Experience Details

Embark on a rejuvenating equestrian adventure with our “Back in the Saddle” Long Riding Weekend at Garrawilla Station.

Tailored for riders seeking a leisurely return to the saddle, a confidence boost, or an opportunity to get back on the trail and reignite their passion for riding or looking into potential horse ownership, this immersive weekend promises a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and equestrian camaraderie.

Garrawilla is a historic family owned and operated cattle station located east of Coonabarabran in New South Wales.Once you drive through the gates of Garrawilla you will be reminded of one of these scenic cattle ranches out West, comprised of cowboys, ranchers – and of course black cattle dotted on the hills. You have arrived in true Australian cattle country with more over 7000 acres of just waiting for you to be explored on horseback.

Once you settle in, life here at ‘Old Garrawilla’ is refreshingly uncomplicated. It just centers around good rides, moving cattle, learnings from Australia’s great horse(wo)men, home-style cooked meals and discussions around the campfire or the fireplace where lifelong friendships are formed.

As with all of Horses & Cattle Australia experiences, this is the real deal and to get the most out of the experience as a guest, you will be supported and guided by experienced horse professionals, stockmen and horse riding instructors. For you as a rider, this promises to be a transformative experience, fostering a deeper bond with your horse and honing your skills amidst the vast open range.

If you are a more experienced rider bringing your own horse, this will also give you and your horse more exposure working out in the open range and learning to work together as a team.

Non-riding companions are warmly welcomed. While riders explore the trails, non-riders can discover the charms of Coonabarabran, a small country town renowned as the stargazing capital of Australia. Nearby, the rugged beauty of Warrumbungle National Park beckons, offering scenic vistas and opportunities for bushwalking and wildlife encounters.

Apart from riding, guests at the farm can try their hand at a range of pursuits from fossicking, bushwalking, yabby fishing to exploring the properties seemingly endless hills which provide ample opportunity for bushwalking and wildlife spotting. And then there is the spring-fed lake at your doorstep inviting you to go for a swim and cool off on a hot summer day.

However, be forewarned: the tranquility and splendor of Garrawilla may tempt you to simply unwind on the veranda with a glass of chilled wine, soaking in the serenity of this enchanting place.

At a glance

LOCATION:

Between Coonabarabran and Gunnedah NSW

AIRPORT:

Tamworth

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE:

Learning and Training

SEASON:

August until November March until May

DURATION:

3 Full Riding Days / 4 Nights

PRICING:

AUD 3,500.00 all-inclusive

LEVEL:

Novice and Intermediate Level Riders

ACCOMMODATION STYLE:

Beautiful Country Style Accommodation

FOOD AND DRINK:

All Meals, Wine or Beer with dinner

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Bring your own horse or ride one of ours

What to expect

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive in the mid-afternoon and settle into one of the spacious rooms at the homestead. If you’ve brought your own horse, take time to settle them in the yards. Join your fellow riders and guides for drinks, where we eagerly anticipate discussing the fun-filled days ahead. With a maximum of seven riders, our focus is on tailoring the experience to exceed your expectations. After dinner, unwind with a bit of stargazing or retire early, preparing yourself for the adventures of the morrow.

 

Day 2:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast, fueling up before meeting your equine companion for the next three days. Engage in grooming and bonding activities, fostering a deeper connection with your horse. In the morning, immerse yourself in groundwork, solidifying your partnership with your equine friend. Then, set off on a leisurely ride through the expansive house paddocks.

Relish a relaxed lunch before embarking on the trail in the afternoon. Encounter cattle along the way, adding an authentic station experience to your journey. Return to the station for refreshments and a satisfying dinner.

 

Days 3 and 4:

Each day is a canvas awaiting your preferences and the station’s agenda. Mornings commence with a hearty breakfast at the Old Garrawilla Homestead, setting the tone for another day of equine exploration. Typically, we venture out twice daily for morning and afternoon rides.

Immerse yourself in exhilarating rides through breathtaking landscapes, honing your riding skills and expanding your equine knowledge. For those craving adventure, delve into the world of cattle work. Embark on extended horseback journeys, traversing scenic grasslands, and relish the relaxed pace of trailing behind black angus cattle. If you’ve brought your own horse, our trainers will be on hand to refine your skills and help you to work and deepen that relationship with your horse.

Upon returning to the station, unwind with a swim in the spring-fed lake or a refreshing shower before indulging in nibbles and beverages on the veranda. Savor a home-cooked dinner paired with fine Australian wine, followed by having a yarn around the campfire. Allow yourself to be pampered by your gracious hosts.

 

Day 5: Departure

Absorb the scenic morning view from the breakfast table before bidding farewell. Depart with cherished memories and newfound equine insights to cherish forever.

The Horses

We have some trusted steeds waiting for you to be your equine companion for this experience. Our horses are real confidence boosters, all of them beautiful and well-bred and trained quarter horses and Australian stockhorses.

Your Guides

James Forbes

With James as your guide, you'll unravel the intricacies of stockmanship and Australian horsemanship while forging lasting memories filled with fun, laughter, and engaging tales along the way.

Codie Law

Codie has been competing in campdrafting since he was a youngster As an accomplished competitor Codie’s list of wins and titles are impressive and throughout the year he successfully competes at all of the major events like the Warwick Gold Cup, Landmark Classic, the Sydney Royal and the Australian Stock Horse Nationals just to name a few.

Details

Included:

  • A great horse incl tack and all equipment
  • Three days of guided horse riding and great learnings with skilled coaches; support from experienced stockmen and trainers throughout the whole ride
  • Four nights luxury country style accommodation in the beautiful ‘Old Garrawilla’ homestead. Price includes twin-share accommodation in spacious rooms with shared bathrooms. A very limited number of rooms are available for single use for participants who don’t want to share (single occupancy surcharge applies)
  • All home cooked meals: Dinner on the first night of your arrival, three meals per day, smoko, happy hour nibbles, beverages and breakfast on the day of your departure
  • Beer and wine with dinner
  • Overnight yard for your horse for riders who BYOH (Bring your own horse)

 

Transfer

With your own car or by rental car from at your own expense from Tamworth (90 mins), Sydney (5 hours)

Not included:

  • Domestic or international flights from and to the destination
  • Transfer from and to Garrawilla Station
  • Single room surcharge for guests who do not want to share a room

Prices and Dates

This experience is limited to a max of seven riders More experienced riders can join this event at a reduced price with their own horse. Pay AUD 2800 if you BYOH (Bring Your Own Horse). The price includes an overnight yard (tape fencing or cattle yard) for your horse. You will need to bring your own gear, feed and hay.

Dates from Dates to Price Status
26th September 2024 30th September 2024 A$ 3,500.00 all-inclusive Fully Booked / Get on Waiting List
26th September 2024 30th September 2024 A$ 2,750.00 (Bring your own horse) all-inclusive Fully Booked / Get on Waiting List
10th May 2025 14th May 2025 A$ 3,500.00 all-inclusive Fully Booked / Get on Waiting List
10th May 2025 14th May 2025 A$ 2,800.00 (Bring your own horse) all-inclusive Fully Booked / Get on Waiting List

Get in touch

call us

+61 (0) 418 613 930

email us

info@horsesandcattle.com

online enquiry