Bogong Horseback Adventures Tawonga Horse Riding

Following on from our 2 day Colt Start at Spring Spur, our four day traveling clinic combines the rewards of a remote packhorse expedition with the the extra dimension of horsemanship skill building in a working environment. Our experienced horse masters offer ongoing advice and ideas throughout the expedition. Although all BHA rides include basic Natural Horsemanship, these clinics are an opportunity to focus on horsemanship, observe brumbies in there natural wild herd environment, learn the traditions of using packhorses, bush skills, camping with horses and problem solving the challenges of horses in remote landscapes. On these expeditions there is an opportunity to bring your horse or use one of our own bred and trained mountain horses. Offering one on one mentoring, our Natural Horsemanship mobile clinics will be run this year by Lin and Clay Baird.
Bogong Horseback Adventures’ pack horse expedition program commences annually in the late spring when the peaks of the Victorian High Country shake off their winter snows and alpine life starts to stir. For thousands of years the Aboriginal peoples of the surrounding country embarked on their annual migration to the High Plains, and until recently the mountain cattlemen, following their time honored ways pushed their cattle up to the 'tops'. Along with gold seekers, bushrangers and early adventurers, they all helped create a rich heritage, woven into the rugged fabric of the High Country. Much of the High Country remains un-roaded today, and packhorse expeditions offer a traditional and practical means of exploring this vast landscape. The horses are a feature of this expedition, each of them our own bred and trained mountain horse, expertly matched to the rider. Each day the camp is packed up, loaded onto the packhorses and the journey continues. Riding is between 15 to 25km per day with opportunities for loping canters across open plains. Camps are selected for their beautiful settings, some in traditional stock camps featuring huts, but often secluded bush camps maintained by Bogong Horseback Adventures. With swags rolled out dinner is prepared and enjoyed around a warming fire, with a cold beer, a local wine and a meal prepared from local fresh produce on the coals. All expeditions include a night before and a night after at Spring Spur, where you can join the family for a meal and enjoy your comfortable en-suite room.
DATES
Arrive on Monday 28th November 2016 for a Tuesday morning departure, finishing on Saturday 3rd December 2016
INCLUSIONS
Experienced, knowledgeable guides
Spring Spur accommodation before and after expedition
All group camping equipment
Quality locally bred and trained horses
Quality Australian saddlery
All meals as per the itinerary
Beer and table wine with evening meal
Helmets and oilskin coats
National Park fees
First aid and emergency communications
Packing lists and travel information.
OPTIONS
Transfers to and from Albury NSW
ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive at Spring Spur homestead afternoon/evening, or if you have just completed our 2 day Colt start you are already checked in.
Evening Supper - Spring Spur Accommodation

Day 2
Pre ride information, horsemanship basics in the yards at BHA and packing check. Ride through the West Kiewa gorge via Dungey’s Track to camp on the second crossing flats
B L D - Camping

Day 3
Climb up to the High Plains via Blair’s Hut, Weston Spur, Pretty Valley and on to camp at Tawonga Huts.
B L D - Camping

Day 4
Climb Mount Fainter for some spectacular views of nearby Mount Feathertop and the distant ridges and valleys of North East Victoria, then drop down into the tree line for a special night camping at Bogong Jack’s Hideout.
B L D - Camping

Day 5
Descend on the Big Hill Cattle Track to Spring Spur Stables
B L D - Spring Spur Accommodation

Day 6
Mid morning checkout.
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