Do you have a ‘Bucket List’? A list of things you want to do or see before your time is up? We certainly do. Most of it is things that we want to do together but we each have a few separate things that we want to do as well. Something that had been on my list for a very long while was to go Beach Horse Riding.
So when my birthday rolled around recently I was thrilled to receive a gift voucher to go Beach Horse Riding at Noosa North Shore, all organised by Maddi.
Riding along the beach was a beautiful experience. {IMAGE CREDIT: Noosa Horses}
NOOSA NORTH SHORE
The beach horse riding that she chose was located at Noosa North Shore which is just the most beautiful spot on the Sunshine Coast. We had an early start as our ride was scheduled for 8.00am. To get to Noosa North Shore, you need to catch the car ferry over. This costs $7.00 each way for a car or $16.00 if you are towing a van.
If you need to head over on a long weekend or even school holidays, give yourself some extra time as it can get very busy. We had a wait of about 40 minutes to get on the ferry.
You will need to catch the car ferry over to Noosa North Shore.
NOOSA HORSES
Our ride was with local company, Noosa Horses. We were greeted by owner and long-time Noosa local Patrick Lloyd, along with fellow horseman and guide, Bob Strong. Noosa Horses ideally like to keep their groups to a maximum of four riders, which means everyone gets some individual attention from both Patrick and Bob.
Noosa Horses has either a 90 minute ride available or a two hour ride and that is what Maddi chose. A two-hour ride will cost you $175.00. Beach riding is obviously dependent on the tides and weather conditions on the day. If it is raining or extremely windy the ride won’t go ahead as these conditions make it unpleasant for horse and rider.
THE HORSES
After introductions, it was time to get saddled up. I must admit I was a little nervous as it had been well over 20 years since I had last ridden a horse. Patrick matched me with ‘Phoebe’, a bay Thoroughbred, who is ideal for beginners or experienced riders.
Phoebe was the horse that I got to ride and she was lovely. {IMAGE CREDIT: Noosa Horses}
Her only vice is food. She tried every trick in the book to snatch just one more mouthful of grass but apart from that she was a delight to ride.
Maddi was teamed up with ‘Larry’ who is a Percheron Cross and is also used as a carriage horse. He was a gentle soul and perfect for someone with limited riding experience.
It was a beautiful day when Maddi met Larry! {IMAGE CREDIT: Noosa Horses}
THE RIDE
Heading out onto the beach for the first time and taking in the view was everything I had hoped it would be and more. It was such an amazing feeling. We headed south along the beach towards the mouth of the Noosa River.
When we reached the southern end it was time to take the horses for a swim. This is possibly one of the best things I have ever done. The horses loved getting in the water and seemed in no hurry to get out.
The horses loved going for a swim. {IMAGE CREDIT: Noosa Horses}
I absolutely loved the experience of riding along the beach. Other than a handful of fisherman, we were the only people on that section of the beach. The weather was perfect and so was the location. I think it is something that I will definitely be doing again.
Patrick also takes the time to take a heap of photos whilst you are riding, which he then shares with you at the end of your ride. A fantastic memento of your ride.
I loved the feeling of solitude that I got as I ambled along the beach. {IMAGE CREDIT: Noosa Horses}
If you would like to find out more about riding with Noosa Horses then just head over to their website.
What a lovely birthday gift. I always think experiences are ten times better than material things as gifts. Riding a horse along Noosa Northshore would definitely be on my bucket list too!
It was a complete surprise too Kathy. Don’t have room for ‘things’anymore so experiences it is!