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
Features animals
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Watson's Mountain Country Trail Rides - Day Tours
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5.0
155 reviews
Excellent
141
Very good
10
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Laura H
1 contribution
Oct. 2023 • Friends
Thank you Bec and crew for an awesome Howqua Weekend experience! The horses were amazing, the hosts were terrific and the High Country is just paradise. We slept under the starts on the edge of the Howqua River and covered almost 40 kilometres of beautiful bushland, hills and terrain over the two days. The horses know this land well and were so careful up and down some of the steepest riding we have done! Oh and the food was delicious! Already planning our return. Thank you!
Written 25 October 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.
Rach0607
Mornington Peninsula, Australia25 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Friends
From the moment we arrived it was disorganised. Clearly no attention was paid to the form you fill out prior to arrival and the horses chosen for the day had nothing to do with riders abilities. The “leaders” were inexperienced and ill equipped to deal with any adversities. One person changed horses 3 times, one horse bit almost every other horse it came in contact with, especially didn’t like one of the leaders horses so instead of staying away from it she kept putting herself in front of it until it finally got kicked, reared up, threw its head back & head butted its rider..instead of stopping at the nearest spot for the rider the leaders chose to do a complete circle of the area and then stop for lunch, where one of the other riders then had to ask for an ice pack for the injured party. One horse was riderless at this point so they just let it “follow”.. which it did not do quietly and continuously spooked the other horses.. too the point where one young girl was crying & to scared to keep riding & one other rider refused to get back on her horse until someone tethered the free horse & lead it back. The ride went almost two hours over the allotted time, the horses were getting very agitated leading to one very young horse throwing it’s rider! Someone was called to come collect the fallen rider but the “leaders” didn’t have a key to the gate we were behind so she had to climb over!! After just being thrown from her house! Three riders at this point refused to continue on horse back they felt so unsafe and walked the last 1/2 hour home.
This was my fifth time with Watsons, we we’re a party of 5 based off my previous recommendations and sadly never again, for me or anyone in my group & nor would any of us recommend.
The whole trip, almost from start to finish felt incredible unsafe!
This was my fifth time with Watsons, we we’re a party of 5 based off my previous recommendations and sadly never again, for me or anyone in my group & nor would any of us recommend.
The whole trip, almost from start to finish felt incredible unsafe!
Written 29 September 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.
Rebecca M
2 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
Amazing once again. Second time on a 3 day trip and they didn't disappoint. The staff are amazing and horses incredible. Can't wait to go again. Recommend highly
Written 27 September 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.
Ramona R
3 contributions
Apr. 2023 • Friends
Myself and a friend did a two night experience on 29/4/23. The guides we had for our group did an amazing job with looking after us.
I am a novice rider who appreciated the guides patience and understanding...thank you to all but in particular Mel.
I would recommend riding with Watson's if your wanting to have a great experience riding.
I am a novice rider who appreciated the guides patience and understanding...thank you to all but in particular Mel.
I would recommend riding with Watson's if your wanting to have a great experience riding.
Written 2 May 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.
Janine H
Adelaide, Australia2 contributions
Apr. 2023 • Friends
Absolutely amazing experience. Mel, Lakota and Kyawa were so supportive to a first time rider. Michael took great care of all of us. The facilities were fantastic and the horses - who do all the hard work - are so well cared for and take great care of their riders. I cannot thank the crew enough. Dallas was a legend ❤️ Thoroughly recommend this adventure to all.
Written 2 May 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.
maryb
Bangkok, Thailand6 contributions
Feb. 2023 • Friends
Took part in the 5-day ride, which was a truly phenomenal week! Michael & Sally's expertise, calmness, warmth, humour, generosity and supreme organisational skills meant that me & my friends were matched perfectly with each horse. We all appreciated and admired the tenacity, character & sheer power of all the horses, which is a reflection of the care & training Michael puts into each horse.
The food and accommodation were excellent, and Michael and his support team worked extremely hard to look after us beautifully.
Such a great way to discover and explore the Victorian High Country, and gain a full appreciation of the varied scenery and beauty of the rivers, gullies, creeks and historic huts. Highly recommend!
The food and accommodation were excellent, and Michael and his support team worked extremely hard to look after us beautifully.
