Great horse riding establishment. Fit, healthy & responsive horses. Quality tack. Friendly knowledgeable staff. Excellent facilities. Great accommodation. We are long term horse owners who no longer have our own. We now just ride at places like this & we would rate this as one of the best. We did a half day ride & 2 nights accommodation. Would love to do a pack trek with these guys in the future.

The ride, the location, the horses, the people were all fantastic!! Can't recommend this experience enough. Very organised and all rider levels catered for. I am a regular rider and was able to canter a few times, which was super. The less experienced were also able to enjoy a trot and canter with guidance and supervision. The horses are well cared for and in excellent condition :)

4 hour tour What a great way to see the high country! Went with my wife for a 4 hour ride. The staff and guides were fantastic, up for a laugh and offering advice when needed. Will absolutely be coming back

Would give them more than 5 stars if I could!

Horses were gorgeous and so well trained, we had perfect matches for all of our riders and were given the confidence by the staff to go a bit out of our comfort zone to get some cantering in for the novices in our group!
The demo at the start of the experience was super informative and there was no such thing as a silly question. And the staff made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable once on their assigned horse.

Staff were super friendly and rounded out such a positive experience, you could see how much the instructors on the rides cared for each and every horse and knew all of their individual histories when asked about them.
We’ve been on the 2hr ride over 5 times and highly recommend them to everyone we know, can’t wait to come back for another ride! (Possibly even a longer one next time!)

It was amazing!! Comfortable saddles (which fit men and women easier ) trained horses, and pigskin raincoats and hats and boots and more equipment for horse riding (it was pouring rain when we were there ). Also very cheap for a 4hr trail ride, and a nice demo and help. Would go again.

Best horse riding It was amazing!! Comfortable saddles (which fit men and women easier ) trained horses, and pigskin raincoats and hats and boots and more equipment for horse riding (it was pouring rain when we were there ). Also very cheap for a 4hr trail ride, and a nice demo and help. Would go again.

Did the full day ride and was fortunate to have no novice riders in our group, ( which is recommended on their site but apparently 2 trail rides can make you an experienced rider). Our guides Ali and Alice were lovely, professional, caring and true horse lovers. The natural horsemanship rundown to begin was refreshing, the horses were well trained yet forward moving, lots of opportunities to trot and canter, lovely creek crossings and stunning countryside.
Was a hot day and would suggest taking an extra water bottle to combat the heat.
All in all a lovely day out on the Bogong high country.
Thankyou again Ali , Alice, and Swindy for a memorable holiday in the high country.

Horseback heaven Great day, big shout out to Ali and Alice our guides who were both professional, knowledgeable and very caring. Horses were well trained, thanks Swindy for looking after me. Awesome all day ride.

Wonderful day on nice horses with nice people. First time back on a horse after a few years. Thoroughly enjoyed it, staff were very friendly and looked after everyone. Excellent standard of horses, and if you know horses you can tell they are very well cared for. Great riding trails with a pleasant lunch time stop. A full day out and throughly enjoyed.
Hope to return again.

Apples make for great horse selfies Another great day out in the alpine area. Fun canters, steep climbs, bush track descents with baked potatoes, cake and billy tea for lunch. Love the horses and how well these guys cater for GF. Tired but happy. Da nerd brims make horse selfies tricky but Maude likes apples. See you next time Lin & crew 😊.

Bucket list ride of a lifetime We came from California and had the best weekend with the Baird family and their fantastic horses and spring spur accommodations. Thank you so much.

This has to be one of the best horse riding adventures ever! Horses are beautiful, people are beautiful and very nice and helpful! They accomodate both new riders and experienced riders perfectly. They don’t cancel even when it’s raining heavily. The trail is beautiful and exciting with mixture of different environments like bush lands, up and down hills, National park, and crossing lakes! Highly recommend!

Recommend to all, safe, fun and friendly horse riding in the high country The team were amazing, super friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable and took us on a great ride. All safety gear was in order, we felt completely in safe hands and the scenery was breathtaking. We would happily recommend this experience to friends, family and strangers alike. Well done Bogong Horseback Adventures and thank you for an amazing afternoon.

Well behaved horses and caring, capable staff The horses are so well behaved and a pleasure to ride. Friendly staff who helped us relax and not feel too nervous, and gave everyone who wanted to have a go at cantering. I felt safe and in capable hands. We've come a few times at Easter and always leave with big smiles.

