bogong horseback adventures

Travelled from the UK to share this experience with my daughter.It was the best riding trip we have ever done.The horses are well trained responsive and in great condition.The staff are fun ,helpful and nothing is ever too much trouble.The food was excellent, loved the camp setting the scenery was breath taking and a great way to see the high country .The new accommodation is fantastic worth all the hard work,great views from the rooms, spacious showers with lots of hot water. Travelling from the UK it was great that they provided sleeping bags ,oil skins ,riding hat and even a warm jacket, all is provided.Thank you all for giving us both a trip of a life time that we will always cherish and remember with a smile on our faces I hope one day we will return thank you everyone

Horseriding for anyone - even those that prefer mountain bikes :-) Very friendly and experienced operators, the group was well looked after and we all had a great time!

A wonderful short break for us in the mountains riding the Baird's able & well-mannered horses. The new accommodation at Spring Spur is fabulous, comfortable & stylish. As always, the food was fresh & delicious. Thanks Kath, Steve, Lin & Clay.

Family of 5 all different ages and experience did very well putting us on the correct horses. lovely 2hour ride !

Can't speak highly enough of the Baird family and their commitment to providing their guests the best possible horseback adventure. Just returned from a 5 day Australia Day long weekend ride, cost $1250. Worth every penny, with delicious home cooked meals, incredible scenery, amazing horses especially for beginners, excellent accomodation and no better way to unwind and relax in a beautiful part of Victoria. Kath, Steve, Clay and Lin Baird gave us an unforgettable experience and we can't wait to return.

My family (three adults and two teenagers) spent the morning on a half day ride. The horses were beautiful and supremely well trained/broken. The guides were personable and quick to offer advice on riding. As a result, the group of novice riders were up trotting and cantering within the hour. Such great fun in absolutely spectacular scenery!Oh, and don't get me started on the feast of a lunch prepared by Steve and Cath... a Greek banquet filled with home-grown treats and delicious wine. Blissful end to a terrific day. Now thinking about coming back to test out the accommodation over winter. Five stars!!

It was husband's first time on a horse, my daughter's first trail ride (she's 13) and I hadn't been for years (but have ridden frequently when younger) - we all felt like we had an absolutely wonderful experience. I can honestly say I've never been to a riding venue that takes so much care and pride in their horses and venue. The horses were calm and very responsive. So easy to handle - their method of training their horses is amazing. We did the 3 hour ride to the Alpine National Park which was really wonderful. Even the return trip was relaxing and there was no frantic rush by the horses to get home. We all got to trot and canter correctly, which was a big thing for my family. Will definitely come again next time we are in the area.

The three hour ride we had for just over $100, was well worth it.With spectacular views of the Alpine National park, the Kiewa Valley and even spotted some of the local Kangaroos. You couldn't ask for better surrounding for this ride.

An enjoyable experience - found the pre-ride instructions informative and extremely useful - horses were friendly - staff were approachable - our family of novice riders had a relaxing 2 hour horse ride - perfect for beginners- would seriously return for longer treks

Great day out with the family. From the 7 year old to his 60 year old grandfather, everyone felt well taken care of and had a great time on the ride. Only fripe was a break half way would have been nice to stretch the legs and grab a drink of water! Other than that, perfect morning :)

Seeking both a restful week and a chance to test our capability to take a week long ride on the alpine plain we arranged a six day stay at Spring Spur with full board and a couple of days riding. The riding was on a different plane from any other farm stay / riding outfit, based on my limited experience. The horses are very well cared for and trained using techniques that are based on how horses react to pressure on their natural environment. Riders are well informed on the nature of the horse training style at Spring Spur and the riding techniques that best suit these " horses. As a result I was as a 60 Y O novice both relaxed and able to trot and canter. During the week Christine overcame a fear of sitting atop of a large animal which prevented her riding on day one thanks of a couple of sessions with Clay and rode on our last day (albeit wit a halter). Our extended stay at Spring Spur was very enjoyable, we arrived without expectations and it was all pleasant surprises. The cooking was done by co-owners Clay and Lim thirty something sons of founders Steve and Kath who had absconded for the week. Meals were prepared in an open kitchen, part of the barn like common area that includes refectory style dining table, lounge (domain of Ned the house dog) chess table and hipster hifi on vinyl. Good freshly prepared food at every meal featuring own garden and local ingredients was shared along with wine amongst paying and non-paying guests, owners and employees (senior staff and backpackers). The extended family type meals were a highlight. When we were not riding or taking part in / observing horse training, re shoeing we side tripped to the high plains in the Alpine National Park with a packed picnic.The accommodation as per other reviews hits the right notes in terms of design, comfort and privacy. For an extended farm stay based around fine horses and people you might not do better than a few days at Bogong.

As someone who rides regularly and have been on many different trail rides around Victoria, I found this to be among the best. I chose the full day ride which was a lovely ride through Alpine National Park. It takes an hour to get to the National Park on horseback, therefore a 3 hour ride would consist of 2 hours of roadside riding to and from the beautiful National Park. We therefore decided to go on the full day ride to have the opportunity to go deeper into the National Park and enjoy this stunning landscape. This was a fantastic decision and I would encourage other riders with some experience to go on the full day ride (most first time riders should choose a shorter ride to start with, as after this ride even I was a little sore as I don't normally ride for a full day). The horses were all well trained and used to road side riding. They were easy to ride and get into a trot or canter. We had some lovely extended canters which was fantastic given my experience at many trail riding companies who mostly walk with only a few trots and little in the way of canters even after being told our experience levels.For lunch we had a simple ham and salad roll, home made muffins, billy tea, juice and fruit which was just perfect after a long morning. The ride leaders were very knowledgeable of the local area and had excellent horsemanship skills. Both were happy to have a chat. When we got back we were welcomed to the rider's lounge where we received ice cold water which was perfect after the hot day ride. While we didn't stay the night, the owner showed us around their recently completed accommodation. It was very modern with each room having a private ensuite. Each room is situated off a main corridor with highly polished marble floor and modern paintings of the local landscape. Not like the average farm accommodation I've seen where you're lucky if there's a bathroom! Overall a great ride and well worth the money.

Thanks to Taylor, Wayne and Alex for a reassuring ride on Omeo. I'd never ridden before and the staff helped my first time nerves to settle and enjoy the ride. Would thoroughly recommend this as its a great way to see the spectacular scenery!Teresa

We decided on to experience Bogong Horseback Adventures after becoming aware that you were a finalist in the 2014 Victorian Tourism Awards. Despite arriving a little late for our booking, we were touched by the welcome and hospitality of Steve and Kath. Under the clear directions of Clay, we were dressed up in our oil skinned coat and riding boots, we felt we were totally ready for the "Man from Snowy River" experience. Having a very nervous 10 year old in our family, his riding fears were totally overcome by the very caring and friendly Alex who guided him through the whole process ... from connecting with the horse right through to the ride.Clay was a very experienced horseman who not only took us through the 2 hour tour but also taught us novices how to trot, canter and even going to a small gallop confidently. We were highly impressed with your accommodation offerings on site at Spring Spur and I have no doubt we will be back again soon because the 10 year old is already asking for a long ride the next time round.

Today I experienced the most memorable and glorious horseride set in the high country. Clay recited 'The Man From Snowy River' for the group as we trekked down the mountainside, and individual attention was given to all riders. Make sure you have the lunch......... because not only was it delicious, home-made and such a satisfying way to end a ride, but also because you have to spend time in the artistic atmosphere of the restaurant. The staff are proud..... and should be!!!!