In The Saddle: Horse riding in the Margaret River Region

The crunch of hooves on a bush track. The smell of eucalypts after rain. Rows of vines disappearing across the countryside and, if you’re feeling adventurous, the exhilarating combination of an open beach and a horse who’s ready to run.

And you don’t need to have grown up in the saddle to experience it.

Whether you’re a complete beginner, introducing the kids to horses or an experienced rider dreaming of several days exploring the region on horseback, there’s an adventure to match.

Tucked into the countryside at Rosa Brook, Jesters Flat is a family-run working equestrian farm and vineyard where Australian Stock Horses and Margaret River landscapes take centre stage.

They offer a wide range of tours and trails, ranging from first-time riding experiences to half-day, full-day and multi-day adventures through beach, forest and vineyard country. The horses are bred and schooled on the property, and riders are matched with horses suited to their ability and experience.

Never ridden before? Start with an Introduction to Horse Riding, where you’ll learn the basics before heading out for a relaxed bush ride. The Country Lane Tour is another easy introduction, winding through rural countryside and bush tracks and catering for everyone from beginners to experienced riders.

For younger horse lovers, or anyone who’d rather keep both feet on the ground, Horse Connect offers an equine-assisted experience focused on interacting and connecting with the horses rather than riding.

Once you’re comfortable in the saddle, things get considerably more adventurous.

Jesters Flat’s longer rides leave the farm behind to explore some of the landscapes that make this corner of Western Australia so spectacular.

One of the standouts is Boranup Forest, where horses carry riders beneath towering karri trees and along quiet forest trails. It’s an entirely different experience from walking or driving through the forest: slower, quieter and with the wonderfully hypnotic rhythm of hoofbeats providing the soundtrack.

Experienced riders can also choose longer adventures through bushland and conservation areas, with options stretching from a few hours in the saddle to immersive multi-day treks. Their trail riding experiences currently range from one-hour rides through to five-day adventures.

The business is also Eco Certified through Ecotourism Australia, recognising its commitment to sustainable nature-based tourism.

Then there are the beach rides.

For confident riders, few experiences deliver quite the same rush as leaving the bush behind and emerging onto an expanse of South West coastline on horseback.

Jesters Flat’s adventures extend from forest trails to beach rides and canters, giving experienced riders the opportunity to pick up the pace on the sand.

Can’t choose between forest and coast? Multi-day options combine different landscapes, including adventures through Boranup Forest and along the beach. It’s a chance to see how dramatically the region can change over a relatively short distance, especially when your transport has four legs

For a more traditional country ride, head to The Horse Resort, set across 300 acres of working sheep and horse country in the Margaret River Region.

The experience begins before you head for the trails. Accredited guides provide coaching and make sure riders are comfortable with their horses, making this a good option for beginners as well as those with more experience.

Once everyone is settled, rides head out across the property, through paddocks, forest and picturesque farmland.

It’s peaceful, uncomplicated and particularly good for families or groups with mixed riding abilities, everyone gets to experience the countryside together, without needing to arrive knowing their posting trot from their pommel.

Half the charm of horse riding in Margaret River is that the experience doesn’t necessarily end when you dismount.

At Jesters Flat, non-riders haven’t been forgotten either. The rustic clubhouse and play area give them somewhere to settle in while everyone else hits the trails, with shady gardens in summer and a campfire providing a particularly inviting welcome in winter.

And because this is Margaret River, even a day spent around horses can come with a side of vineyard country.

It’s worth allowing yourself time rather than squeezing a ride between cellar door bookings. Arrive early, get to know your horse, head into the landscape and embrace travelling at an entirely different pace.

Horse riding experiences vary according to age, riding ability and the particular tour, and some rides have limitations. Check directly with your chosen operator when booking so they can recommend the most suitable experience and match riders appropriately.

Then pull on your boots, get comfortable in the saddle and prepare to see the Margaret River Region from one of its best seats.