Absolutely incredible, we are planning our next half day ride.
We were perfectly matched to Sierra and Sterling.
At first, we were nervous, but the staff made us feel informed, comforted, and confident.
This is a true core memory for me to share with my daughter.
Into a national park, through the bush and creeks. Whilst listening to the rytmic sounds of horse hooves behind and infront.
Learning to trot and canter.
Then, returning to the riders lounge, greeted by mana the blue Heeler X staffy, ????
We were able to stable our horses, take their saddles off ect, the entire experience is one I will never forget.

Thanks bogong outback horse adventures, we will see you again.

Dreams do come true. Absolutely incredible, my daughter and I are already planning a half day ride.
We will request the same horses, we were perfectly matched to Sterling and Sierra! The staff made us feel welcomed, informed and capable.
Smiles the entire time, riding through the bush and creeks, with the rhythmic sounds of clip clop from the herd, learning to trot and canter, was Highlight. Then returning to the riders lounge, the entire experience was like walking into a dream made real.
Piano, books, a bar, all with beautiful views of the surrounding range.

Can't wait for next time.

Horse Riding at Bogong Adventures Fantastic riding experience for 4 kids aged 11 to 14. Bogong Adventures are a very well run, family business who showed nothing but complete professionalism and support to our kids.
Their horses are beautiful, most raised on the farm with some rescues.
The location is absolutely stunning in the midst of the Kiewa Valley.
Highly recommend if you are looking for an amazing experience.

Visiting from Newcastle NSW. As a regular rider, the half day ride was the best I have ever done. Plenty of trotting and cantering in spectacular scenery. Safety and instruction was excellent. Worth every penny.

I’ve just returned from the 5 day History of the High Plains tour, which included 3 days riding.

Day 1: arrival at Spring Spur homestead. The accomodation was comfortable and the owners (Lin and Alex) very welcoming. The riders’ lounge combined lounge/dining areas, bar, and library. It was a great place to meet other riders while we were briefed and provided with quality sleeping bags, mats & our choice of traditional swags or modern tents. Dinner was delicious with winemaker Alex’s excellent wine.

Day 2: after breakfast we went to the stables for helmets, serviceable oilskins and boots (if needed). We met our horses - I got gentle giant Clyde, who was well behaved and responsive to ride, then we had a valuable lesson in natural horsemanship.
Lin led out across the valley with 2 other awesome guides Pip and Amelie, and our pack animals. We stopped for lunch where Alex was waiting with a trailer ready to load up the pack animals. Some riders helped, but it wasn’t assumed or expected.
From there we climbed more steeply with some adrenaline-charged sections, and all riders made it up safely thanks to the experienced horses. The scenery got wilder before we rode into campsite late in the afternoon.
Our guides worked hard to get horses unsaddled, unloaded, turned loose and fed, then set up camp. Offers to help were gratefully received though not requested nor expected. An electric fence was set up around the camp to keep the horses out. This worked well and we were glad of it, listening to them moving around their paddock in the night! A toilet was set up behind a privacy screen, with sunset views across the valley - a loo with a view. A hand cleaning station was set up in camp so good hygiene was easy.
Lin cooked a great campfire meal, washed down with beer/wine followed by billy tea or coffee. After the warm sunny day, the night got surprisingly cold for mid-January so I was glad I packed warm clothes (per the provided packing list). After a few campfire tales we hit our swags, which were warm & comfortable, and it was a treat to look out at the stars.

Day 3: woke to a light frost but the day warmed quickly as the sun rose. Breakfast, tea/coffee was served fresh from the campfire before we saddled up. Some of us helped with this but again there was no pressure and some riders chose to leave it to the experts - I like to be hands-on so this added to my experience. We set off with a blazing blue sky, very grateful for the sun-brims fitted to our helmets, and climbed up towards the peak of Mount Fainter. The views got even better and Lin pointed out many notable peaks around us. With only a single packhorse today we enjoyed a few canters, and our guides happily answered any questions. We returned by the same route and once back at camp some of us had fun unsaddling, watering and rubbing down our horses. That still left time to relax in the evening sunshine enjoying drinks and nibbles before another great meal.

Day 4: after breakfast, camp was packed up and we began loading the pack animals. We retraced our route from day 2; the steep downhills were exciting and the horses knew exactly what to do.
Back at Spring Spur I enjoyed helping wash down and feed the horses one last time.
Horses sorted, we appreciated hot showers before joining the Baird family and our crew for a final dinner together at the long table, accompanied by some great stories about the early days. It felt very homely, like being invited into someone's family.

