We love horses but I know not everyone agrees with us.

My father used to say ‘Why would anyone love an animal that is dangerous at both ends and uncomfortable in the middle?!!’

 

Horses at Alstonville Country Cottages

We have a grey Arab/cross gelding http://www.ahsa.asn.au    called Cobber and a bay Standardbred gelding http://www.standardbred.org.au   called Karnie.

Cobber has the high carrying tail which is typical of his Arabian breeding whilst Karnie is an ex racing pacer so he often paces instead of canters and can go very fast.

They are both friendly and love attention and you are very welcome to give them a treat of apples or carrots. Cobber is particularly motivated by food and we can usually get him to do anything or go anywhere if food is involved! Karnie sometimes finds him a bit of a pest and keeps him in order.

You will often see us riding around the cottages as we exercise them. Sometimes down to Duck Creek or further afield. Both horses love to do endurance riding http://www.aera.asn.au  and usually we take them on 20-40km trails around the area or down to Patches beach at South Ballina.

Cobber is also learning new skills at Working Equitation clinics http://www.anweltd.com.au which involve a range of different obstacles to ride through.

Hire your own horse.

If you would like to hire a horse there are several stables close to us.

Tassiriki Ranch http://www.tassirikiranch.com.au at South Ballina offer lessons or trail rides on Patches Beach. They have horses and ponies suitable for all levels of riders. They have rides suitable for couples or families and will lead ponies for younger children

or Pegasus Stables http://www.pegasuspark.com.au who will organise private or group rides

Do you have your own horse?

If you have your own horse you are welcome to bring him or her on holiday with you. We have stables available and will tell you about our favourite rides around the area and especially up into the Nightcap Forest where there are endless trails.

Horse and Dog friendly accommodation

If you are travelling with your horse or on your way to a competition, why not come and stay. Check us out at The Stables@ Alstonville Country Cottages on http://www.horseshednbed.com.au You can relax and enjoy our  self contained cottages knowing that your horse is safe and happy in his own stable and a paddock.

Tom Quilty

Have you heard of the Tom Quilty Endurance Ride? http://www.tomquilty.com.au

This is a historic annual national endurance competition. The sort after and well earnt Quilty buckle is awarded to the horse and rider who complete the 160km ride and pass all the necessary vet checks. This year it is on 11th-14th July 2019 at Stirling Crossing in Imbil, South Queensland.http://www.stirlingendurancearabians.com.au

 

Masters Games in September

The Equestrian section of the Lismore Masters Games http://www.visitlismore.com.au/lismore-workers-masters-games will be held in Bangalow with events for Dressage and Working Equitation over the weekend of the 28th and 29th September 2019. Why not compete and have some fun or just come and watch the friendly games?

Don’t like horses?

Perhaps  you are like my father and horses are not your thing.

Then you might enjoy

  • the mountain cycling tracks at Duck Creek Dirty Wheels tracks, close to the cottages or
  • relaxing on the verandah and enjoying the view or
  • walking on the beach and glimpse a passing whale….

PS Don’t forget to see the new additions at the cottages,

the baby miniature goats are soo cute!