double/twin room with ensuite bathroom (toilet/shower). Both rooms have ceiling fans. The Lodge also has a large communal entertainment area for guests, to sit together and have meals and drinks in a family atmosphere. There is a wide veranda to relax after a day riding and enjoy the magnificent view of the garden with native plants and trees, the large horse paddocks and valley. After the riding day, you could use the swimming pool. Meals All meals included (except 1 lunch at local café), saddlebag lunch or lunch brought by 4WD vehicle. Dinner consists of international and Australian specialties, summer barbecues, wine with dinner.

Subtropical climate.
Good riding conditions year round.
December to March is Australian Summer and is hot and humid.
The Australian winter (from June to September) has beautiful warm days with cool nights and excellent riding weather.
Possibilities for rain is year round but most in summer.

Formalities
Please check with your local ambassy.

Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations.
We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus.

Don't forget your repatriation insurance.