Day 5: one last very relaxed breakfast, before swapping contact details, and I think all were sad that the adventure was over.

In summary, the horses and riding were great. Lin, Pip, and Amelie worked incredibly hard from first light to well after dark to look after us and the horses, and were always happy to help anyone with anything to make their trip more enjoyable. Spring Spur was a great place to begin and end the trip and the food, wines and company were excellent. Highly recommended!

5 day riding/camping packhorse trek ‘History of the High Plains A fantastic adventure from start to finish.
We booked a 5-day trip, with 3 full days riding from Spring Spur up to the High Plains and back, and 2 nights camping.

Day 1 was a late afternoon arrival at the beautiful property ‘Spring Spur’ with purpose-built accommodation and dining/lounge area for guests. After a friendly greeting and check in, we were shown to our very comfortable suite. The beautifully decorated rooms are a mix of double and twin share, with spacious bathrooms and excellent showers. We were requested to meet in the riders’ lounge for a pre-dinner briefing regarding equipment, packing and the next day’s plan. Sleeping bags and swags (tents were available but we all chose to sleep outside in swags), dry bags and saddle bags sorted, we sat down at the long table for a delicious and healthy home-cooked dinner with lovely wine (made by Alex Baird, the partner of chief horse and human wrangler Lin) and a chance to meet our fellow riders, staff and the rest of the Baird family.

Day 2 - after breakfast and final packing we took our gear up to the stables. A demonstration of the basics of natural horsemanship provided valuable information and instruction for us all. Our group was of mixed ability, from almost no riding experience, to some, to quite a lot, and this demonstration was really useful to explain how things are done and how the horses are educated at Spring Spur.
We met our horses, all very obviously happy and fit, and set off leading the assorted pack-horses and mules who would carry all the camping gear and our belongings. Riding off the property, along a lane, through ‘town’ before starting up some steep narrow rocky uphill tracks in the National Park, we were met trackside with lunch while the packhorses and mules were loaded - quite an interesting operation and opportunities to help out for those seeking more hands-on experience. The afternoon ride continued along fire trails in the Park, with views out to the High Plains and surrounding peaks. It’s important to understand that the riding here is mostly done at a walk, or an occasional trot, as there are pack animals being led as well as steep tracks, so cantering would be unsafe for humans and animals, hence is saved for the next day on the open plains.
We arrived at our campsite late afternoon, a beautiful open clearing with space for camping, cooking and horses. Horses were unsaddled, pack animals unloaded, all hobbled and later fed (a whole new lot of fun to be had there!). Camp was set up, with an electric fence line to keep the horses out of our sleeping/cooking area, swags unrolled, and the billy on. Water for horses and humans is provided by a natural spring, and there are no bathroom facilities. A toilet (the ‘loo with a view’ of Mt Buffalo) was set up out of sight from the camp, with a privacy screen, as well as a hand hygiene station in camp which we were all requested to use to avoid any health issues. I don’t think anyone missed bathroom facilities - we were all here for the adventure!
Lin cooked an amazing hearty dinner over the campfire - he has this down to a fine art and produced incredible meals for us - a lot of thought and planning clearly goes into the packing of equipment and provisions. Wine and beer was provided for those who wanted it, as well as billy tea and cowboy coffee. No-one went hungry! Lots of after dinner chat and Lin telling us some High Country tales and history, then into swags to enjoy the starry skies. This was my first time in a swag, and despite a heavy frost (in January!) it was surprisingly warm, dry, and comfortable. I’m glad I didn’t choose a tent.

Day 3 started with another demonstration of Lin’s campfire cooking skills, and after a great breakfast and saddling up, we headed up the track further into the hills and up onto the High Plains and the summit of Mt Fainter. Since we only needed one packhorse for lunch provisions, we had more freedom to enjoy several canters up on the plains, and the horses were clearly fit and loving it. The views were far-ranging and stunning, with Lin pointing out peaks along the way. A picnic lunch including a delicious cake baked by one the staff was enjoyed before riding back to camp, where we washed and brushed the horses before feeding them and us (another of Lin’s excellent meals washed down with a beer/wine) and enjoying another night under the stars.

