Reviews

‘Being a competitive rider, I was asked why I would choose to holiday on horseback, and wouldn’t I get bored? The answer was ‘NO way!’ We had loads of fun chatter with like-minded riders and spectacular scenery. Great hosts that made us feel safe and welcome. Excellent catering and accommodation filled with open fires and lots of laughs. Plenty of down-time to read a book and relax. I literally did not have to lift a finger, and got to enjoy my biggest passion at the same time – the wine… oh, and the horses!’

‘A great few days in the Yarra Valley with my daughter enjoying the warm hospitality of Clancy and his team, willing horses and lovely scenery. I enjoyed the rustic but cosy cottage my daughter and I had to ourselves and I was very happy with the food. The cheese platters were exceptional thanks to a wonderful local supplier. We could have easily kept going for a few more days.’

‘The catering on this ride was absolutely outstanding – so much better than other adventure experiences I have had. It showcased local producers and foods, and every meal was amazing. The accomodation exceeded expectations, too. Our guides were all excellent and very entertaining. We had different weather every day, but the ride through the tree fern forests in the fog was most memorable. This ride was excellent value for money and I would definitely recommend it.’

‘Only one word describes my Yarra Valley Ride… euphoria! From the minute I arrived and met Clancy, his family, staff, my new likeminded friends and and my spectacular horse Cleo, nothing could be faulted. The service, accommodation, meals, horses and rides were absolutely perfect. Every meal was 10/10 and met my dietary requirements. After not riding for 35 years I was a little nervous, but within a couple of hours on Cleo and with some encouraging words from Clancy, I was cantering confidently, with total faith in my beautiful mare. She was alert, interested in her surroundings, surefooted and very responsive. Looking back on the photos, she regularly has a huge grin! If you are thinking of a Globetrotting ride, choose the Yarra Valley Ride and you will be as happy as I still am days later!’

‘As usual, Globetrotting delivers! Ride partners Clancy and his team leave no stone unturned to provide an experience that fits each guest. They navigate rider proficiency differences with consideration for each individual and ensure that no one is left behind. Clancy is what they call the “real deal”: empathetic and highly skilled as a horseman and a host. Food, accommodation and personalized attention makes for a winning combination! The support of local produce and cottage industries was a highlight and home cooked, wholesome, fresh food was in abundance. I’m local, but I would have been happy to travel a long way in order to have this experience! Sometimes people are skeptical of experiences close to home, but nothing about this ride was common. You could have been anywhere in the world – I was just lucky it was in my backyard.’

‘Great long canters in the beautiful Yarra Valley and gorgeous stops for outdoor lunches with great food and spectacular views! Saturday afternoon lunch under the tree with those views was terrific! I loved the uphill bush bashing, too. The accommodation was very spacious and beautifully decked out. I loved the hut and the gorgeous little bathtub! I would definitely recommend this ride.’

‘I absolutely loved the Yarra Valley Ride! My horse Snow was a perfect gentleman with a surprising turn of speed when asked. The food was amazing and plentiful – you certainly won’t go hungry on this ride! Clancy is your typical laconic bushman who really wants you to have a special, authentic Aussie bush experience, and clearly loves his horses. All the staff go above and beyond to make sure your time will be remembered long after the ride is over.
The scenery was stunning. I won’t soon forget watching the sunset and sunrise from our campsite, or the singing and sense of camaraderie around the campfire! I would definitely recommend this ride to anybody (and already have!). Thanks Globetrotting for pulling another gem out of the riding hat!’

‘I was absolutely blown away by the entire experience. Clancy and his team were amazing in every aspect. They were all really knowledgeable and friendly, and the hospitality was second to none. The accommodation was just perfect and the food was delicious. You will not go hungry!
The horses were all in great shape and so reliable. They each had their own personalities and we all rode a horse unique to our own needs and capabilities. I rode Larry and wanted to take him home with me!
The trip was just fabulous and I can’t recommend it enough. I loved every minute! We had such a diverse group of riders but we got along like a house on fire, and after only three days it was so hard to leave my new friends!’

‘Thanks Clancy, the Yarra Valley team, and Globetrotting for giving me the experience of my life. I enjoyed every minute. Clancy, Heather and their team are the best hosts and guides you could ask for. They made us feel like family. The beds were so comfy and I liked the design of the huts: unique, simple and beautiful. The coffee, meals, and snacks were all outstanding. Snow was my buddy for the whole trip. He was a lovely kind horse. As a beginner, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to get the canter right, but Snow was keen to show me how it’s done. We had so much fun! My favourite part was the ride on the second day – the trail and scenery left me speechless. Everything about this trip was amazing!’