Such a great way to discover and explore the Victorian High Country, and gain a full appreciation of the varied scenery and beauty of the rivers, gullies, creeks and historic huts. Highly recommend!
Written 6 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.
GeoffEliot
Geraldton, Australia2 contributions
Mar. 2023
Everything 5*****, beautiful horses in excellent condition, riders from 15 - 70+ and all levels of experience (confident, very experienced to anxious beginners) catered for. A very high emphasis on safety, (gear regularly checked, horses and riders well matched and riders well supervised by knowledgeable, friendly support staff.)
Lots of opportunities for the experienced riders to trot,canter and even have a bit of a gallop; on many other rides I have been on this is not the case.
I have done many rides in Australia and overseas and while most have been pretty good this was all round the best.
Lots of opportunities for the experienced riders to trot,canter and even have a bit of a gallop; on many other rides I have been on this is not the case.
I have done many rides in Australia and overseas and while most have been pretty good this was all round the best.
Written 29 March 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.
Freya R
1 contribution
Mar. 2023
5 days with 7 friends to tick the bucket list....and Watsons Trail Rides absolutely delivered. The horses were hand picked to suit our varying abilities, the staff were so helpful, the scenery was out of this world and changed with every incline/decline and the food was delicious and carefully curated. Michael clearly knows what he is doing and the horses love to be apart of it. If you want adventure that is meticulously planned out for you with all the creature comforts to make it that much easier (hot showers, home cooked food and a comfy bed) then look no further....Watsons have it all + more! We are now planning the next adventure on our favorite trusted steeds! thankyou Michael, Lee, Brett, Nikki, Lakota and Sally.
Written 5 March 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.
Lee B
1 contribution
Jan. 2023 • Friends
I took my mum for her birthday on the 5 day man from snowy ride. The food, experience and scenery was just beautiful. Michael and his family clearly love what they do and make you feel very welcome.
My only feedback: riders are advised to stop at certain sections to let the horses graze. I would advise others to dismount before letting them graze.. you have no control over the horse with their heads down and reins short. Our horses spooked and bolted while grazing with 3 of us coming off and myself left with 2 fractures to my back.
My only feedback: riders are advised to stop at certain sections to let the horses graze. I would advise others to dismount before letting them graze.. you have no control over the horse with their heads down and reins short. Our horses spooked and bolted while grazing with 3 of us coming off and myself left with 2 fractures to my back.
Written 18 February 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.
Shelley C
1 contribution
Jan. 2023
Where do I start,
The very professional and friendly manner in which Bec and Micheal Watson welcomed us, included us, accommodated us in every way possible was second to none.
I was made to feel very much at home right from the start. They allicated a wonderful horse (Leah) for me that took extremely good care of me when riding through the beautiful mountains.
They were extremely well organised from go to woe. Whether it be Micheal meeting us for lunch, moving our luggage around and making sure all their guests were taken care of.
Bec was extremely professional at taking care of all the horses and her guests. She is the most hands on operater taking care of her horses very well to ensure they were in the best of condition to give their best.
We were catered for very well and enjoyed great food every day. Nothing was ever any trouble for the Watsons and they did their absolute best to look after us all
The very professional and friendly manner in which Bec and Micheal Watson welcomed us, included us, accommodated us in every way possible was second to none.
I was made to feel very much at home right from the start. They allicated a wonderful horse (Leah) for me that took extremely good care of me when riding through the beautiful mountains.
They were extremely well organised from go to woe. Whether it be Micheal meeting us for lunch, moving our luggage around and making sure all their guests were taken care of.
Bec was extremely professional at taking care of all the horses and her guests. She is the most hands on operater taking care of her horses very well to ensure they were in the best of condition to give their best.
We were catered for very well and enjoyed great food every day. Nothing was ever any trouble for the Watsons and they did their absolute best to look after us all
Written 10 January 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.
Jennifer V
Melbourne, Australia33 contributions
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
Michael_and_Sally
Mansfield, Victoria, Australia25 contributions
Hi Jennifer, I'm sorry she is as our minimum age is 10 years and over. Warm regards Michael
sulaiman-ahmad
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia1 contribution
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
Michael_and_Sally
Mansfield, Victoria, Australia25 contributions
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.
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
Michael_and_Sally
Mansfield, Victoria, Australia25 contributions
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