This five day, four night mountain ride through Victoria’s High Country is a dream come true for any horse rider who grew up watching the ‘Man from Snowy River.’ Originally brought to life by Australia’s most famous bush poet Banjo Patterson the high country has a mystique and majesty about her that is truly intoxicating. It’s home to the mountain horseman: dressed in rabbit felt hats, cloaked in drizabones, traversing rugged, unforgiving country to graze their cattle while contending with extreme weather conditions.
There is something deeply romantic about Victoria’s high country and there is no better way to discover this country than from the back of a mountain pony. This packhorse ride is centered around the Howqua Valley a wildlife abundant national park that is supported by the pristine, clear running Howqua River. With over sixty river crossings on day two of the ride the river is the heart of the valley and riders never get tired of traversing it. There is plenty of short canter bursts on offer between river crossings and swimming your horseback through summer.
The regional cuisine on this ride is of gourmet standard. Expect to be completely overwhelmed by the meals that are prepared and served by gastronome Wendy Jubb-Stoney throughout your two night stay at Stockyard Creek, a pioneer homestead that overlooks a lagoon. The ride is narrated with history of the pioneers who originally settled in the region and guests ride past remnants of the gold mining rush in the 1890's. The colourful history of the region adds another dimension to this ride.
Special ride to celebrate the 152nd Melbourne Cup
This 8 night/ 8 day Australian riding holiday makes riders drool in delight and anticipation. The itinerary combines ‘The race that stops a nation’ – the 152nd Melbourne Cup – with ‘The Man from Snowy River' mountain country – the Australian cult horse movie, into a neat, concise, fun and well priced ride.
Riding guests have the option to either ride through the famous, scenic Snowy Mountains for five days and then spend three nights in Melbourne celebrating the 152nd Melbourne Cup or alternatively party at the Cup in your finest race wear, have a punt and then tip toe through the Snowy Mountains for five days. The choice is yours!
The price is $5200 per person and includes transfers to and from Melbourne Airport, 3 nights hotel accommodation in 4.5 star Melbourne City hotel, Melbourne Cup premium hospitality package including marquee luncheon and reserve seating in Lawn Stand, 5 nights/5 days superb Snowy River High Country horse riding, all meals and accommodation whilst riding, local transport. The price does not include air fares to and from Melbourne or travel insurance.
Dates - October 30 to November 7, 2012.
time in saddle
Five hours of riding on day 1, 2 and 4 and three hours day 5 and a rest day on day 3 where riding is optional.
breed of horses
A variety of breeds from Stock Horses to Quarter Horses.
pace
The pace can vary from a walk right through to a canter.
riding ability
All riding abilities are catered for from beginner to advanced riders.
accommodation
Quality, comfortable twin share accommodation at the River House and rustic, pioneer rooms with plenty of character at Stockyard Creek homestead.
group size
Minimum of two guests and a maximum of ten guests.
dates
2012 Dates -
'Man from Snowy River' and Heritage Ride:
April 16 to 20, 2012.
Special Melbourne Cup, Snowy River Ride:
October 30 to November 7, 2012.
prices
$2,500 AUD per person all inclusive with a minimum of four riders.
$3,000 AUD per person all inclusive with less than four riders.