Meet Our Guides: Paul & Fiona - Horse Riding Holidays and Safaris

Meet Our Guides: Paul & Fiona

The Margaret River Ride, Australia

Paul Brennan and Fiona Flugge are the masterminds behind The Margaret River Ride, an absolutely epic horse riding holiday in a region synonymous with white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and row upon row of vineyards. Paul and Fiona, together with the team at their picturesque property, provide one heck of an experience! Here’s all you need to know about this family-owned and operated horse riding adventure.

How long have you been running your riding outfit in Margaret River, Western Australia? And what was the background, history, reason for starting?
Our Australian Stock Horse stud and equestrian tourism business has been in operation for over 10 years. Paul has been actively involved in the sport of polocrosse, playing for WA and Australia, and he continues to promote and teach the sport at our property. In fact, our vision for the property started after a visit to England, playing polocrosse and staying at various residential equestrian centres.
A plan to set up a similar model was launched on our return from England, with the equestrian service now well underway. Future plans for a polo complex including all associated accommodation and infrastructure are in the pipeline.

How many guest horses do you have?
From the early days of a start up with six horses, we now have over 60, with a core riding group of approximately 30. The main riding herd is generally made up of Australian Stock Horses, Quarter Horse crosses, a few Thoroughbreds and Arabians.

Describe your herd of horses in four words:
Our Stock Horses are characteristically intelligent, athletic, responsive and calm. Perfect for a wide range of disciplines.

What is the philosophy or ethos behind your horse riding experiences?
Our goal is to offer a premium, professional horse riding service catering to the individual needs of our guests. We endeavour to provide an exhilarating, uplifting experience in the beautiful rural settings of the Margaret River region.

What do you love most about your job?
The best part of our job is meeting new people and watching them grow to love our horses!

What is the most challenging part?
Meeting new people can also be the most challenging part of our job, as meeting expectations is not always easy. Fortunately, our years of experience stand us in good stead to work with our guests in achieving the best possible outcomes.

Why should globetrotters sign up for this ride?
We believe The Margaret River Ride will become the must-do iconic horse riding tour in the Margaret River region. The combination of all things Margaret River, from beaches to forest and art galleries to wineries, makes this tour the ideal way to experience Margaret River culture on horseback.

A tip that every globetrotter must know before signing up for this ride:
Globetrotters need to be ready to experience more than just horse riding on this tour! Although there will be many and varied hours in the saddle each day, we’ll also take you on a journey through Margaret River life from many angles. Truly a feast for the senses!

Finish this sentence: Don’t leave home without…
A love of nature and a desire to experience new ways of viewing your world!

What has been the most memorable or significant moment of your guiding career?
One of the most memorable experiences taking out horse riding tours in Margaret River has been connecting with visitors previously unfamiliar with an outdoor lifestyle. Being part of this experience, as riders learn to enjoy the Australian environment and the local culture, has made us aware of the importance of really connecting with and appreciating our surroundings.

Well there you have it, globetrotters, straight from the horse’s (or in this case, Fiona’s) mouth: why The Margaret River Ride should be your next horse riding holiday!

P.S. you can get to know one of Paul and Fiona’s beautiful home-bred horses, Alice, here.

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