Explore Wine Country from Horseback at Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures
- Your Hunter Valley Magazine
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Atop the scenic Molly Morgan Range in Lovedale, Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures offers visitors a unique way to experience one of Australia's most celebrated wine regions. Now approaching 30 years, this family-run property has been sharing the beauty of the Hunter Valley on horseback, creating memorable experiences for riders of all ages and abilities.
Owner Margaret Bancroft has built a reputation for genuine hospitality and personalised service, welcoming visitors to a working Devon beef cattle farm where horses, sheep, goats and poultry create an authentic country atmosphere. The property's elevated position provides spectacular panoramic views across Hunter Valley Wine Country, with vistas stretching north to the Barrington Tops, offering riders access to natural bushland and rolling hills that vehicles simply cannot reach.
The guided trail rides traverse the Molly Morgan Range through a landscape of vineyards and native bushland, with trails designed to accommodate everyone from nervous first timers to experienced riders. Short pony rides give young children their first taste of horseback adventure, while half-hour and one-hour trails suit families and casual riders looking to experience wine country and the Hunter Valley from a fresh perspective. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the 1.5-hour trail ride ventures to the top of the range, offering opportunities to spot kangaroos, wallabies and native birds while taking in the region's spectacular scenery.
Experienced riders can enjoy the freedom to trot and canter across suitable terrain, while the well-trained horses follow voice commands, ensuring even complete beginners feel safe and confident throughout their ride. Patient guides tailor each experience to the group's comfort level, answering questions and sharing insights about the horses and the landscape. The horses themselves have earned glowing reviews for their calm temperaments and suitability for nervous or first-time riders, with names like Axle, Beth, Star and Tiny becoming familiar friends to returning visitors.
Beyond the trail rides, Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures offers a full-farm experience perfect for families. Tractor hay rides take visitors across the property to feed and interact with farm animals, creating hands-on agricultural experiences that city kids rarely encounter. The property also offers yabbying, pedal go-karts, and bush walks, ensuring there's entertainment for the whole family beyond horseback adventures. Many families return year after year, with children eager to reconnect with their favourite ponies and participate in unique experiences like emu dance parties and bonfire evenings.
For visitors looking to extend their stay, the property offers a range of accommodation options. Hilltop villas provide comfortable lodging with scenic valley views from wide verandahs, perfect for couples or families seeking a peaceful retreat. Villas offer intimate settings for romantic getaways, while camping facilities welcome caravans and tents for those who prefer sleeping under the stars. The combination of accommodation and activities makes Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures an ideal base for exploring the region's wineries and attractions.
Each season brings its own unique charm to the experience. Clear days provide crisp views across wine country, while golden afternoon light transforms sunset rides into magical moments that linger in memory long after visitors return home. The property's natural beauty, from native bushland to open grazing land, offers nature lovers constantly changing vistas, whether riding through tree-lined trails or emerging onto hilltop lookouts.
What truly sets this experience apart is the personal touch that Margaret and her team bring to every interaction. From helping nervous children with their helmets to making young riders feel like the best helpers ever, the staff excel at creating moments of genuine connection. Visitors consistently praise the patience shown to hesitant riders, the knowledge shared about horses and local wildlife, and the way guides go above and beyond to capture photos and ensure everyone has a memorable experience.
Whether you're a seasoned rider seeking new trails, a family wanting to introduce children to horseback riding, or a romantic couple looking for a unique wine country adventure, Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures delivers authentic country experiences in one of Australia's most beautiful regions. The combination of sweeping views, well-cared-for horses, genuine hospitality, and diverse farm activities creates an experience that goes beyond a simple trail ride, becoming a cherished memory of time spent in nature.
For more information or to make a booking, visit www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au or contact Margaret on (02) 4930 7111 or 0417 233 008.
