Bonogin Valley Horse Retreat
Bonogin Valley Horse Retreat
4.6
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday
Closed
About
We help you be happy and healthy through horse experiences. Having some fun & developing skills in a safe environment Getting Active, Confidence, Care & Communication HORSE RIDING FOR BEGINNERS IS OUR SPECIALTY *Giddy Up Kids horse intro through horse care & riding *Horse handling confidence and balanced riding techniques *Ride & Relax with a 1hr horse connection and 3hr day spa experience *The ultimate to unplug and unwind come along to an amazing week experience to feel what it's like horse whispering, riding with control, beach riding and finishing with being pampered for half a day at the best hinterland day spa, one of the goldcoasts best kept secrets
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.6
45 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
6
Average
0
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Wendy S
Pimpama, Queensland, Australia1 contribution
Mar 2025 • Solo
A beautiful way to spend a couple of hours. Deb is wonderful and really knows her stuff. The retreat is short drive from Robina yet you are surrounded by bush and it feels far away from everything. So peaceful and calm.
Written 13 March 2025
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.
Lenore G
1 contribution
Jan 2020
I recently took my 5 grandchildren for a horse experience at the Bonogin Valley Horse Retreat. My grandchildren ranged in ages from 11 down to the youngest who was just old enough to participate in this wonderful experience. Being first time riders, 3 of the 5 were a bit apprehensive to begin with but they all thoroughly enjoyed their time there. So much so that they are talking about it lots and look forward to returning in the future. Deb was so good with all of them and I would not hesitate to recommend this experience for any child. Deb talked to them about how to act around horses for their own safety as well as how to catch the horses and use the gear. When they had been through all the necessary preliminary information which I might add, they all listened to intently, they overcame any fears they were feeling and mounted their horses. It was all smiles for the remainder of the experience. Many thanks Deb for such a wonderful experience for my family. We have plenty of photos to remember our time at your horse retreat.
Written 21 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.
Apologies I missed an alert for your response and I am so very very grateful for your review thankyou. It means alot to me to hear this especially when times are very tough keeping up with horse costs. It is so rewarding to see the change in kids confidence. Very much appreciated thankyou, Deb
Written 29 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tricia M
Brisbane, Australia1 contribution
Apr 2021
My name is Chloe I am 7 years old and my grandma gave me a surprise play day at bonogin when I was on holidays from wodonga where I live
I was very frightened in the morning and do you know why a cow had given me a fright back home. I had a pony and I had to look after the pony all day I think it’s name was dee dee and I think Carlisle looked after me and helped me she was very good and another girl was good too anyway in the afternoon I sat on the pony by myself and I even rode the pony by myself and learnt to go side to side I was excited as this cow didn’t frighten me any more
I had to brush it and feed it and clean up its poop and I had to learn that all these things have to be done to look after dee dee. Belinda was very good and I want to go back next time I come to grandmas place in Burleigh thank you Belinda and Carlisle and sorry I can’t remember the other girls name can you say hello to dee dee for me and give my pony a hugplease Chloe 😘🤗🐴🦋💝
I was very frightened in the morning and do you know why a cow had given me a fright back home. I had a pony and I had to look after the pony all day I think it’s name was dee dee and I think Carlisle looked after me and helped me she was very good and another girl was good too anyway in the afternoon I sat on the pony by myself and I even rode the pony by myself and learnt to go side to side I was excited as this cow didn’t frighten me any more
I had to brush it and feed it and clean up its poop and I had to learn that all these things have to be done to look after dee dee. Belinda was very good and I want to go back next time I come to grandmas place in Burleigh thank you Belinda and Carlisle and sorry I can’t remember the other girls name can you say hello to dee dee for me and give my pony a hugplease Chloe 😘🤗🐴🦋💝
Written 29 April 2021
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.
Troyanddeb
Cairns, Australia38 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
I purchased experience of Red Balloon for my daughter to experience this over the Christmas Break. We initially booked for a Saturday a few weeks ago, but due to inclement weather, we decided to call and ask to postpone the experience and move it to another weekend. Firstly, the female the other end of the to my wife was dismissive and said that the voucher would be null invalid if we cancelled and that it was up to them to chose to cancel the ride if it was due to weather. We got a message at 3 am on the day of the ride to say that it was cancelled.
So we're rebooked for yesterday and turned up at 11 am for an 1115 start. When we got there, they had the farrier there fitting horseshoes. It showed me they were not prepared for the ride. The kids then did 35-40 minutes up at the stable learning about horse safety and grooming. Something that could be shown even to a novice rider in 10 minutes. The kids then went down to the riding pen. The first three got on and were led around by the riding hands while the other two girls, my daughter included, had to watch. There was no offer for the two girls to help lead the horses, something that was offered to the first girls when my daughter and another little girl put a leg over. They were led around the pen.. Which is not big I might add, for about 15 minutes. Then time was up. So for a 90minute drive, my daughter only got on the saddle for 15 minutes.
