Transfer and Other Options:

Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in time for dinner and settle in. The first evening is an opportunity to get acquainted with your hosts and group that you will be riding with. Over dinner we find out more about people's riding backgrounds and experience in order to match them with their ‘perfect mount’ and answer questions about the trek. 

Day 2: Breakfast. On the first morning we ensure that everyone has a horse and equipment that will suit them. Mount up and ride out. We ride out through the varied and scenic 800 acres of Old Ingebyrah. Cattle graze peacefully next to resident emus, wallabies and wombats on the plains and once we climb into the mountain foothills Lyre birds flit across shady trails ahead of us. As we ride up into the surrounding Ingebyrah State Forest, brumbies are often seen in green grassy clearings amongst the forests of towering Alpine Ash. This loop ride of around 30km takes us into the beautiful forests of the Snowy Mountains and through brumby country where, if lucky, we are rewarded with sights of wild horses.

Day 3: Riders set off into the mountains, crossing snow grass plains to find the source of Rendezvous Creek and follow it down on narrow, twisting brumby trails. Enjoy canters up grassy hills and sightings of the plains animals in the afternoon; kangaroo, emu, deer, echidna and wombats are all to be found.

Day 4: Riders set off down the valley to visit old homestead ruins and then climb over the top of the range for a lunch with a view. Excellent views of The Charcoal Range,  Main Range and Ingebyrah Valley are a highlight for groups willing to put in a big day. After a ‘Man from Snowy River Descent’ we travel across undulating, open and wooded country. 

Day 5: Ride towards Thredbo, penetrating further into the mountains, this day leads through forests of snowgums, following the brumby and fire trails. Stopping at remains of old stockmen’s huts and old gold mining camps. Crossing the Little Boggy Plain, surrounded by mountains in their blue haze, climbing to peaks high above. Dinner and overnight. 

Day 6: This can be a final challenge of steep mountainous country, penetrating even further and higher into the mountains or an easygoing ride at a relaxed pace. When there is mustering to be done on the property groups are able to participate in a days stock work on horseback - it will be up to the group.

Day 7: Breakfast and departure after farewell.

**Riding average is 20 miles a day, 5-7 hours in loop rides from the homestead. Every day covers different ground, with lots of variety in the landscape. All the riding is in pristine Snowy Mountain country, varying from open country to densely wooded steep mountain terrain and allowing ample time for photography and little stops along the way.

Upcoming Schedule

7 days (6 nights) 5 riding days -- arive Sunday at 5 pm and depart on Saturday at 9 am
2012
Nov 25   -   Dec 01  ‘Down by Kosciusko’
Our premier trek gives us time to really show you the mountains. Make friends you will cherish, look for brumbies, explore the  rich heritage of the area and at the end of the week you will be so at home on your horse you will not want to leave.

2013
Jan 06 - 12 5 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS ‘Down by Kosciusko’
Consider a family adventure on horseback this summer! An opportunity to explore Australia’s rich heritage of mountain riding and bring Banjo Patterson’s classic poem ‘The Man From Snowy River’ to life.
Feb 10 - 16 5 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS ‘Down by Kosciusko’
Our premier trek gives us time to really show you the mountains. Make friends you will cherish, look for brumbies, explore the rich heritage of the area and at the end of the week you will be so at home on your horse you will not want to leave.
March 17 - 23 4 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS ‘Down by Kosciusko’
Experience the magic of Autumn in the mountains on this special trek! Look for brumbies, explore the rich heritage of the area and make friends that will last a lifetime! At the end of the week you will be so at home on your horse you will not want to leave.
April 07 - 13 ‘Down by Kosciusko’
Experience the magic of Autumn in the mountains on our premier trek! Look for brumbies, explore the rich heritage of the area and at the end of the week you will be so at home on your horse you will not want to leave.
May 05 - 11 5 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS ‘Down by Kosciusko’
Our last big trek into the mountains before the winter snow arrives! The weather can bring anything on this premier trek! Look for brumbies, explore the rich heritage of the area and at the end of the week you will be so at home on your horse you will not want to leave.

