Hunter Valley Horseriding & Adventures | A Slice of Country Life
Nestled atop the Molly Morgan Range overlooking Hunter Valley Wine Country, Hunter Valley Horse Riding and Adventures offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of rural Australia on horseback.
For almost three decades, owner and operator Margaret Bancroft has been sharing her love of horses and the countryside with travellers from around the world.
Margaret Bancroft's roots in the Hunter Valley run deep. Born and raised on her family's farm in Lovedale, she has witnessed the region's transformation from a coal mining area with a handful of wineries to a thriving tourist destination. In the 1970s, Margaret purchased the property that would become her family home and, eventually, the site of her flourishing tourism businesses.
After raising her five children, Margaret transformed her family home into the Hill Top Country Guesthouse in the mid-1990s. The property, spanning 300 acres, offers spectacular views and serves as a wildlife sanctuary for various native species, including kangaroos, wedge-tailed eagles, wombats, and echidnas.
Margaret's love for horses began early in life when her father bought her a Shetland pony at two. This lifelong passion led her to establish Hunter Valley Horse Riding and Adventures 29 years ago, seeing a need for more adventure rides in the region. The horse-riding adventures cater to all experience levels, from complete beginners to seasoned riders. Popular options include one-hour and 90-minute guided trail rides, allowing visitors to explore areas inaccessible by vehicle and enjoy breathtaking views of the Hunter Valley and beyond.
"Horse riding offers people the chance to venture where a vehicle cannot go, capturing spectacular views and being close to nature," Margaret explains.
"It is peaceful and tranquil, and you are with a beautiful and powerful but gentle animal."
But there's more to experience at Hunter Valley Horse Riding and Adventures than just horseback riding. Visitors can enjoy sunset rides, picnic rides, tractor hayrides to feed farm animals, wildlife tours, bushwalking, and bird watching. The property also operates a Devon beef cattle farm and is home to various farm animals, including sheep, goats, and poultry.
For those looking to extend their stay, the Hill Top Country Guesthouse offers a relaxed country-style home with six rooms, shared living spaces, and wide verandahs offering scenic views. Alternatively, three villas at the bottom of the valley provide ideal accommodations for romantic retreats or family farm experiences. For the more adventurous, camping facilities are available for those who prefer a rustic experience.
For Margaret, the most rewarding aspect of her business is seeing guests return from their rides with smiles on their faces. "The best part is seeing people coming back from a ride smiling and laughing, having had a great time – for many, it's their first time on a horse," she says.
The impact of these experiences is evident in the many return visitors, especially children who come back year after year, hoping to reunite with their favourite ponies.
Hunter Valley Horse Riding and Adventures offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rural charm, and unforgettable experiences, all made possible by Margaret Bancroft's dedication to sharing her slice of country paradise with others. Whether you're an experienced rider or have never sat in a saddle, this hidden gem in the heart of the Hunter Valley promises an authentic Australian country experience that will leave you with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for the region's breathtaking landscape.