There are better riding schools around that look clean and have better facilities than this place. I would think twice about booking any experience through this riding school. Not only that, the two junior girls that helped g the senior instructor had a significant attitude attack. Either they haven't got one, or they hated working on a Saturday.
So we're rebooked for yesterday and turned up at 11 am for an 1115 start. When we got there, they had the farrier there fitting horseshoes. It showed me they were not prepared for the ride. The kids then did 35-40 minutes up at the stable learning about horse safety and grooming. Something that could be shown even to a novice rider in 10 minutes. The kids then went down to the riding pen. The first three got on and were led around by the riding hands while the other two girls, my daughter included, had to watch. There was no offer for the two girls to help lead the horses, something that was offered to the first girls when my daughter and another little girl put a leg over. They were led around the pen.. Which is not big I might add, for about 15 minutes. Then time was up. So for a 90minute drive, my daughter only got on the saddle for 15 minutes.
There are better riding schools around that look clean and have better facilities than this place. I would think twice about booking any experience through this riding school. Not only that, the two junior girls that helped g the senior instructor had a significant attitude attack. Either they haven't got one, or they hated working on a Saturday.
Written 1 February 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.
Apologies for missing this review that came through Troy as I didn't get alerted. Thankyou for telling the world about your experience when most of my reviews across trip advisor and google are highly rated. It's disappointing you couldn't chat to me direct as I would have been more than happy to discuss and compensate you in some way. It's extremely unfortunate when we are tied to the weather and I would have messaged you as early as possible to give you time to plan your day as soon as you woke up. We cannot run lessons on heavy rain days as it's not pleasurable or safe.
I value my customers and have a very strong reputation for providing quality for 14yrs. The experience you booked was a Kids Horse Intro class and advertised as non riding so if your kids got to get on the horses then that was a bonus.
Horse safety, care and handling is not to be taken lightly and there is alot to learn to prevent accidents from these large animals. It cannot be taught in 10min and hence why most horse riding schools and trail riding centres have been closing down due to the extremely high cost of insurance and expense to keep horses.
There will be less and less opportunity for kids to learn about horses by experienced horse men and women into the future sadly.
These are tough times and reviews like this that are not regular for a business and are once off unfortunate set of circumstances, does not help a small business and causes alot of damage. It's sad that this could not have been dealt with by a good old fashioned phone call to my mobile. Kind regards, Debbie
Written 29 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Roslyn N
14 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
We were searching for a place that would refresh and refine our horse skills and fortunately found Bonogin Horse Valley Retreat. Our first lessons with Amanda were fabulous, easing us back into the saddle and increasing our confidence. The last lessons with Celeste focused on fine tuning the ride. Looking forward to continuing our lessons.
Written 18 January 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.
jbmel2016
11 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Deb is a great instructor and runs a very good riding school. The horses are excellent. Lovely stock horses that are well educated and responsive. Quality tack and a great location with access to an amazing variety it trails. Highly recommend.
Written 28 April 2023
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.
345bevo
Sydney, Australia7 contributions
June 2022 • Business
From the moment I arrived until I said good bye- I felt welcomed and part of a lovely team. The horses were well fed, extremely well cared for and well schooled. Everything was professional, from the tack to the conversation. Totally recommend!
Written 11 June 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.
Claire H
Gold Coast Hinterland, Australia4 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
I had a one hour lesson and I loved every thing about my ride. My horse was just amazing and the instructor Celeste was excellent . I loved that I could brush and saddle the horse before I rode, and the horse I rode was so responsive, it was an absolute delight to ride here, all the horses are happy and in great condition the people are lovely, it was a great experience all round.
Written 20 October 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.
Arden55
Gold Coast29 contributions
June 2019
Debbie Burgermeister and her team are professional trainers and highly competent riders who imparted their knowledge and respect for horses to our grandsons aged 10 and 12.They learned basic riding skills and, just as important, the responsibility of horse care - grooming, feeding, leading, and safety around such a big, beautful animals.
The facilities are clean, comfortable and welcoming. The cost is very reasonable for the level of training you receive.
The facilities are clean, comfortable and welcoming. The cost is very reasonable for the level of training you receive.
Written 20 August 2019
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.
Thankyou very much your boys are a joy to teach and progressed so fast
Written 20 August 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ms_bee_bob
Gold Coast, Australia10 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
Really fantastic staff and a great experience as an introduction to horses. Just beware kids have to share horses and the riding time is really minimal at the end of the lesson.
Written 10 April 2018
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.
Thank you and yes this class is purely aimed at horse care and getting kids confident and capable for preparing horses to ride independently with a little pony ride at the end.
Written 14 April 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Do ypu have horse riding/hire for adults
Written 16 July 2019
My absolute sincere apologies for missing your message as I'm out with the horses most of the time and technology gets left on the backburner but I am so grateful for your question and yet we have many lesson options for kids and adults at our horse riding hub site in the lessons menu
Written 21 August 2019
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