5 days (4 nights) 3 riding days -- arive at 5 pm and depart at 9 am
2012
Sept 28   -   Oct 02 Long Weekend Labor Day ‘Snowy River Riders’
Join us for the first trek of the season! Bring yourself, a friend or two or the family! A must if you are hoping for snow, winter may or may not have quite finished with us but the fires will be blazing at the Homestead. Our three and two day Snowy River Riders treks showcase the best the mountains have to offer you.
Oct 11   -   15  ‘Snowy River Riders’
On our early treks of the season, we get out and see what winter has brought with it, brumbies are big with foal and there is a hint of spring in the air.  A good time to see snow on the ranges and maybe experience a late snow fall!
Oct 25   -   29  ‘Snowy River Riders’
It’s starting to warm up and the mountains are simply awesome at this time of year! Come ride the Man From Snowy River country on a horse you will wish you can take home with you!
Nov 03   -   07  ‘Melbourne Cup Special’
There is no better way to experience the mountains than from the back of a horse! Three special days and four nights of fun with a spirit of celebration!  Bring a group of friends or make new ones! We return early to the Homestead on cup day for champagne and canapés and watch the best horses in the country strive for the coveted Melbourne Cup!
Nov 15   -   19  ‘ Snowy River Riders’
Spring has sprung! Spring has finally arrived in the mountains! This is a great time of year to see new seasons brumby foals and mountain wildflowers at their best.
Dec 13   -   17  ‘Snowy River Riders’
The weather is beautiful and the wildflowers superb! Grab a horse and head for the hills! Explore brumby trails and spend time with like minded people. Make time for you!
Dec 28   -   Jan 01 New Years Eve ‘Snowy River Riders’ 
See in the New Year somewhere special! What could be better than riding in Australia’s High Country, ‘where the  white stars fairly blaze, at midnight, under a cold and frosty sky’, come with friends or make some new ones!

2013 
Jan 17   -   21  ‘Snowy River Riders’  
Beat the summer heat with a cool mountain breeze! Get away with friends, family or by yourself and explore the Snowy Mountains!
Jan 25   -   29 Long Weekend Australia Day ‘Snowy River Riders’   
Celebrate Australia Day this year with a High Country adventure! Relive for few days what it was like for our early settlers riding this wild mountain country. If only they had had a three course dinner, a spa bath and a comfortable bed to come home to each day!
Feb 21   -   25  ‘Snowy River Riders’
Enjoy the last of summer in the mountains before Autumn arrives with a high country adventure! Grab a horse and head for the hills with new friends or old!
Feb 28   -   March 04  ‘Horsemanship Trek’
Want to get more out of your riding? We take the time to improve your horsemanship and riding level on this trek, mixing instruction in the arena with rides into the spectacular riding country beyond. Flexible program caters to all levels of riders.
March 08   -   12 Long Weekend Canberra Day  ‘Snowy River Riders’
Make the most of the long weekend! See the mountains at their best as the weather turns to Indian Summer with clear bright days and cold crisp nights with a million stars!
March 17   -   23  ‘Down by Kosciusko’
Experience the magic of Autumn in the mountains on this special trek! Look for brumbies, explore the rich heritage of the area and make friends that will last a lifetime! At the end of the week you will be so at home on your horse you will not want to leave.
March 29 -   April 02 Easter Special
What better way to celebrate Easter than riding in Australia’s High Country? By day we ride old trails and look for brumbies, at night the ‘white stars fairly blaze, at midnight, in a cold and frosty sky’. Come with friends or make some new ones. Simply one of the best times of the year to be out in the mountains on a horse!
April 18   -  22  ‘Snowy River Riders’
Experience the magic of Autumn in the mountains! Our three and two day Snowy River Riders treks showcase the best the mountains have to offer you!
April 25   -   29 Anzac Day ‘Snowy River Riders’
Celebrate Anzac day in the Snowy Mountains, we find a moment of reflection for the men and also for the wonderful Waler horses who went to war and never returned.
May 16   -   20  ‘All the Tried and Noted Riders’ (Good Riders)
On this trek, we have provided for experienced and regular riders who wish to be assured of plenty of trotting and cantering. The rewards for those prepared to do some big days are that we will get to some really special places beyond reach of a regular trek day. This trek is ideal for the experienced rider who has ridden with us before and would like to see new country.
May 23   -   27  ‘Snowy River Riders’
Soon the mountains will be covered in snow but we will grab one last chance to explore before the winter! A trek for the adventurous!

