It’s horse trekking in Otago, western style
by Jane Dennis - December 11th, 2008. Filed under: Adventure, South Island.A lover of horses, I was in my element when I arrived at Backcountry Saddle, situated in the Cardrona Valley between Wanaka and Queenstown in the South Island.
With Backcountry Saddle you can experience the rugged landscape of the Cardrona Valley all year round, and the treks around the Mount Cardrona Station plateau under the Cardrona Ski Area are a real treat. In fact, in winter it can snow right down to the valley floor, which is a magical sight. And if you’re anything like me, you will be pinching yourself, just to make sure it’s not a dream!
Owner and operator Debs, as she likes to be called, has 30 horses, all with their own personality. While some of the horses have retired, they have certainly earned their keep, having passed on their knowledge to the younger ones.
Debs says the treks are full-on in summer, but are proving more and more popular at other times of the year. The team at Backcountry Saddle has all the warm and wet-weather gear available to ensure you will be snug at all times. And don’t worry – you won’t go hungry either, as you get to stop on the trip and take in the fresh air and breathtaking views while munching on a hearty, homemade packed lunch.
Each horse is fitted out with a western saddle, popular with the males because they’re not quite so girlie. The more experienced riders get the chance to canter, and for the less experienced, the guides will teach you how to trot and go through the paces.
Debs has been running Backcountry Saddle for 18 years, and still loves every minute of it!
“Every ride is an experience because everything changes,” Debs says.
The Japanese kids who arrive at Mt Aspiring College in Wanaka to experience living like a Kiwi just love the opportunity to horse trek.
In this part of the countryside the climate is harsh, so she stocks mountain-bred Appaloosa horses because they can withstand the conditions and don’t have to be housed in stables. Also, Appaloosas don’t take a lot to feed.
“We are 2,100 feet (about 700 metres) high so there’s not a lot of feed around,” she tells me. She has 50 acres, but also has run-off grazing around the valley for her horses.
Safety is paramount, so there will only be a maximum of eight people to one guide at any time. There are two-hour rides, twice daily, and Debs caters for all ages and abilities. Full-day rides can also be arranged. Transport is available from Wanaka, for a minimum two people.
For more information, email Debs at backcountry.saddle.expeditions@xtra.co.nz or phone 03 443 8151.
