2 Day HorseBack Adventure.
Through the Howqua Hills, High Country Victoria.
If you have ever been on the fence about booking a multi day horse ride, well i’m here to tell you this is your sign to go all in. Whether your a beginner or a seasoned rider, this experience is for those seeking a little adventure and something to tick off your bucket list.
We set out from Melbourne early one weekend morning, bound for Victoria’s High Country and a two-day horse riding adventure hosted by Buckle Up Bushrides I’d been dreaming about. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, I just knew it would involve horses, dust, and a whole lot of fresh country air. After meeting the group at the base of the farm, we convoyed into the bush together , leaving a trail of dust behind us.
Our home for the next two nights was Seeforth Station — a working cattle property tucked near Sheepyard Flat. Rustic and self-contained, it sat right in the heart of the bush and instantly set the scene for the weekend ahead.
We were introduced to our horses not long after arriving, each matched to suit our riding abilities. Our group was a mix. Some seasoned riders, others (like me) who were just after the full bush experience: horses, dust, and maybe a little music by the fire pit at night. And yes! I absolutely got what I came for.
Day one began with meeting our new four-legged friends, helping saddle them up, and walking them out to get comfortable together. That first moment in the saddle , easing down the driveway, swatting away flies, smelling like sunscreen and feeling the sway of the horse beneath me was electric. It was hot, it was dusty, and it was incredible!
Our first real thrill came at the Howqua River. Without hesitation, the horses stepped straight in, drinking and splashing as the sound of their hooves clicked against smooth, round river stones. I had the biggest smile, I’d just ridden a horse into a river!
From there, we wound through bush tracks, open paddocks, and more river crossings. There were moments to canter, and let me tell you, it was an incredible feeling. Before stopping for a well-earned lunch, delivered to us out on the trail. I don’t think I’ve ever worked up such an appetite as I did that day on horseback. Jumping down from the saddle, legs a little wobbly, I already knew this trip was going to be one for the memory books. and this was only day 1.
After a huge day on horseback—climbing hills, threading through forest, and splashing through rivers, I felt like a pro. Back at camp, the team put on a hearty three-course roast dinner. With full bellies, we settled around the fire. One of the riders played guitar and sang country songs. It was the perfect ending to a dream country day.
Our accommodation wasn’t fancy, just enough to keep out of the weather. But it was more than enough.
We woke early to bird song and golden morning light, sipping coffee as the horses played in nearby paddocks, waiting for their breakfast before gearing up for day two.
By this point, as a non-experienced rider, yes, my legs were definitely sore; but no, that wasn’t going to stop me. We saddled up again and I couldn’t help but feel like a proper Aussie farm girl.
Day two echoed day one, but better. We rode with more confidence, the rhythm of the trail more familiar now. More river crossings, hill climbs, and one more trail-side lunch for a crew of very hungry riders.
By the time we rode back into the farm and stepped out of the saddle, I was covered in dust, sun on my skin and a smile I couldn’t wipe off. The Howqua Valley gave me more than I ever pictured. The rush of cantering through open country and the quiet of the bush. It’s the kind of weekend that stays with you long after you’re home. If this ride has ever crossed your mind, just make it happen. The High Country has a way of getting under your skin, and you’ll be glad it did. It was a bucket list experience for me, but I absolutely would love to do it again!
