The Horse Resort
The Horse Resort
4.5
About
Located in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, The Horse Resort offers unique riding lessons with experienced instructors and well trained horses in a beautiful part of Western Australia. The lessons are conducted in the arenas on our 300 acre property and when everyone is going nicely we are able to extend the lessons into the more open areas of the farm.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingWhat is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Reach out directly
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
43 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
3
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Rosa McGintes
6 contributions
June 2020 • Friends
The best horseriding place I have ever been. Horses were healthy and beautifully maintained. Safety was the first priority. I took my friend who was 50 who had never even sat on a horse along with other friends who had never ridden. They were very nervous but their fears were soon quashed when they were given a full introduction and prqctise in a confined area with plenty of staff nearby. We then lead on their beautiful 300 acre farm through bush and beautiful fields. My friend felt very sorry she had never ridden a horse in her first 50 years as she found it so relaxing and fun. For those that could trot and canter they were given that opportunity also. Highly recommend!
Written 9 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SamS
12 contributions
May 2022
Big thanks to Celestine, our most wonderful guide and to our two beautiful horses, Seven and Bendigo. We were treated to the most enjoyable 2 hour ride trough a lovely property on the best trained and cared for horses we have ever encountered on a trail ride.
Thank you so much for the experience. You made our day very special.
Sam & Danielle - Melbourne
Thank you so much for the experience. You made our day very special.
Sam & Danielle - Melbourne
Written 25 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victoria S
Exmouth, Australia11 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
Spent a lovely week at THR. Great to be able to get to know your horse in the arena before heading out. Guides are excellent and horses well schooled. Did 6 rides over 5 days and the only downside of the whole experience was that I couldn't take Cortez and Slate home with me. Great for beginner through to experienced riders. Thank you girls for looking after me for the week. It was the best. Looking forward to coming back again soon.
Written 10 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan
1 contribution
Jan 2020
What an amazing day my son (14, not experienced) and myself (40, experienced) had yesterday. We were greeted by professional staff, stunning healthy horses, beautiful grounds. Safety was the first priority, followed by a relaxed fun environment. I had many opportunities to canter while my son managed a Trott for the first time. Thank you Cecile our guide, for a special memorable day I shared with my son. We will definitely be back!
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiwilis
Switzerland8 contributions
Oct 2016 • Family
I do not usually write long, low rating reviews, but I feel this needs to be shared.
Initial contact on line could not be faulted.
We arrived on time to find it was just our family...perfect, as we thought we would be able to have a ride through the local countryside at a pace that matched our abilities. We spent 30 minutes in the arena getting used to the horses and showing off our individual experience. Understandable, especially for larger groups. However as it was just our family with the instructor and I have ridden since childhood I thought that it was a bit excessive. My husband and 13 year old have ridden in many places around the world on varying horse breeds from Mongolia to Iceland without any issue, however it was decided by the instructor that as they could not rise to the trot well enough, they would not be able to canter! I thought this was a bit strict but OK, once out of the arena and onto the trail, I thought this would change with 2 experienced riders watching 2 who are very comfortable, albeit not dressage or showjumpers.
Getting the horses away from the first paddock took another 10 minutes as the instructors horse who was under training was afraid of some large tires. OK...understandable. From there things went downhill in my opinion. We were told to walk in a line and not to deviate from the line or the speed which was controlled by the leader...a WALK! I was told at one point I could trot around a tree and canter back to the group...having ridden for over 45 years, admittedly not for the last 3 years, this was a tad insulting.Going through the gates...walk 10 metres on and turn your horses around to face me. This was not fun at all. It was like a military exercise. At one point on a track I was asked if I would like to canter again for 30 metres and come back to our group. I declined and asked if the others could go faster than a walk. Nope...the rules are set. If you cannot rise to the trot in the arena, then you walk or fast walk, one at a time. We arrived back after 1 hour having being told to walk side by side up the last piece of track...without one horse being in advance with another. Fun, if was done in a manner where you are trying to show off your dressage skills, but this again was too much.
I said that I thought it was a 2 hour tour...'it depends on how fast you ride' ...we walked; we could not have gone any slower! To compensate for the 30 minutes the instructor then suggested that my husband and daughter practice rising to the trot in the arena...which they did, and only then where they allowed to canter. Needless to say, without any issue at all!!! I did not pay $95 each to ride in an arena for 50 minutes and 50 minutes on a 'trail ride' consisting of 4 paddocks, 2 farm tracks, passing some other horses, 2 alpaca and a flock of sheep.