Day 4 was our third and final day of riding, and we started off back down the track wishing it wasn’t ending so soon, although there was a degree of anticipation of a hot shower! Arrival back at Spring Spur gave us a final chance (for those of us who wanted) to interact further with our horses by hosing and scraping them down before feeding, then watching them enjoy being back in their paddock and pasture.
We had another amazing long table dinner with the whole lovely Baird family and staff, being entertained by the wonderful Kath Baird, the matriarch who set up the whole operation. She has many a tale to tell and it was a real privilege to meet her and husband Steve.

Our last day (5) began with another delicious relaxed breakfast and exchange of contact details before checkout and heading home.

I think everyone in our group enjoyed all aspects of the ride - the horses, the camping, even the lack of bathrooms! There were lots of opportunities for those who wanted to learn more about handling horses by catching them, feeding, washing and loading them etc, and although we were never once asked to help, there is a lot of work to be done on this type of trip, and the 3 staff really appreciated the offer. It made it easier for them and allowed us to gain confidence around horses and mules as well as observing their individual tricks and traits, making even better connections with these lovely animals. Other help with dinner preparation and clearing up was not sought by staff but very clearly appreciated when offered - Lin and his team worked really hard from dawn to after dusk, literally.

An enormous amount of planning and organisation had obviously gone into making our trip safe, comfortable and enjoyable. Lin and his team were very capable and experienced horsemen/women, and had excellent people skills, with just the right combination of leadership, encouragement, support and coaching for all the riders in our group. I was in awe of their horse and human wrangling skills, and of their clear love for horses, the High Country, and showing it to guests in one of the best ways possible - on horseback, connecting riders to country, nature, animals, and the sheer joy of being there. I highly recommend this trip for anyone with a willing, adventurous spirit, who wants to combine riding horses, camping and being outdoors in some of Victoria’s most beautiful country.

The 3 Day pack ride is an experience I’ll never forget. If you love the bush, animals and have a sense of adventure- this is for you. I had zero horse riding experience, but I love trying new things- and I sure got to do that! No question that I asked was too silly (and I had many) and Linn, Alex, Pip and Amalie were patient and excellent teachers. I was matched with the right horse for me. Banner, you’re the best. Cantering across the high plains, sleeping in a swag under the stars, sharing stories around the campfire, the peace and quiet of the bush and learning all about horses and becoming more in tune with their behaviour within the herd. It was like being transported into a whole new world and I wanted to soak it all up. It’s hard work for us guests, but Lin and his team are next level. The process of saddling up 18 horses and loading up mules is a big job, but our crew all wanted to get amongst it and learn as much as we could. And be useful! We slept soundly in our swags out at Bogong Jacks campsite, and even more luxuriously when we arrived back at Spring Spur for our final night.
This trip was truely amazing. I think everyone changed in some way out there. It’s hard to put it into words, but hopefully this helps inspire someone else to take on a REAL adventure like this. You won’t regret it.

Excellent for Novice A novice's first ride was a blend of nerves and excitement. Clumsily mounting the horse, they felt a surge of adrenaline. Guided gently by the instructor, each tentative trot brought growing confidence. The wind in their hair and the horse's steady rhythm created a thrilling, unforgettable introduction to riding.

An amazing experience An amazing 1/2 day ride. Staff were fantastic and the location was breathtaking.
Highly recommend, will definitely visit next time I’m in Mount Beauty ????

I’m a return customer to BHA and have been going on trail rides with them over the past 8 yrs when I holiday in Bright. I think this is my second review over that time. In the past week I’ve gone on 2 x half day rides and 1 x 2 hour ride. All were a fantastic experience. I got to ride a different horse each time and each was very well trained, cared for and in excellent health. I’m an experienced rider and have been riding all my life so it’s great to connect with horses that willingly listen and respond to any aides I give. While we still got to trot/canter on the two hour ride, I’d recommend this one for beginner riders or those wanting to (re)build confidence. The half day ride provides great opportunities to canter uphill in the national park and, depending on the route taken, some “man from snowy river” steep descent IYKYK! The Baird family and support staff that work with BHA have all been so welcoming to me over the years and it’s one of the many reasons I keep going back. I have friends that have done the multi day ride and found it a transformational experience - it’s on my list of things to try very soon! Thanks Cath, Lin, Alex, Pip, Em and Amelie for an amazing week and apples and horse hugs go to Wallace, Bonnie and Maude.

Great family friendly fun. We had a great morning ride. The staff were lovely, instructed us well and took us for some fun canters and trots through beautiful countryside. I hadn’t been on a horse in 30 years and this was a great way to comeback. Horses well maintained and easy to ride. Fun for all abilities.