‘The Yarra Valley Ride is definitely the best way to experience this beautiful part of Victoria. You’ll have amazing hosts, great wine, locally sourced and freshly prepared food, beautiful accommodation with fantastic views, and not to mention a great riding experience! I was lucky enough to ride BB. He was so surefooted, especially on the mountain tracks, and I always felt very safe with him. Clancy was a great host: very experienced and knowledgeable, friendly, welcoming and very attentive towards each person’s comfort and needs. Catherine, Vanessa, Dick and the other support staff were absolutely amazing and extremely hard-working. They really spoilt us with great food, keeping everything clean and tidy, taking care of the horses, telling us stories, entertaining us and just making us feel like we were on a holiday!’

‘Top marks to Clancy, Vanessa, Dick, and the wonderful team of helpers on the Yarra Valley Ride. They have set a very high bar for my first Globetrotting experience! I rode Sugar, who was an absolute sweetheart with a lovely soft mouth, good head carriage and a lovely temperament. I was very impressed with the standard of tack, as well. The scenery was amazing and the length of the rides well judged. The food was exceptional, the beds were really comfortable and everything was super clean and cosy. The open fire was amazing.
I was particularly impressed with Clancy’s flexible attitude, consulting widely to ensure everyone had the experience they wanted. Vanessa is a woman of many talents: practical, caring, an exceptional horsewoman, and a knowledgeable vigneron. Clancy couldn’t have picked a better second guide.
I would definitely recommend this ride. I have taken away some precious memories.’

‘From start to finish, an incredible experience that I will never forget. I rode Bob, who was delightfully responsive, had a lovely smooth canter, and was unbelievably surefooted. Clancy and his team were simply amazing. Friendly, easy-going, very knowledgeable and extremely experienced. They welcomed us like family. I loved meeting like-minded fellow globetrotters from all walks of life, all with intriguing stories to tell. It was just amazing to enjoy such a wonderful weekend with them all.
We were terribly spoilt in the meals department, and the accommodation was faultless! The hut was cosy and beautifully appointed, with a great little wood stove and fantastic bathroom. I had a lovely view of the horses grazing in the paddock from my loft bed. Night two in the swag was equally awesome. It rained steadily and it was wonderful listening to the rain falling on canvas, while being completely dry and very warm. Rolling out of bed to a gorgeous misty morning was just surreal.
If you’re considering this trip, just book it. You will not regret it.’

‘My Yarra Valley riding experience was truly fantastic. I arrived with an open mind and was blown away by the whole experience. The horses were fabulous and very well matched to each rider. I rode Nick, a super responsive and forward moving horse with a very willing and friendly nature. If I could have taken him home with me, I would have. The whole experience was calm, friendly and just terrific. Clancy, his family and his team were all really helpful and lovely. And to add to it, we had such a super group of interesting and interested people. We were all competent riders, so there were no dramas. My husband was the only guy in the group and he loved being surrounded by such interesting women. We will definitely do another Globetrotting ride somewhere in the world.’

‘This is a horse riding holiday, so you expect the horse riding to be excellent – and it was.
But what makes this holiday special is that it’s one of the very, very few holidays where the quality of the ‘down time’ (i.e. the time not riding) is of exactly the same high standard.
The quality of the accommodation, the variety and standard of the food, the different locations for lunch and dinner, the wine tasting, were all brilliant. Clancy and his entire team were outstanding hosts. Always available but never intrusive – they all went out of their way to make sure that each individual was happy. Always willing and able to make revisions and changes on the fly if needed without any fuss.
In terms of how would you score this holiday…. for us it was 12 out of 10. Loved it!’

‘The whole experience was absolutely amazing! Initially I thought it was a bit pricey, but after experiencing the ride, I believe it was well worth every single penny, if not more!
I rode Nick and Fudge, two wonderfully mannered and well looked after horses. Clancy matched everyone perfectly to suit abilities and personalities. He took us on the most exciting trails and we had amazing canters and gallops. I loved when we reached the vineyards and Clancy said ‘pick a lane!’ and we cantered up the rows.
All of the little details made the trip even more special. The food was ALL top class, and the chefs were great and really lovely to chat to. Clancy went above and beyond to make sure everyone was happy and enjoying the experience. Thank you so much Clancy, Vanessa and the team for making me feel so looked after and welcome. I had the weekend of a lifetime!’

