Saddle Up for the Best Seat in the Valley

Source: Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventure

There is something quietly spectacular about the Hunter Valley in winter. The air has a sharpness to it, the light sits low and golden across the ranges, and the landscape takes on a stillness that the warmer months rarely allow. At Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures, it is precisely this time of year that makes a trail ride through the Molly Morgan Range feel like something out of a dream.

Perched above Lovedale, the property has been welcoming riders for close to 30 years, and Margaret Bancroft and her team know better than most how good the valley looks from horseback in the cooler months. Clear winter days bring crisp, far-reaching views across wine country and north towards the Barrington Tops, while frost-touched mornings give the bush a quietness that makes every trot through the tree-lined trails feel like a genuine escape. The horses are calm, well-matched to their riders, and have earned devoted fans who return season after season.

The ride options cater to everyone, from tiny tots on short pony rides to seasoned riders after a proper workout. Half-hour and one-hour trail rides suit families and those who are new to the saddle, while the 1.5-hour ride climbs to the top of the range, where kangaroos and wallabies are often spotted moving through the scrub.

Experienced riders can take a private ride to trot and canter across the terrain, with patient guides on hand to tailor the experience to each group's comfort and confidence.

Winter school holidays make this the perfect time for families to plan a visit. Beyond the rides themselves, the property is a full-day destination. Tractor hayrides cross the farm to feed and interact with the animals, while yabbying, pedal go-karts and bush walks keep younger visitors entertained long after they have dismounted. Lenny and the team have a gift for making kids feel like the most important helpers on the property, and bonfire evenings add a special touch for those who linger into the afternoon.

For those wanting to make a proper trip of it, overnight stays are available in the hilltop villas, the cabin, the homestead or at the campsite. Waking up on the property, with valley views from the verandah and horses grazing in the paddock below, is a different kind of winter morning altogether.

Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures is located at 288 Talga Road, Lovedale. Phone Margaret on (02) 4930 7111 or 0417 233 008 or visit www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au to book.