I did the half-day ride and long lunch on Sat 25/11/23. The facilities were fantastic and the horses were beautiful. Our trail leaders were friendly and gave great instruction/direction. The lunch afterwards was super delicious. We rode for 3 hours and spent almost the entire ride back cantering which was awesome. It had been raining heavily the day prior so some of the tracks had big puddles and mud, which made the ride more fun and a bit messy! We crossed shallow streams, rode alongside roads and up winding tracks in the National Park. Bring zip up layers, sunglasses and sunscreen in your pack as Victorian weather changes every 30mins! The flies were bad so apply insect repellent. Helmets, cowboy boots and long oilskins jackets are provided. This is a ride for experienced riders, I do not recommend for people who cannot confidently canter.

Average ride Friendly staff and horses but slightly disappointing ride. I booked half a day intermediate ride which I assumed was 4 hours riding as they also have a two hour ride. But it was at least 30min introduction on how to ride a horse and another 15 before we actually all got on the horses and left the arena. I had chosen this particular ride after a lot of research. The website talks a lot about riding in the national park but I think we only spend about 30min in the park and the majority of the ride was close to roads riding to and back from it. They are set on a stunning farm but you don’t get to ride on that either.

Too much cantering killed the cake Thanks for the gluten free cake Lin! It was a bit mushed up by the time we got to lunch (lots of cantering will do that to a cake - oops!) but still delicious. Went well with the 2 yummy sandwiches.

Great day ride with fun people, happy guides and great scenery. Water drop close to home much appreciated in the heat.

We had an amazing experience! The staff was very organised, caring and took us to rides appropriate to our skill levels! The horses seem to be well treated and well trained. It’s really worth it!

We had a wonderful 2 hour ride! The staff were very knowledgeable and thorough, making sure you knew what to do before getting you on the horse. The views were spectacular and the ride through different terrain was a totally different experience to any I’ve had before. They had enough scope to keep everyone supervised and still allow opportunities to practice steering and horse control. Would absolutely return next time I’m in the area.

Wonderful 2 hour ride! We had a wonderful ride! The staff were very knowledgeable and thorough, making sure you knew what to do before getting you on the horse. The views were spectacular and the ride through different terrain was a totally different experience to any I’ve had before. They had enough scope to keep everyone supervised and still allow opportunities to practice steering and horse control.

highly recommended. Such a fantastic way to see the region, the horses were amazing, the staff were friendly and genuine, highly recommended!

Awesomely Fantastic Place Firstly you drive up to see the gorgeous horsing grazing on the grass. They look well maintained and were quiet happily neighing to each other. Walking over to get close to them, they happily obliged to let me pat them and feed them grass. What magnificent well fed well looked animals. We stayed at the cabins at Spring Spur which were just delightful. No TV but internet. The owners welcomed us and told us the story of Spring Spur and the horses they have. The owner Lin, cooked a fabulous meal and even was happy to alter due to my allergy of seafood, nothing was a hassle. The lay back beauty was mesmerising. All food was grown on farm or local farms. The actual horse ride was the afternoon session and as a very beginner and being a 50th birthday present i was to say the least, nervous!! But Lin and the girls were great. I had a horse named Granny (that's what I named her) and she was beautiful and placid and I think she knew I was new at this gig. We walked down the road and into the base of a mountain. Just spectacular the view was and the instructors Pearl, Eli and Dimity were all there to help our experience magical. I would definitely go again and recommend anyone of any levels of riding to attend. Those horses are well looked after and loved by each and every person at Spring Spur.

Peaceful stay and fun horse riding adventure We stayed for 2 nights and 3 days. Very peaceful place, rooms are very clean and the views were amazing! You can see two ponies running at the paddock just from the porch. Beds are very cozy too. Lin was very welcoming and did I mention breakfast is included with your stay?! The horseback riding was the cherry on top. We did the 2 hr tour and that was an amazing experience for two novice adults. Lucky we had a very beautiful weather for a 2 hr afternoon ride. Do yourself a favour and try it out, it’s worth the trip and would be a nice group or family activity.

Absolutely stunning location and Lin and his team made us all feel super at ease despite very little riding experience. We had an absolute ball. The horses had a beautiful temperament and I would not hesitate to recommend this experience to anyone.