‘A great weekend with amazing food, horses, scenery and company. I could not have asked for anything else. After a long day’s riding, the spa bath and massage were amazing ways to recover and get ready for the next ride. Every single meal was delicious, from eating under a tree in the rain to the restaurant at the winery. Everyone was so friendly, welcoming and kind, and the horses were just as amazing. There was not one moment where I didn’t feel safe with my gorgeous mare Smooth. She was so genuine, nothing fazed her, and she did everything I asked and more. I’ve already booked to go back for a day ride with Clancy and his team and I cannot wait!’

‘Clancy and his team provided the five-star horses, scenery, food and accommodation. Globetrotting provided the like-minded riders. Together they created a holiday that is an elegant mix for all riding abilities. This quick three-day adventure provided the best backdrop to celebrate our engagement in the Yarra Valley. Each day was unique and varied. Riding through the tree ferns on day two was particularly peaceful and beautiful.’

‘Thank you Kate and the Globetrotting team for finding another magical riding experience with a passionate ride partner and incredible horses in a beautiful part of our country. I rode Kite, a spunky willing horse who never put a hoof wrong. Both Clancy and Vanessa were passionate about their horses and happy to talk about anything. The caterers were great and I was very happy with the food they provided. All three days of the ride were unique in their own way. I loved sharing deep meaningful conversations over wine and cheese each night with like-minded ladies. I would definitely recommend this ride!’

‘Every time I think about this weekend, I smile!
It was one of the best weekends of my life and I haven’t stopped raving about it. The horses were beautiful, fun and safe; Clancy, Vanessa and the team were incredibly accommodating, knowledgeable and patient; the trails were fantastic, with views to die for; the lodges were super cosy and cute (that fireplace!!); and finally, all of the other riders in the group – what a bunch of beautiful souls! We were almost like a wee family by the end! Cannot wait for our reunion in a few weeks!’

‘The Yarra Valley Ride is the perfect girls (or guys) trip away. Short enough to leave the husband at home but long enough to really feel like you’ve had a holiday. I loved this opportunity to explore a new location on horseback. The accommodation absolutely exceeded all expectations. I loved the ‘hut’, although you could hardly call it a hut, it was so well appointed. The stone fireplace, comfy lounges, beautiful bathroom and beds were all 10 out of 10 in my opinion, as was the catering! Extremely healthy, varied, high-end providore cuisine, and I really enjoyed the extra effort that had been made to showcase local produce. Clancy and his team were delightful. They always made us feel welcome and well looked after, and I loved the ‘family’ atmosphere. I rode Nick and he was a stellar horse: very easy, forward when needed, but never uncomfortably so. I am so glad that I did this ride!’

‘The Yarra Valley Ride was very scenic, with lots of mountaintop views. We rode through grape vines one day and giant tree fern forests the next. It was faster paced than any other Australian ride I’ve done, but we were very safe on great horses. The attention to detail with checking girths, stirrup lengths etc and ensuring our safety was probably the highest I’ve encountered on any ride. I got lucky and rode Duke. We had a great bond – I may go back with my float and some cash. The lunch at DeBortoli was outstanding and all meals and antipasto boards were excellent. We had charming, rustic accommodation, comfy beds, superb food and terrific hosts, and the massage service offered was greatly appreciated (I had one every day)! Just do it!’

‘The Yarra Valley Ride is absolutely fantastic! It provides a great variety of riding, from soft tracks through fern forests to rough tracks in the national parks, and caters to all riding abilities. The scenery was beautiful, with magnificent views of the Yarra Valley from high ridges in the forest. The hospitality of Clancy and his staff was faultless and nothing was too much trouble for them. The food was delicious with plenty of variety, and we certainly didn’t go hungry! Our cabin was beautiful with a huge open fire, spa bath, stunning views of the rolling hills and pasture, and comfy beds. I would highly recommend this ride as a great way to escape the craziness of the world and to switch off and relax on lovely-natured horses.’

‘The Yarra Valley Ride is absolutely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The landscape is incredible, the food and wine is amazing and the hosts are just wonderful. I don’t have enough positive words to cover everything! It’s very well catered for all levels of riders and as an advanced rider I never felt bored – there were so many opportunities to canter up amazing hills (and it would be impossible to be bored in that beautiful scenery anyway!). I brought a friend with me who hadn’t ridden for more than 10 years, and on the second day she cantered right past me on a big hill – it was so much fun to watch her rediscover riding and become so confident in such a short time! I loved my horse, Kite, and was extremely impressed with the quality of all of the horses. I would have taken at least two or three of them home with me in my suitcase if I could. Thank you SO much to Clancy and the team!’

