bonogin valley horse retreat

The problem with horse activities is twofold - the activity can be expensive and the operators are only interested in the horses and not the customers. This is certainly the case with this operator. They use an online booking system that is linked to a calendar that is almost impossible to decipher. When you do manage to locate an activity that may be suitable, you cannot find out anything about that activity - internal codes and jargon make the information unintelligible to the uninitiated. Then, you have to pay for the activity in advance. Now, the payment is the real issue with this operator. We booked and paid for a horse riding experience for our 8 year old daughter. We received our booking confirmation, and then an email saying the course was subject to minimum numbers. (So, payment upfront, and an immediate delay in service delivery.) We then called them (they didn't call us) a day or so before the scheduled course to see if it was still on. "Oh no, sorry. We didn't get enough numbers. Can we try the Australia Day Sunday?" 'Sure" we said, "no problems. We're not going away."Come today - Australia Day Sunday. We call to confirm the time. "Oh no, it's next weekend." Two changes in schedule - identified only because we contacted them, and no contact from Bonogin in any way, except to acknowledge our payment. Now we have to deal with the second disappointment from our 8 year old. I'm sure that if you can get on the horse, these are great operators. But for my money, and I've already paid with nothing to show for it, try anywhere else. There have to be better, and more reliable, choices for your holiday experience. (Oh, and this was booked as a holiday experience in December. The holiday is now over, and this has certainly been an experience.)

What better way to spend a day connecting with your horse and learning to ride. Very professional, great horses to ride and great staff. Lessons include how to care for your horse which are great. One of the best stables I have ever ridden at!

awesome barn! great teacher! i learned so much about natural horsemanship, best horses, riding through a jungle with kangaroos and koalas!!! there's a breakfast ride, 3 hours one way, nice breaky, splash a bit around with the horses at the nearby river, and have a relaxing ride back! such great value!