Give it a Go. You are never too old! I wold like to thank Lin and his team for making my day so special and memorable on my 2 hour ride last Friday. They could not have been any more helpful. I had not been on a horse for some time, and I am not as young as I used to be, and they catered for that. They explained everything and the horses were so well trained and cared for. The property is beautiful and a very scenic ride was had. Plus the weather was perfect. 10/10

8 Day NYE Pack Trip- dangerous, poorly catered, over priced and exhausting experience 8 day NYE Pack trip
I hoped this would be an exciting and invigorating way to start the year. There were good times, but overarchingly it was mentally and physically exhausting. I returned home run down, with a lost voice, an eye infection, yeast infection, cold sore and stomach bug which lasted over a week.

Cons
- dates incorrectly listed on the website (ended on the 4th, not 5th) caused issues with reservations & travel bookings etc
- On the trip the owner (Linn) chain sawed through the bush at dusk in a storm, with 15 horses & Mules within metres (several completely loose) resulting in him getting injured and having to leave 2 nights in
- Understaffed, even before Linn left. Once he did the remaining staff did the best they could but there was no trained backup
- Owners rely heavily on participants. Including packing, lifting heavy items, leading pack horses
- novices riding with reigns & lead ropes coiled around their fingers (if either horse were to bolt this could cause severe injury or even death)
- Despite constant reassurances, dietaries were not properly catered for (given over a months notice)
- Horse injuries - 1 had to be trailered out half way through & ended up in ICU (it later died). As the trip progressed several horses developed nasty saddle sores & mouth ulcers (but were kept in work anyways) my horse had white skin with no hair & got burnt (I applied sunscreen myself when I could but wasn’t given guidance until I asked about it) found out at the conclusion of trip that she has a custom shade attachment but it was forgotten for the trip
- provided “waterproof” jackets (cotton waxed coats) which hadn’t been waxed before the trip, rendering them useless. Several days we rode many hours in the cold & rain, getting wet to the skin
- Water pump/filter didn’t work properly, one of the attachments was broken & many of us felt nauseous & had stomach issues
- Riding is walking 99.9% of the time. Cantered 2 times on a 6 day trip. Total of approx 4min of cantering all up. 4-8hrs of riding a day. No trotting
- Accomodation is twin share, no mention of that on the website
- Didn’t get a good nights sleep the entire trip, horses were loose at night not safely contained. It was nerve racking, which was warranted - horses were stamping close by & on the last night stepped on someones swag, narrowly missing her head
- Website stated wine with evening meal was included, then upon check out they presented bill & said it was only during the pack trip (not on the two nights at the ranch)

A lot went wrong on the trip and the owners reception upon arrival was stiff and defensive, there was no openness to constructive feedback. Their attitude gave the impression that these issues are ongoing, they are aware of it & advertising is purposely misleading
Seems they lean on their strong online presence to create brand trust & lure in new, novice clients without the experience to recognise the danger.

Pros-
- Horses are trained well & the grounds & national parks are beautiful. The other participants & staff were wonderful. Enjoyed the social aspect
- In house winery (I tried several, all of which were very nice) much food sourced locally

Feedback
-Existing staff have a lot of potential. Clearly the owners are trying to cut corners by not investing in training them properly + under hiring
- Camping gear needs an upgrade & the setup/pack down system requires overhaul. It’s inefficient and tedious. We woke for breakfast around 6am but didn’t get on the road until 10-11am. Over an hour to setup camp most nights
- run through horse handling, tack and safety with all participants. Not only will this avoid accidents but speed up the packing on the trip
- Advertising should be more upfront & have better clarity around the experience
- Attention to detail. For example- returning back after 6 days camping trekking in the middle of summer, on horse back without showers, where so many things went wrong, it would have been nice to be greeted upon returning, & have had a cold drink waiting
- pay your staff properly

8 day NYE Pack trip
I hoped this would be an exciting and invigorating way to start the year. There were good times, but overarchingly it was mentally and physically exhausting. I returned home run down, with a lost voice, an eye infection, yeast infection, cold sore and stomach bug which lasted over a week.