‘The perfect break! Great location, knowledgeable staff and a personal approach. Clancy and Vanessa are the best guides! They are very understanding and accommodating, and their knowledge of horses and the local environment is just amazing. I totally loved our ‘outing’ to the huts. Dinner and wine around the fireplace… simply the best!
The trip was perfectly organised and executed, and excellent value for money. I loved it. I’m planning to bring my daughter on this ride shortly!’

‘I hadn’t ridden in years but horses were a huge part of my life for a long time, so I booked this ride as soon as it came up to give me a chance to reconnect with this passion. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Clancy, who did a great job matching everyone up with their horses. I jumped on a big Standardbred called Spunky and we headed to the winery for lunch and a wine tasting. The beautiful scenery, amazing food and the gallop through the grapevines was such an amazing start to the trip.
I honestly felt so comfortable and secure the entire time – Spunky was a great ride, quick and fast when we got to gallop and slow and careful in the tricky parts. The horses were all well taken care of and you could tell that they were loved. I can’t tell you enough about the accommodating nature of Clancy and his family (I am considering his entire staff part of the family)! The food was amazing and they were friendly, kind and so approachable.’

‘The Yarra Valley Ride is the perfect length if you’re looking for a short getaway from Melbourne. It was an absolute joy after a long year out of the saddle. I rode BB. He was happy go lucky, affectionate, fit, surefooted and loved a good canter! I felt very safe riding him – he looked after me well. My favourite moment on the trip was definitely galloping on the second day. Not only did I feel secure and comfortable at that speed, I also felt I improved as a rider. That gave me a boost in confidence and trust in my own abilities. Clancy told me I had the biggest grin on my face!
For someone who has very specific dietary requirements, the food was amazing! Fresh, organic and local. I felt very looked after. The huts were fantastic, and the night in the swag was absolutely brilliant. The double swag was massive, and so comfortable and warm. Clancy and his son Patterson set it up perfectly, oriented to overlook the glorious view, moonrise and sunrise.
Thank you to Clancy and his team for a wonderful time.’

‘This ride was beautiful! The team went above and beyond to make my stay special. Clancy and his staff were so welcoming, supportive, kind, reassuring and positive. I can’t thank them enough for all the hard work they put in. I’m a nervous beginner and Clancy matched me with the perfect horse, Sugar, who really looked after me. She was kind, sound, responsive and beautiful! I highly recommend this ride.’

‘Thank you Clancy and Kath for a fantastic long weekend away that felt like a real holiday. It was a great blend of ‘bush experience’ and luxury. Nothing was too much trouble, and the team went the extra mile for us, which we all appreciated. Asking me to highlight the best bits of the trip is tricky, because there were many, but here is a not-so-short list:
– Great horses, very easy on the eye, comfortable to ride and with nice personalities
– Good trails, with some nice canters and trots, through very different landscapes
– Great food, including local produce, as well as a gourmet lunch at De Bortoli and two wine tastings
– Well appointed cabins with great beds and amenities
– In addition to Clancy and his stories, there was Dick, a veteran bushman, whose special recipes we loved and whose tales we enjoyed hearing
– A night up the mountain, with dinner and drinks with like-minded globetrotters by the fire and bedding down in either a swag or the bunkhouse, with an incredible view of the sunrise right from the bed and a cacophony of birdsong in the morning.
I’ll be back!’

‘An absolutely fantastic three days of riding in the Yarra Valley. Couldn’t fault it. The hosts had very good knowledge of the horses and the trails, and good judgement of riders’ abilities and confidence. They were very hospitable, always there if needed but not overdoing it. Lovely family involvement at meal times, too. All the food was delicious and plentiful, with loads of great wine provided and dietary needs catered for. The homemade passionfruit sponge on the final night was perfect. The accommodation was beautiful and very peaceful, with lots of space in the shared areas. Sleeping in the swags up at the hut was lovely – they were very deluxe swags, so perfect for a non-camper like me. The horses were great. Wally was a gorgeous palomino Arab-cross, chilled and speedy – I was very happy with my steed.’

‘A fabulous experience. New friendships and new memories were made. I will return to do it all again! I rode Snow, who was very gentle, surefooted and trusting, as were all of the horses. I especially loved riding through Toolangi State Forest with its tall trees and ferns. Clancy, Catherine and the staff were fabulous – they couldn’t do enough for you. We felt so welcomed and like part of the family. Clancy and his friend Dick are so knowledgeable about the horses and the area. You could listen to their stories for hours!
The accommodation was fabulous and blended in with the surrounds perfectly. It was clean, cosy, welcoming and homely. The food was amazing, and in abundance. Fresh local produce, a cooked breakfast every morning with yogurt and fresh berries, charcuterie boards each night before dinner, and fabulous BBQs with beautiful salads. I would highly recommend this trip.’