As I have stated, I understand the necessity for being sure of your riders abilities and keeping them and the horses safe, but this was way too much. It was not the fun experience that I was hoping to share with my family. A real shame as obviously this is a well run operation that care for the horses well being and the riders. No bits, no kicking etc.
For inexperienced riders, this would be a good choice, but for those with any level of experience I would state clearly what your expectations are from the beginning.
We left politely declining the hot tea and cookies.
Initial contact on line could not be faulted.
We arrived on time to find it was just our family...perfect, as we thought we would be able to have a ride through the local countryside at a pace that matched our abilities. We spent 30 minutes in the arena getting used to the horses and showing off our individual experience. Understandable, especially for larger groups. However as it was just our family with the instructor and I have ridden since childhood I thought that it was a bit excessive. My husband and 13 year old have ridden in many places around the world on varying horse breeds from Mongolia to Iceland without any issue, however it was decided by the instructor that as they could not rise to the trot well enough, they would not be able to canter! I thought this was a bit strict but OK, once out of the arena and onto the trail, I thought this would change with 2 experienced riders watching 2 who are very comfortable, albeit not dressage or showjumpers.
Getting the horses away from the first paddock took another 10 minutes as the instructors horse who was under training was afraid of some large tires. OK...understandable. From there things went downhill in my opinion. We were told to walk in a line and not to deviate from the line or the speed which was controlled by the leader...a WALK! I was told at one point I could trot around a tree and canter back to the group...having ridden for over 45 years, admittedly not for the last 3 years, this was a tad insulting.Going through the gates...walk 10 metres on and turn your horses around to face me. This was not fun at all. It was like a military exercise. At one point on a track I was asked if I would like to canter again for 30 metres and come back to our group. I declined and asked if the others could go faster than a walk. Nope...the rules are set. If you cannot rise to the trot in the arena, then you walk or fast walk, one at a time. We arrived back after 1 hour having being told to walk side by side up the last piece of track...without one horse being in advance with another. Fun, if was done in a manner where you are trying to show off your dressage skills, but this again was too much.
I said that I thought it was a 2 hour tour...'it depends on how fast you ride' ...we walked; we could not have gone any slower! To compensate for the 30 minutes the instructor then suggested that my husband and daughter practice rising to the trot in the arena...which they did, and only then where they allowed to canter. Needless to say, without any issue at all!!! I did not pay $95 each to ride in an arena for 50 minutes and 50 minutes on a 'trail ride' consisting of 4 paddocks, 2 farm tracks, passing some other horses, 2 alpaca and a flock of sheep.
As I have stated, I understand the necessity for being sure of your riders abilities and keeping them and the horses safe, but this was way too much. It was not the fun experience that I was hoping to share with my family. A real shame as obviously this is a well run operation that care for the horses well being and the riders. No bits, no kicking etc.
For inexperienced riders, this would be a good choice, but for those with any level of experience I would state clearly what your expectations are from the beginning.
We left politely declining the hot tea and cookies.
Written 17 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeanne S
3 contributions
June 2015 • Family
In consideration of the price we paid the service was not as personalised or individualised as was expected. We were thrown together with another family and given instructions as a whole without a proper chat with individually to see what riding experiences each person had. During the event there wasn't even a query on whether the pace was too slow or too fast. We were just expected to follow in a herd at one pace. Rather disappointing for a $95 per person experience for both myself and my kids.
Written 21 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Piano S
1 contribution
An enjoyable impromptu trip out took us to Horse Resort for a 2 hour ride. Pluses: health and safety of horses and riders was great and so was the scenery. minuses: horses are "liberty trained" so for more "traditionally trained" riders this can take some getting used to -be prepared to be either condescended or mocked by Sam the "guru" (not good for confidence building:()
Written 12 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew H
Busselton, Australia59 contributions
Nov 2015 • Family
The Horse Resort is different from your typical head to tail trail riding experience.
I have been a regular customer and fan for 6 years.
The Horse's at the Horse Resort are highly trained, you don't need to dig your heals in get them to canter, the horses don't even have bits in their mouths. A simple squeeze of the legs and the horse will increase their speed and turn of the hips and the horses will turn and a light pull on the reins and the horse will slow down.
The owners take great pride in providing the best trained horses, many of the horses used in riding are also used in Liberty work and trick riding performances.
