Where's the Best Horse Riding in Melbourne

Where's the Best Horse Riding in Melbourne

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Posted 2016-10-02 by Barry Jfollow
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Melbourne is heaven for horses, with the majestic animals celebrated during the annual Spring Carnival. The Melbourne Cup, one of the world's great races, stops a nation with Australia's top thoroughbreds. Join the fun, choosing from the local ponies, quarterhorses, clydesdales and stockhorses to ride around our trails and parks.

Before shouting 'Giddy Up' or 'Hi-Yo Silver!', you'll need a helmet, long pants and closed shoes. When you arrive at the stable, introduce yourself with the horse's handshake – placing the back of your hand near the horse's nose. It's a great way to break the ice and it works with many other animals (not recommended for lions or sharks).

Before convincing your parents to buy a pony, try beginner courses or chat with a friendly guide or coach to receive the basics on horse riding technique.

Most clubs offer casual pricing for trail and park rides or private and group lessons to master your horse whispering.

At every club, safety is the top priority.



Experience equestrian joy with these top horse rides in Melbourne:

  • Mornington Peninsula - Gunnamatta Trail Rides
  • Take a a scenic drive south to Gunnamatta for beach and bush rides Choose from 75 horses, led by guides with decades of experience.

    The beach tours, from 2-5 hours, dip along the coastline at St. Andrews to see the sun dip over the horizon.

    Bush rides are an ideal intro, starting at 50 minutes, continuing for 3-hour sessions for seasoned riders. It's plenty of time to immerse yourself in a natural escape, on these outback adventures.

    For a birthday or anniversary treat, there are packages with spa, bath and dining options.

    Hone your skills with the clinics and lessons. Riding at Gunnamatta is suitable younger riders too, with safe choices for children as young as 6.

    For an hour lesson, prices start at $60.

    Visit Gunnamatta Trail Rides for details.
  • Templestowe - Valley Park Riding School
  • To the north east, Valley Park focuses on our next generation of jockeys. The young equestrians are guided by internationally qualified instructors, but adults aren't forced to walk. There are lessons for all ages on weekday afternoons and all day on the weekend.

    For children with special needs, Katie Page is the perfect instructor. She has over 20 years of experience guiding people with a disability with tailored riding lessons.

    For a treat, try the birthday and school holiday packages.

    Visit Valley Park Riding School for details.
  • Dandenong Ranges - Alan Smallacombe Trail Rides
  • For almost 60 years, riders have been guided through the region's national park and estate reserve.

    Every weekend, you can venture onto trails for morning or afternoon rides to explore mountain tops and the Doongala and Forest Valleys.

    The guides match riders with horses, avoiding the chaos of a beginner trying to control a galloping Black Caviar.

    Riding through a national park is a bucket list experience, regardless of how many hikes you've finished on foot.

    Prices start at $50 for an hour or riding but once you're saddle-savvy, the $70 2-hour ride is the best value. Riders as young as 11 can join the trail.

    Visit Alan Smallacombe Trail Rides for the details.



  • Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre
  • In the city's south-west, you can ride in rain or shine inside the arenas.

    When the sun is out, practise your royal horsemanship on the polo fields or take flight at the show jumping arenas.

    If you're in your Sunday best, try the sand dressage arena.

    If you make the jump from horse rider to horse owner/rider, your new member of the family can bed down in the on-site stables.

    The centre also has lessons, clinics and special shows.

    Visit Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre for details.
  • Yarra Valley - Beltrain Park
  • Instead of cycling, swimming or canoeing, ride horses and ponies through the Yarra Valley. With over 20 years as a horse stables, Beltrain has led beginners onto the trails, easing the anxiety of every first-timers.

    The trainers take care of all ages, with the placid horses and ponies riding indoor and outside, rain or shine.

    Lessons cover a range of handling skills, including grooming and saddling your mount.

    The sessions can be either one-on-one or in small groups.

    During the holidays, children earn badges for their achievements and win prizes and ribbons in novelty games.

    Visit Beltrain Park for details.
    Where do you go to horse around? We'd love to hear your comments.

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    145812 - 2023-06-13 22:37:49

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