Watson's Mountain Country Trail Rides - Day Tours
Watson's Mountain Country Trail Rides - Day Tours
Watson's Mountain Country Trail Rides - Day Tours
5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
We offer horse trail rides in the high country starting from our family farm. Our rides vary in length from 1 hour through to 5 days. Many of our rides visit the famous jump scene from the Man from Snowy River movie and we often see much wild life. Feature rides include a winery ride, 2 day and 5 day luxury rides. We are open 7 days a week all year round.
Mansfield, Victoria, Australia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Watson's Mountain Country Trail Rides - Day Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
188 reviews
Excellent
172
Very good
11
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Ozetravellers
Gold Coast, Australia1,100 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
My husband and I did the 2 day luxury ride. It was fantastic ! Michael Watson is a second generation owner and is one of the most oersonable men I have met. He showed great horsemanship and had beautifully cared for horses that were sturdy, safe and yet easy to canter. The first day we rode for over 5 hours as described in the tour (and honestly my body was aching by then). We stayed at a property where we had a cheese platter waiting for us which we shared with Michael and drank the alcohol we had bought. As it was just the two of us riding he left the dinner for us to have alone. Breakfast was also there. All lovely quality food prepared from a Mansfield produce store. The next day we again rode for over 3 hours and returned back to the original property. We then washed the horses and turned them out before having lunch with Michael at the Produce store in Mansfield. I would love to take my children there and do it all again!
Written 4 December 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.
Rhonda H
1 contribution
Jan 2021
we did the 5 day ride through the high country and it is something i can recommend to everyone who loves scenery, horses, the outdoor life and mixing with like minded people.My son (32) and I (65) both enjoyed every single moment. He had only ridden once before and whilst i had ridden many times, it was about 40 years ago. The staff matched us well with horses and made sure we were comfortable along the way. We met some great people who many, although they own their own horses, drove hours to join the ride and do so often. That in itself says much about the Watson Family .
10 out of 10 from me.
10 out of 10 from me.
Written 8 January 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.
atholmes
Mandurah, Australia507 contributions
Nov 2022
Five star experience - Just finished a private 3 day, 2 night luxury Howqua River ride with a group of eight friends (all experienced riders). We travelled from Western Australia just to do this ride (all booked 12 months ago). The ride was led by Bec and Alice and we had an absolute blast. The scenery was jaw droppingly beautiful and the hospitality was outstanding. At the end of the ride we all wanted to turn around and do it all again. The horses were amazing and went over terrain that we wouldn't dream of riding our own horses. Accommodation at the River Lodge was just beautiful and we were very well catered by Jamie who prepared excellent meals for us. A shame that we were one of the last groups to be able to stay at the lodge - I hope that the replacement will be just as amazing. I can't recommend this experience more highly. Already planning a return trip - will probably do a longer ride next time. Outstanding !!
Written 4 December 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.
Mah N
Melbourne, Australia3 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
What a disappointing and poorly managed experience. We usually go with Uncle Nev's Horse Rides, which is closer to Melbourne and consistently offers a great time. Unfortunately, trying Watson’s Trail Rides was a mistake. The ride, scheduled to start at 1:30 pm, didn’t begin until 2:15 pm, which was OK but sign of disorganisation. With over 20 people in the group and only four staff members, it was clear they were overwhelmed and unprepared to manage such a large number of riders.
The leader of the ride (I don't recall name of the lady) seemed stressed and agitated, often shouting, which created a tense atmosphere. She struggled to manage both the group and her team effectively, even needing to remind a staff member at the start to stay with the group—a worrying indication of disorganisation. It was evident that groups larger than 5-6 people are beyond their capacity. The ride felt rushed, with no proper breaks, and we didn’t return until around 6:00 pm, well past the scheduled finish of 4:30 pm.
For a smooth and enjoyable horse-riding experience, I would strongly recommend Uncle Nev’s Horse Rides instead. Their staff are professional, polite, and well-trained. While the leader at Watson’s Trail Rides did apologise at the end and cited safety concerns, the chaotic approach and lack of manner were disappointing. If safety and customer experience cannot be assured, they need to rethink their business model and focus on improving their organisation and staff training.
The leader of the ride (I don't recall name of the lady) seemed stressed and agitated, often shouting, which created a tense atmosphere. She struggled to manage both the group and her team effectively, even needing to remind a staff member at the start to stay with the group—a worrying indication of disorganisation. It was evident that groups larger than 5-6 people are beyond their capacity. The ride felt rushed, with no proper breaks, and we didn’t return until around 6:00 pm, well past the scheduled finish of 4:30 pm.
For a smooth and enjoyable horse-riding experience, I would strongly recommend Uncle Nev’s Horse Rides instead. Their staff are professional, polite, and well-trained. While the leader at Watson’s Trail Rides did apologise at the end and cited safety concerns, the chaotic approach and lack of manner were disappointing. If safety and customer experience cannot be assured, they need to rethink their business model and focus on improving their organisation and staff training.
