Tamworth is the country’s capital of country music and while the town is awash with cowboys and cowgirls, the horse capital of Australia is Scone in the NSW Upper Hunter Valley.
There are many âhorse experiencesâ to be had in Scone, and if youâre interested in horse breeding, you can book a private tour at the Kingstar Farm in Denman. Get up close to prize- winning stallions, including Unite and Conquer, Ball Point and Lord of the Sky. You can also see the young yearlings at play in the pens and, if youâre lucky, you may even see a newborn foal who may go on to become a future champion!
For horse-lovers, there is nothing better than actually riding a horse. If youâre keen to âsaddle upâ and experience some of the stunning Scone scenery, book yourself into the âOutback Experienceâ run through the Kihope Riding Centre. Together with your trusty steed, youâll explore the picturesque scenery at Banool Angas Park, culminating at the top of the hill where youâll be treated to spectacular views, as well as post-ride drinks, damper and snacks.
If you want to âeat like a horseâ, make sure you swing into one of Sconeâs biggest attractions The Thoroughbred. A bar, restaurant and bakery, The Thoroughbred has recently experienced a dramatic renovation and is now the place to be in town. The restaurant was also crowned âBest Pub Steakâ at the 2019 AHA awards, so youâre guaranteed a good feed!
If you love âbig country skiesâ, just out of town is some of the Upper Hunterâs finest accommodation, Strathearn Park Lodge. The bed and brekky offers four huge suites, each, spa baths and private gardens overlooking the town and mountain range in the distance. The lodge has also hosted Australian racing royalty, including one of the country’s greatest horse trainers, Gai Waterhouse.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Kingstar Farm, Denman
@kingstar_farm
0437 842 852
kingstarfarm.com.au
Kihope Riding Centre, Scone
@krcscone
0422 676 499
krcscone.com
The Thoroughbred, Scone
@thethoroughbredscone
(02) 6545 3669
thethoroughbredscone.com
Strathearn Park Lodge
@strathearnparklodge
(02) 6545 3200
strathearnparklodge.com.au