Beginner Ride Days
Learn how to ride a horse with our HSA qualified staff. If you have never ridden before or have only ridden a few times, then this is for you. These days are open to anyone (aged 10 years and older) and are designed to educate participants about basic horse safety and equip them with the skills to confidently ride a horse. These days are predominately based in our arena and go through the basics of stop, start, and steer. They may also include horse grooming and a short trail ride.
Intermediate Ride Days
Our intermediate ride days are aimed at people who are at a novice to intermediate level and have ridden several times before and are confident with the basics. These days include a rider skills assessment followed by horseback games in the arena and a lengthy trail ride or two.
Please note the minimum age for these days is 10 years old
Maximum weight of participants should not exceed 85kg (exceptions apply)
Upcoming
Horse Ride Day Intermediate – Sat 6th May – Book
9am-4pm
Horse Ride Day Beginner – Sat 20th May – Book
9am-4pm
FAQ
What’s included in the fees?
$170 includes approximately 6 hours of horse riding, with lunch provided. It also includes a helmet to use for the day and instruction/supervision from our qualified instructors.
What does the day look like?
Sample programs, please note these will differ on the day.
Beginner rider program:
| 8:30am | Arrive |
| 9:00am | Welcome and induction |
| 9:30am | Meet horses and saddle up |
| 10:00am | Stop, start, steer and basic arena work |
| 12:00pm | Lunch break |
| 1:00pm | Trail ride around the valley |
| 3:00pm | Untack horses and horse grooming |
| 4:00pm | Day concludes |
Intermediate rider program
| 8:30am | Arrive |
| 9:00am | Welcome and induction |
| 9:30am | Meet horses and saddle up |
| 10:00am | Skills evaluation and warm up |
| 10:30am | Trail ride around the valley |
| 12:00pm | Lunch break |
| 1:00pm | Trail ride to the tin huts |
| 4:00pm | Arrive back from ride, day concludes |
How do I get there?
Mountain Trails is located in Wee Jasper on the northern end of the Brindabella Ranges, about a 1 hour and 15-minute drive from Canberra and about a 45-minute drive from Yass. We are 9km down Doctors Flat Road, which is accessed by turning off Wee Jasper Road, this is the only way in. Please note that Doctors Flat Road is a gravel road, however, it is easily accessible by a 2wd standard road car. It is also important to note that there is limited mobile phone reception.
What will I need to bring?
You will need to wear long pants for horse riding and enclosed shoes. Please bring a water bottle or hydration pack, and it is advised that you also bring a hat and sunscreen. If you have your own riding gear and helmet you are welcome to bring that as well. Should the forecast be for rain, please bring a raincoat as well. Snacks are welcome, however, remember that lunch is provided.
If I am an experienced rider, can I still book into the beginner program?
Yes, certainly. This may be applicable if an experienced rider has friends who have not ridden before and wants to bring them along or parents who have experience but want to join their children whilst they learn.
How many other people will I be riding with?
Horse riding day programs have 12 spaces available. You will be riding with other members of the public, unless you have 12 other people and want to book one of our weekend session dates privately. If this is the case please contact us first.
Why is there a maximum weight?
Horses should not carry more than 20% of their own body weight. The average horse weighs approximately 420kg. There are some exceptions to this rule for experienced riders as we have some larger horses as well, please contact us first.