Prior to the start of the ride, riding lessons and horse familiarisation is provided. As a regular rider I am given further instructions on trotting through the barrels, cantering and how to better communicate with the horse.
Once you leave the ring, the ride goes through their farm, a chance to look at the other horses, llive stock, plenty of kangaroos and the occasional Emu, opportunities are provided to canter and trot. The best thing is the horses are not going head to tail, riders are in control of the horse.
They are able to offer a great experience to the first time rider and the experienced rider.
I have been a regular customer and fan for 6 years.
The Horse's at the Horse Resort are highly trained, you don't need to dig your heals in get them to canter, the horses don't even have bits in their mouths. A simple squeeze of the legs and the horse will increase their speed and turn of the hips and the horses will turn and a light pull on the reins and the horse will slow down.
The owners take great pride in providing the best trained horses, many of the horses used in riding are also used in Liberty work and trick riding performances.
Prior to the start of the ride, riding lessons and horse familiarisation is provided. As a regular rider I am given further instructions on trotting through the barrels, cantering and how to better communicate with the horse.
Once you leave the ring, the ride goes through their farm, a chance to look at the other horses, llive stock, plenty of kangaroos and the occasional Emu, opportunities are provided to canter and trot. The best thing is the horses are not going head to tail, riders are in control of the horse.
They are able to offer a great experience to the first time rider and the experienced rider.
Written 22 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharyne A
Perth, Australia6 contributions
July 2015 • Family
We have ridden at The Horse Resort a number of times, at both locations, in different seasons and a variety of horses over the years. It is our daughter who is horse mad, so we manage to ride on every family holiday and have ridden at a number of locations in Australia and overseas.
The Horse Resort was the first place we received instruction prior to heading out on the trail. This was really important for us, as it really is our daughter who can ride and not her parents. Great to feel I was independently in control of the horse before heading out.
I love the fact that we can ride alongside each other, rather than spending 2 hours watching the 'bum' of the horse in front. Great to break up into ability groups and have a go at a trot or canter if feeling up to it. Yes Sam and Sacha, one day I will nail that canter and not look like I am sliding off to one side:)
Our daughter is a traditionally trained, 'Dressage Diva', yet loves the fact that she has ridden bit-less! She also loves the little challenges Sam gives her while riding, and as a Mum I love the fact that Sam knows her ability and will not let her get away with 'near enough'. A valuable lesson, that has become so important as she has now moved into horse ownership.
On our last ride it was just my daughter and I with some other amazing holiday makers. It is just so nice that we have the flexibility to ride alongside each other and chill and relax with the horses. Best fun I get to have with my teenage daughter. Thanks so much to everyone at the Horse Resort as we always have an amazing time.
The Horse Resort was the first place we received instruction prior to heading out on the trail. This was really important for us, as it really is our daughter who can ride and not her parents. Great to feel I was independently in control of the horse before heading out.
I love the fact that we can ride alongside each other, rather than spending 2 hours watching the 'bum' of the horse in front. Great to break up into ability groups and have a go at a trot or canter if feeling up to it. Yes Sam and Sacha, one day I will nail that canter and not look like I am sliding off to one side:)
Our daughter is a traditionally trained, 'Dressage Diva', yet loves the fact that she has ridden bit-less! She also loves the little challenges Sam gives her while riding, and as a Mum I love the fact that Sam knows her ability and will not let her get away with 'near enough'. A valuable lesson, that has become so important as she has now moved into horse ownership.
On our last ride it was just my daughter and I with some other amazing holiday makers. It is just so nice that we have the flexibility to ride alongside each other and chill and relax with the horses. Best fun I get to have with my teenage daughter. Thanks so much to everyone at the Horse Resort as we always have an amazing time.
Written 6 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rayambaobie
2 contributions
July 2013
Me and my partner are very much amatures at horse riding but the girls that took us out on monday 15-07-13 and wednesday 17-07-13 were fantastic at making us feel sooo confident on the large horses and their training is great. I love that we started in an enclosed arena and then out in natural forrest surrounding the grounds. I highly recomend this place plus if it gets wet you have full length oilskins so you wont get soaked. Got to see heaps of kangaroos.
Written 17 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is an adult price and a child 8 years old. Also do you do beginners trail rides.
Written 27 May 2018
We were 2 adults and it was $180. I can't say for 8 yo but a phone call or email will get a friendly response. I think they'd say yes to beginners train rides :)
Written 27 May 2018
Showing results 1-1 of 1
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing