Scenic NSW Horse Riding Centre

Never ridden a horse? No problem. The team at Scenic NSW Horse Riding Centre have 360 hectares of paddocks to explore, whether you’re a novice rider or a paid-up member of the pony club. Veteran centre manager Martin and young rider Hannah accompany us on a one-hour trail walk around the beautifully sheltered valley in Denham Court. After a short induction and safety briefing we’re guiding our horses, Angus and Camilla, to turn, walk on and stop – slowly making our way down muddy hills, across ponds and around to the open fields where experienced riders come to stretch the legs of their ex-competitor thoroughbreds. The centre has around 80 horses on the property and 20-or-so for their weekend rides. Beginners can book in for an hour’s trot for $55 (departing at 8am, 9.30am, 11am & 12.30pm). If you want to make a morning of it, they run breakfast rides on Sunday morning that include a visit to the property’s pioneer hut (a popular wedding and engagement shoot location) where one of the staff cooks a bush brekky for the riders (Sun 8am, $250). If you’re lucky, you’ll spot kangaroos and wallabies as you trot back to the stables.