Written 30 December 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.
Gabby G
2 contributions
June 2020
Lovely family run business who obviously really care about their horses. Accommodation was basic but well worth the money paid and the hosts were amazing, providing everything we could ask for, even a camp fire under the stars with guitar music. Food was delicious and plentiful! I highly recommend this experience!
Written 1 July 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.
Gavan S
Boorolite, Australia29 contributions
Mar 2021
Wow, what an experience! These guys know horses. I took my two children (11 and 13) for a three hour ride. We were allocated horses that were just perfect for us and so well behaved. The scenery is simply stunning and the history of the Man from Snowy River movie was very special.
This experience should be on everyones bucket list.
A big thank you to Bec. See you again very soon.
This experience should be on everyones bucket list.
A big thank you to Bec. See you again very soon.
Written 8 March 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.
Helen L
4 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
I can highly recommend Michael Watson and his team to provide a wonderful horse riding experience taking in the amazing Victorian high country. The horses were just superb, catering for all levels of riding skills with Michael ensuring your safety at all times. We have been on many short rides with them and have just returned from a 4 day luxury ride which was stunning... didn't want it to end and am already planning another one for 2021!
Written 19 October 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.
Zhomart O
4 contributions
May 2022
We came on time, however there were people who were late, so we waited for them. We rode a horse in a group and in a line seeing someone's back. We could not take a picture of all of us. You pay for just sitting on a horse but not for riding a horse in an open field. I personally expected that I would ride canter or gallop but it was not allowed. So disappointing. Just wasted $60 and 90 min of my life. This experience may be interesting for those who have never ridden a horse.
Written 11 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.
Julz
1 contribution
Feb 2021
My Husband & I just came back from this amazing ride, we would highly recommend Watsons, the staff were lovely and made us feel comfortable and gave advice along the way, horses very good and well taken care of, the ride was challenging at times, riding through beautiful country and rivers took our breath away.
Food was also beautiful, we enjoyed tenting with the river as our backyard! We will definitely do this ride again. Thank you Michael, Sally, Bec & staff 😊
Food was also beautiful, we enjoyed tenting with the river as our backyard! We will definitely do this ride again. Thank you Michael, Sally, Bec & staff 😊
Written 24 February 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.
Jon A
2 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
Michael and Shannon were fantastic.
As beginner riders we felt very comfortable with the level of instruction and guidance given by Michael.
The trail ride was a great experience and all three of us would highly recommend Watsons to anyone looking for this kind of experience.
Thank you to Michael and team for making such a great morning.
As beginner riders we felt very comfortable with the level of instruction and guidance given by Michael.
The trail ride was a great experience and all three of us would highly recommend Watsons to anyone looking for this kind of experience.
Thank you to Michael and team for making such a great morning.
Written 5 May 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.
Hello!
I would like to go on a short ride with my daughter. She is 6 and half years old. DOB 01.05.10. Is she too young to ride one of your tame horses?
Thank so much!
Cheers
Jennifer
Written 21 December 2016
Hi Jennifer, I'm sorry she is as our minimum age is 10 years and over. Warm regards Michael
Written 21 December 2016
Hi There,
We are going on a family holiday to Mansfield and would like to go horse riding. Can you please give me a price guide for 6 adults (may be 3 - 5 hrs ride). We are all beginners. We have a 5 mth by Dec pregnant women and is there any restriction on this?
We will be there in mid December 2016.
Regards
Written 7 November 2016
Hi, We would be unable to take the pregnant woman on any of our rides. We are booked up until December 21st which we already have a ride booked. This is a 2 hour ride which costs $85 per person. we have nothing available before this as we are away on extended overnight trips.
Let me know if this might suit.
Warm regards,
Sally.
Written 7 November 2016
Susan S
Adelaide, Australia
Hi There,
We are going on a family holiday to Mansfield and would like to go horse riding,
can you please give me a price guild for 2 adults and 4 children 9,10,14,16
My youngest may not want to get on a horse how can we get around this? can he come with me?
also is there a weight restriction?
We will be there in early Jan
Cheers
Sue
Written 16 December 2014
Hi Sue,
Thank you for your enquiry.
I would recommend our 1 hour ride $40.00pp or 2 hour ride $80.00pp for your family and our latest availability and online bookings can be found at our website that is linked to trip advisor.
As far as our youngest goes they would need to be on their own horse as we don't allow more than one on a horse for safety concerns. So it may be that you or another adult may need to stay with them instead of riding.
We have a weight restriction of 110kg.
I hope our rides may suit and look forward to hearing from you.
Warm regards
Michael
Written 17 December 2014
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