Average rainfall for Cooma, NSW

Driza-Bone oilskin jackets are supplied for the duration of the trek, but please ensure to include some warm clothing and gloves in case of cool weather. Wearing layers of clothing is a very effective way of staying comfortable. Long sleeved shirts are recommended as protection against sunburn. Hard hats are supplied and must be worn for safety reasons, you may bring your own if it conforms to Australian safety ratings. Close fitting jeans, jodhpurs or moleskins are the best leg wear and chaps or chapettes will protect the lower leg from chaffing. Alternatively stockings worn underneath will help avoid discomfort if you are not a regular rider. Riding boots or boots with a heel and without a rough or chunky sole are required to prevent feet from getting caught in the stirrups. Also handy are sun screen, insect repellent, lip cream and of course your camera.

You can also bring a fishing rod, to try your luck in the many trout streams in the area. If you play a musical instrument, it would be great to bring it along for those evenings, at the lodges.

Hard hats are MANDATORY for safety reasons. Please try to keep your luggage to a comfortable minimum on the trek; atmosphere at all the lodges is homely and relaxed. All linen and towels are provided.

Some wine is served with our meals, but you are welcome to bring along your favorite wines or beers and any alcoholic beverages, for a pre or after dinner drinks. We can also purchase anything for you as our back up vehicle goes into Jindabyne nearly every day.

An appointment for a massage can be arranged, preferably with a day’s notice or more.

Accommodation is provided at “Old Ingebirah” homestead, spacious and homely, it is the center of a large  working cattle property. Many a fun night is spent around the pool table or in the comfort of a lazy lounge chair, relaxing in front of the fireplace. The lodge has gracious lounge, dining and games rooms. Accommodation is mostly twin share or double, depending on the make up and size of the group, sometimes singles have their own room and other times they share. We always try to space people out as much as possible. Bathroom facilities are shared and all linen and towels are provided. 
The lodgings have loads of atmosphere in beautiful bushland, surrounded by mountains and lakes. At the end of an exhilarating day in the saddle, there is nothing like a hot shower to recuperate and then enjoy country hospitality with a three course meal and a cozy open fire. 

Meals
A highlight of every day on the trek is the gourmet lunch, carried along by our trusty pack horse. Riders are treated to a sumptuous selection of delicacies, pate' and cheeses. A chilled bottle of Australian white wine or fruit juices are all part of this delicious picnic out in the bush. Feeling thoroughly fulfilled, sit back with a cup of billy tea and enjoy.

Some samples of our gourmet lunches are:

Appetisers: Black pepper pate, Camembert, Sun-dried tomato and herb cheese served with selected crackers and marinated olives.
Main: Freshly cooked corned beef with creamy potato salad.
Green bean salad, beetroot and foccacia bread.
Dessert: Chocolate brownies and fresh fruit of the season, billy tea or coffee.

Appetisers: Hungarian salami, Chives cheese and Sundried tomatoe Camembert cheese served with selected crackers, gherkins and green olives.
Main: Marinated ovenbaked chickenwings, curried pasta, egg and ham salad, cucumber salad, potato and herb bread.
Dessert: Carrot & Pecan cake, fresh fruit of the season, billy tea or coffee.

Appetisers: Smoked trout pate, Blue Vein, South Coast Vintage cheese, with selected crackers and olives.
Main: Green Peppercorn Loaf, coleslaw, mixed bean salad, cheese and bacon rolls.
Dessert: Lamingtons, fresh fruit, billy coffee or tea.

Gourmet lunches are served with a bottle of chilled Australian dry white wine, or a dry red wine and fruit juices.

Dinner at the Chalets:

Our dinners are served with a chilled dry white, or a dry red wine
and iced spring water.
Entree: Smoked trout salad
Main: Fillet Mignon a la Creme, Hasselback potatoes, Seasonal fresh vegetables.
Dessert: Grandma's Chocolate Mouse.

Entree: Caesar salad
Main: Seafood Mornay with rice, seasonal fresh vegetables.
Dessert: Fresh berries with berry icecream.

Entree: Pumpkin soup
Main: Rack of Lamb Tarragon, creamed garlic potatoes, seasonal fresh vegetables.
Dessert: Applecrumble and icecream

Special dietary requirements can be catered for.