Cons
- dates incorrectly listed on the website (ended on the 4th, not 5th) caused issues with reservations & travel bookings etc
- On the trip the owner (Linn) chain sawed through the bush at dusk in a storm, with 15 horses & Mules within metres (several completely loose) resulting in him getting injured and having to leave 2 nights in
- Understaffed, even before Linn left. Once he did the remaining staff did the best they could but there was no trained backup
- Owners rely heavily on participants. Including packing, lifting heavy items, leading pack horses
- novices riding with reigns & lead ropes coiled around their fingers (if either horse were to bolt this could cause severe injury or even death)
- Despite constant reassurances, dietaries were not properly catered for (given over a months notice)
- Horse injuries - 1 had to be trailered out half way through & ended up in ICU (it later died). As the trip progressed several horses developed nasty saddle sores & mouth ulcers (but were kept in work anyways) my horse had white skin with no hair & got burnt (I applied sunscreen myself when I could but wasn’t given guidance until I asked about it) found out at the conclusion of trip that she has a custom shade attachment but it was forgotten for the trip
- provided “waterproof” jackets (cotton waxed coats) which hadn’t been waxed before the trip, rendering them useless. Several days we rode many hours in the cold & rain, getting wet to the skin
- Water pump/filter didn’t work properly, one of the attachments was broken & many of us felt nauseous & had stomach issues
- Riding is walking 99.9% of the time. Cantered 2 times on a 6 day trip. Total of approx 4min of cantering all up. 4-8hrs of riding a day. No trotting
- Accomodation is twin share, no mention of that on the website
- Didn’t get a good nights sleep the entire trip, horses were loose at night not safely contained. It was nerve racking, which was warranted - horses were stamping close by & on the last night stepped on someones swag, narrowly missing her head
- Website stated wine with evening meal was included, then upon check out they presented bill & said it was only during the pack trip (not on the two nights at the ranch)

A lot went wrong on the trip and the owners reception upon arrival was stiff and defensive, there was no openness to constructive feedback. Their attitude gave the impression that these issues are ongoing, they are aware of it & advertising is purposely misleading
Seems they lean on their strong online presence to create brand trust & lure in new, novice clients without the experience to recognise the danger.

Pros-
- Horses are trained well & the grounds & national parks are beautiful. The other participants & staff were wonderful. Enjoyed the social aspect
- In house winery (I tried several, all of which were very nice) much food sourced locally

Feedback
-Existing staff have a lot of potential. Clearly the owners are trying to cut corners by not investing in training them properly + under hiring
- Camping gear needs an upgrade & the setup/pack down system requires overhaul. It’s inefficient and tedious. We woke for breakfast around 6am but didn’t get on the road until 10-11am. Over an hour to setup camp most nights
- run through horse handling, tack and safety with all participants. Not only will this avoid accidents but speed up the packing on the trip
- Advertising should be more upfront & have better clarity around the experience
- Attention to detail. For example- returning back after 6 days camping trekking in the middle of summer, on horse back without showers, where so many things went wrong, it would have been nice to be greeted upon returning, & have had a cold drink waiting
- pay your staff properly

Awesome! Absolutely recommend Bogong Horseback Adventures. Warm and friendly staff, their excellent guidence made you feel at ease and confident throughout the ride. Catered very well to all our varied riding abilities and constantly checked in with us throughout the ride. We had such an incredible time. Lin cooked us the most scrumpcious lunch with top produce sourced locally, so very generous servings and time stood still as you are made feel so very at home. I also purchased two of their Spring Spur wines which were lovely. A very special place and a beautiful memories my daughter and I will forever cherish.

A great day out with beautiful scenery A very pretty ride near Mt Beauty. Our son was 11 and unsure so was taken on a lead with an adult rider - that was a great option that they offered. We all had a great day!

Fun, safe and beautiful. Our 2 hour ride was wonderful in every way. Our guides were excellent. As learners we were given very clear instruction. We felt safe, the ride was beautiful and the horses responsive. A fabulous set up all around.

Loved this afternoon trail ride, staff were wonderful, horses were beautiful, glorious setting in Victorian Alps, probably my last ride so happy we did this ????

Great trail ride with a bit more than most. Pip and Nic Nok our guides were so wonderfully accommodating and lovely. The horses were very responsive and knew what they were doing so felt really safe but also had such fun. The ride itself was through some gorgeous stock paths then up the back of some 4wd tracks taking in some stunning views and cracking in to a good canter before making our way back down a spur for some more fun. Really appreciated the whole experience and would absolutely recommend!

Fantastic 2 hour horse ride with stunning views, great guides and horses I went on the afternoon 2 hour ride and it was fantastic! The views were spectacular, the guides were so friendly and helpful and a few of the more experienced riders had opportunities to canter. My horse was great and it was the funnest ride I’ve had since I had my own horses as a teenager! I’ll be back!

