For beginners, having lessons or embarking on an easy ride with a local horse-riding centre is the best way to get your boots in the stirrups for the first time. Alternatively, if you have your own horse, there are miles of trails to discover within easy driving distance of Brisbane, Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.
If you’re going horse-riding on an organised tour, you'll need to wear long pants (such as jeans or leggings), with covered shoes or boots: preferably shoes with a formed heel, rather than trainers which have a flat sole. Wear layers so you can take things off as you get hot and make sure to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and insect repellent with you.
Explore the Mary Valley on horseback
Saddle club adventures in the Mary Valley.
Half-day rides with Mary Valley Adventure Trails are a popular option for beginners and experienced riders who want a guide through the local horse-riding trails. Rides go through farmland and the shady Amamoor State Forest, with the option to ride up to the fire tower for panoramic views over the Mary Valley.
Take to the sand at Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach Horse Rides
Rainbow Beach Horse Rides cater for all levels of experience and can take you riding on the beach or in the surrounding countryside for a full or half day. Shorter rides include beach rides, swim rides and full moon rides.
As well as allowing you the opportunity to enjoy a horse-ride, the team also take photos and make them available to riders at no extra charge. The beach ride is an experience you’ll never forget; you can’t beat the feeling of freedom you get from riding a horse along the sand. This is a chance to see the iconic coloured landscape of Rainbow Beach, and even spot dolphins and whales from a unique vantage point.
Swim rides are another very special experience on offer: however, they're only recommended for more advanced riders (due to the ride taking place bareback with no saddle). For the ultimate romance experience in the saddle, try a full moon ride enjoying the sunset and moonrise over the ocean.
Private beach ride at Noosa North Shore
Equathon Horse Riding’s 1-hour private beach horse ride along Teerwah Beach (Noosa North Shore) is not to be missed. You’ll be matched up with one of Equathon's gorgeous horses for the adventure (you can view the horses here). Want to ride for a bit longer, or explore beyond the beach? Not a problem. Equathon also offers other horseback tours for a range of abilities across the Sunshine Coast region.
