Do you want to go for a trail ride near Brisbane this weekend? Or do you have a ‘pony-mad’ daughter who wants to take horseriding lessons and join a pony club? Then we’ve mustered together some essential contacts and links. Giddy-up!
Trail rides and horse riding schools
On the outskirts of Brisbane there are quite a few places to take a trail ride. With many of them less than an hours’ drive from the city, it’s easy to take an occasional ride through the bush. Or perhaps you’d prefer to learn to trot, canter and saddle up at the equestrian centres with regular riding lessons.
Slickers
Take a trail ride, get regular lessons or arrange a special pony party for your child at Slickers. There is a kids club too and overnight rides can be arranged.
They have more than a hundred horses, ranging over 100 hectares in Brisbane’s north-west. In under an hour from the city, you could find yourself in the saddle.
Welcome Horseriding
Just outside of Samford you can book into lessons or trail rides at Welcome Horseriding. If you own a horse then agistment is also available on the 500 acre property at Mount Samson.
Pine Lodge Equestrian Park
The facilities at Pine Lodge Equestrian Park at Thornlands include indoor and outdoor arenas, with lessons in dressage and other competitor events on offer.
Wattle Creek Riding School
The Wattle Creek Riding School at The Gap runs school holiday riding programs and they specialise in one-on-one lessons. Keen riders can also learn how to look after their animals in the horse management courses. The emphasis here is on regular lessons, rather than an occasional trail ride.
Riverside Equestrian Centre
This riverfront riding centre at Moggill in Brisbane’s west, has a variety of riding lessons and casual rides. They also have popular school holiday day camps and an emphasis on dressage training. Group rides include some time learning how to catch, saddle and groom the horse, rather than simply riding.
Windsong Equestrian Park
At Mount Cotton in the Redlands, Windsong runs lessons and school camps on the 18 acre property.
Pony Clubs
If you own a pony and want to get involved in weekly activities, then contact your local club.
The Pony Club Association of Queensland can give information on a club near you.
Here are a few pony clubs that have their own websites:
- Northern Suburbs Pony Club
- Redlands Horse and Pony Club
- Mount Gravatt Pony Club
- Samford Pony Club
- Darra/Oxley Pony Club
- Runcorn Horse and Pony Club
Horse riding trails
If you want to take your own horse for a ride through some of South East Queensland’s natural bushland, then refer to the maps for the various public horse riding trails. Trails are generally through State Forests. Riding in national parks is not permitted.
