Our Story

Michael and Sally Watson welcome you to an adventure experience. Horses and the magnificent High Country are both a way of life and a passion for us. 

Michael began riding almost as soon as he could walk, and is the second generation in his family to saddle up the horses and guide visitors deep into ‘Man from Snowy River’ country, including the famous jump scene from the movie. Sally also began riding as a child, and is an expert polocrosse player who has represented Victoria in this sport.

Michael’s family have lived on a 730 acre farm adjoining the High Country for 50 years, and are close friends with the fifth generation of farming families who settled in this region in the 1870s. Michael has roamed the hills with these mountain cattlemen countless times, and developed much of his vast local knowledge from them.

Our farm is an authentic working property, complete with 80 year old house and stables, 70 horses and family dogs who welcome guests back from their ride. The farmhouse has a story of its own, as it was built by John Shanks whose uncle, Sergeant Michael Kennedy, was shot dead by bushranger Ned Kelly’s infamous gang.

We have three children: Rebecca, 11, who is already an avid rider, Nicholas, 9 and Max, 4 years of age.

Our business is one of only two in Australia with accreditation from the Association of Horsemanship Standards and Education, which sets the world’s highest safety standards.

We run our rides 7 days a week through all seasons, be it in the warmth of an oilskin coat in the cool weather or enjoying relief from the heat in a high country summer.

Check out images of our daily life on the farm here.

We have been featured on many travel shows including Getaway, Australian Geographic, Holidays for Sale, Discover Downunder and the Today Show in the snow just to name a few.... Find out more.

.

We have also been invited 4 times to escort the Melbourne Cup into the mounting yard immediately before the running of the race..

and Sally organised and participated in the demonstration of polocrosse at the 2009 Cattlemens Get-Together..

We are able to showcase the spirit and rugged beauty of this area with most of the scenery seen in this web site taken within 1 hours riding time from our stables.

We offer:

1 hour to day rides 7 days a week all year round.
2 hour BBQ lunch rides.
2 hour twilight dinner rides.
Winery Rides.
Day Rides.
2 Day Luxury Rides.
Experienced, accredited guides.
Full site accreditation with AHSE (Association Horse Standards and Education) - 2nd place in Australia to receive same.
Helmets, Boots, Toe Stoppers, Oilskins.
The "little TACKers" program for children.