We had a gorgeous 2hr afternoon ride. We were given a full safety and basic horsemanship briefing before mounting. The ride itself was great- mostly walking, a bit of trotting and a tiny canter at the end as well as river and water crossings. You won’t be made to do anything outside of your comfort zone though and the horses are all very experienced.
Allow a full 3.5 hrs for the experience including checking in, fitting for helmets, and boots, if needed, etc.
Can’t wait to do the pack trip!

We went on the 2-hour ride and enjoyed it. The horses are very well cared for and well-trained, I felt safe and managed to relax, enjoy the beautiful views and have fun on my first horse ride. The guides Emily and Nic were great. We will be back for more adventures :)

Just do it Wonderful experience. The staff are great, the horses are great. The ride was wonderful. Had a lovely time.

Recently returned for a day ride to Bogong Horseback Adventures after a long time between drinks in previously doing the Packhorse Tour.
The hospitality and ride were once again fantastic and great to see Steve and Kath again after many years.
The horses, staff and set up are all great and the adventure is thoroughly recommended!
Thanks Anthony

Best tour operator, amazing horses Loved the 4hr ride.. horses well suited to our abilities and a pleasure to ride.. tour guides very knowledgeable and eager to make sure we felt safe and had a great experience, which did.. absolutely amazing and will be back!!

Bogong Horseback Adventures created a magical day on horseback. We rode on safe and responsive horses through beautiful country.
The two guides were excellent and very professional.
Thank you.

Best horse riding trail in Alpine Victoria Bogong Horseback Adventures created a magical day on horseback. We rode on safe and responsive horses through beautiful country.
The two guides were excellent and very professional.
Thank you.

Great riding experience Very well run business. Guides were fantastic. Lovely ride with several trotting and cantering opportunities. Country side was very picturesque. Couldn't fault and highly recommended if in the region

Had the best packed horse trip at Bogong horseback adventures!! The first and last night we stayed at the farm in their beautiful apartments. At the trip we slept in swags. The rides were just beautiful and my horse, Walace, was a perfect match for me. Just the experience of going away from society with all your stuff on pack horses was amazing. I will never forget this. And everyone working at the farm is just so nice!!

I went on a 2-hour afternoon ride with my teen and two other young friends. We had a fantastic time with the team from Bogong Horseback Adventures - the scenery was great, the staff were on hand to help with any nerves and they obviously care very well for the horses. Highly recommended!

Beautiful horses and scenery I highly recommend these guys. Amazing and friendly team that really love and care about the horses and the riders alike. Great for beginners and experienced riders and the most amazing scenery. Thankyou for such a great experience

Great afternoon with my horse-mad teens! I went on a 2-hour afternoon ride with my teen and two other young friends. We had a fantastic time with the team from Bogong Horseback Adventures - the scenery was great, the staff were on hand to help with any nerves and they obviously care very well for the horses. Highly recommended!

Fantastic afternoon at springspur Thankyou very much for my afternoon at spring spur.
I had a fantastic afternoon spend with some beautiful loved horses on a 2 hour ride.
The ride was stunning with some amazing views taking in the mountains around Mt beauty.
A very well organised afternoon with a very professional but relaxed team.
Loved the creek crossing and enjoyed getting into a canter a few times.
Will definitely be back.
Thankyou again

Great Experience We had a morning 4 hr ride and had a wonderful time, beautiful views and such good horses, the instructors were great, professional and patient, I had ridden before but my partner was a beginner and they explained everything well and checked in to make sure we both felt confident the whole time, we got the chance to trot and canter a few times throughout the ride and we would definitely go back again

Highly recommend the morning trail ride (even for a novice plus rider) Excellent morning trail ride in this beautiful part of Victoria, Australia. We each were given horses suited to our abilities and it was clear the horses are well trained and respectively treated. I have not ridden much (just a couple of times) but the calmness of the horses and the clear, supportive guidance from the two staff on our ride made this an accessible and enjoyable experience. We had the option of trying to trot and canter (did both) and we crossed several small streams. Overall the experience is amongst my top of travels the past 8 weeks in Australia. Definitely recommend.

Great experience as a first time horserider on the 2 hour afternoon tour! The team were great guides, my horse gave me a cuddle at the end and the views on the ride were stunning. Everyone was really kind and patient and helped my childhood dreams come true.