The Horses
There’s a selection of all sorts, tried and trusted who’ve been the mainstay of the business and served their various riders well. From Australian stockhorses, Clydesdale crosses, brumby stock, thoroughbred, mountain ponies, Spot the heroic appaloosa, and the boss horse Spook there’ll be a mount to suit.
Short Rides
One hour to day rides are available from The Willows, Anglers Rest. Rides follow along the Bundarrah River to where it meets the Mitta Mitta River. Or around through the back paddock to the Cobungra River and on to the Blue Duck Inn.
For the novice rider two hours is generally enough as you will feel muscles you didn’t know you had!
Rides are taken at a pace to suit the rider and the terrain we travel over. Experienced riders are allowed to canter! It’s real Man From Snowy River Country.
Supplied are current Australian Safety Standard 3838 helmets, oilskin coats and short riding chaps. We recommend riding boots, or closed shoes, and wearing of long sleeved, collared shirts for protection. All footwear will be checked to ensure it fits stirrups safely.
Yes, there are flies and the sun can get hot
Longer rides are recommended for riders who are comfortable at trot, canter and gallop and can use leg aids to control a horse. However if you are reasonably fit and keen to try, rides can be tailor made to suit the less experienced rider.
Conditions in Alpine areas are variable so you do get hot, cold, tired, dirty and ride over uneven, sometimes steep terrain, put up with flies whist seeing some amazing scenery and travelling through an ever changing landscape.
Rides all start and finish at The Willows, Anglers Rest. Twin share , double or single accommodation is included prior to and after the ride. All meals and drinks are supplied from the night before ride departs until after breakfast on the day of onward travel.
Prices
1 1/2hr $80
half day $140
day with lunch $200
all prices inc gst
2008-2009 horse riding and camping treks schedule
For some adventurous riding, stunning scenery , great food and very comfortable camping in some of Victoria's remote alpine country.
December 2008
5 days/ 6nights - 5 6 7 8 9 - $2035
4 days/ 5nights - 13 14 15 16 - $1620
January 2009
4 days 5 nights - 3 4 5 6th - $1620
5days/ 6 nights - 10 11 12 13 14 - $2035
3days/ 4 nights - 30 31 1st Feb - $1220
February 2009
4days/ 5nights - 13 14 15 16 - $1620
March 2009
4 days/ 5 nights - 13 14 15 16 - $1620
4 days/ 6 nights - 28 29 30 31 - $1620
It is possible to add on extra days to the end of these dates, tho those extra days might be based at The Willows.
If you have a group who'd like to get together outside these dates, treks can be organised to suit.
Ride Detail
The 3, 4 and 5 day rides all include some of the days below. The itinerary will be subject to change such as reversing the days, depending on rider ability and weather conditions at the time.
DAY 1 Arrive at The Willows farm Meet your host and riding crew. Settle in with a drink on the deck overlooking the valley where horses graze amongst wild kangaroos. During dinner we’ll chat about the horses and the days riding to follow.
RIDE 1 After a hearty breakfast, pack your gear ready to be taken ahead to camp. Horse selection at the yards then head off. The ride will pass through forests and clear mountain rivers before selecting a scenic spot for lunch. Days end will be a camp alongside Big River and dine under the stars.
RIDE 2 Today’s ride will head up from the valley floor following a track cut into the side of a mountain about 140yrs ago. Expect to see some superb views as we rise out of the forest onto snow plains. Once above the tree line we’ll be on top of the Bogong High Plains. Camp fire dinner and tent accommodation.
RIDE 3 A day of riding out across the High Plains where brumbies can be seen. The ride will go to some of the cattleman’s huts, following along small mountain streams taking in the many varied wildflowers and other alpine vegetation. Camping out in tents and a sumptuous camp fire dinner.
RIDE 4 A long day in the saddle with a ride across the High Plains towards Youngs Tops before heading to McNamaras Hut and the downward track home along McCoys track back to The Willows. Expect to see brumbies running free. Open plains give way to views of distant mountains
RIDE 5 Riding back to The Willows via Trapyard Gap. There’s much variation in the forests, some easy going open tracks and bush riding before coming out into the open farmland of the Bundarrah Valley. Once home the horses will be given a good wash down before we adjourn to the deck and have a final dinner at the long table.
RIDE 6 Riding across the Bogong High Plains, descending down into the West Kiewa River then following the Cobungra River downstream before rising up again towards Dinner Plain Village. The night will be spent in one of the lodges with time for a hot shower before dining out at one of the local restaurants.
RIDE 7 An interesting ride from Dinner Plain back to The Willows. We’ll follow old stock tracks through the bush before crossing the Cobungra River and heading back into the Bundarrah Valley.
LAST DAY After breakfast, time for last photos and packing of bags before heading onwards
The Willows Bush Ride Indulgence
2 nights accommodation/meals/day of riding. Choice of accommodation is one of the bush huts or staying in the farmhouse.
Start the day with a hearty breakfast of cereals and fruit salad, bacon and poached eggs, toasts and homemade preserves and real honey. After breakfast with horses selected we ride off into the nearby bush up and over hills and mountain tracks, along rivers and a stop at The Blue Duck before heading back to home. If the weather permits a 3 course dinner is held on the deck under the stars. Otherwise we dine inside and watch the weather through the walls of glass. $400 per person all inclusive.
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