Your Guides and hosts:
Glen Dixon has worked as a stockman and managed large grazing properties on the Monaro since his early twenties. Glen has a great love and interest in the Snowy Mountains, its beautiful natural landscapes, wildlife and history and a commitment to the region and the people who call the Mountains home. A life long passion for and involvement with horses and his experience exploring our high country via horseback makes Glen the ideal guide and companion for your mountain adventure.
Danielle Ternes also shares with Glen that abiding love and respect for horses, and has been involved in most sports and disciplines that involve them. Danielle's formal background lies in teaching and Outdoor Education. Having worked for industry leader Outward Bound Australia for four years, she is an adept and well qualified guide. Danielle has worked for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coordinating a Discovery Walks Talks and Tours Program for the Far South Coast Region and for the Department of Sport and Recreation in Jindabyne. She comments, "it is a real joy interpreting the natural marvels of the Australian landscape and via horseback is the best way to see it".
Evelyn has operated a Bed and Breakfast for many years and takes pride in providing great hospitality. Working here lets her combine outdoor life with her love for fine food and entertaining.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Australian Stock Saddles
Horses:		Australian Stock Horse, and Clydsdale and Quarter cross
Pace:		All paces, 6-7 hours per day | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2.5 out of 5)    Low Intermediate
Age:		Min 12	Max 85
Weight:		Max 240 lbs
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 12 riders

The Riding:
Experienced guides lead riders along bush trails, old stock routes, fire and brumby trails. Riding average is 20 miles a day, 5-7 hours. Every day covers different ground, with lots of variety in the landscape. All the riding is in pristine Snowy Mountain country, varying from open country, to densely wooded steep mountain terrain. Allowing ample time for photography and little stops along the way.

The Horses:
Our partners pride themselves on the condition and temperament of their horses. Horses are carefully matched to riders, considering ability, requirement and even personality.With 6 or more riders we have 2 guides.  Due to Insurance regulations in Australia riding helmets are mandatory!

The Saddles:
Australian Stock Saddles and Australian made leather tack are used at Snowy River Horseback Adventure.  We are currently purchasing a number of quality saddles from Lyle Kent and Sons and have found them to be strong, comfortable, reliable saddles.

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in chart.

Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) those continuing their journey to a third country (who hold confirmation of booking and documentation to enter country) within eight hours of arriving in Australia.

All other nationals must obtain a transit visa before travel if intending to remain in Australia no longer than 72 hours and a stopover is intended. Transit visas are free of charge.
Note: (a) Not all airports remain open all night; travellers should check with the airline. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the Department of Immigration at the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
Australian visa regulations (including visa application charges) change from time to time. The information provided here is valid at the time of publication, but visitors should check that this information is still current by visiting the Department of Immigration online (website: www.immi.gov.au) or by calling the Australian Immigration and Citizenship 24-hour Information Service (tel: 0906 550 8900, in the UK; calls cost £1 per minute).

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visas
The ETA is an electronically stored authority for travel to Australia for tourism, short-term business or elective study purposes, that allows multiple entries for stays of up to three months for people from certain countries (see below). The ETA is valid for 12 months from date of issue, or for the life of the passport if it is less than 12 months. An ETA is invisible and therefore will not show up in your passport.

All nationals referred to in the chart are eligible for an ETA except: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia.

There are also student visas, employers' visas for overseas workers and sponsored family visitor visas available; enquire at the Australian high commission.
Types of Visa and Cost
ETAs: Visitor/Short Validity Business: Free of charge. Business Visitor (Long Validity): A$75.

Note: A service fee of A$20 is charged when applying for an ETA online through the DIMIA ETA website. Some travel agents and airlines issuing ETAs also charge a processing fee.

Non-ETAs: Tourist and Business Short-stay visas: A$75.

Visa fees are generally adjusted on 1 July each year.
Validity
Visitor ETAs are valid for 12 months from date of issue (or until the passport expires, whichever comes first) and permit multiple entries into Australia for a stay of up to three months on each visit. Short Validity Business ETAs are valid for 12 months from date of issue (or until the passport expires, whichever comes first) with stays of up to three months on each visit and can be used for single or multiple entry travel. Business Visitor (Long Validity) ETAs are valid for 10 years (or the life of the passport) and permit multiple entries for a stay of up to three months for each visit.

For non-ETA visas, the validity varies according to the type of visa, the purpose of the trip and the validity of the passport. Visas are usually valid from three to 12 months. The validity will be stated on the visa label in your passport.
Applications to:
ETA: Authorised travel agents or airlines; by telephone; some nationals may apply online through the main Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) (website: www.eta.immi.gov.au) (Visitor and Short Validity Business ETAs only).

Non-ETA: Australian embassies, high commissions and consulates; see Contact Addresses.

There is a Tourist Short-Stay visa available online (website: www.eta.immi.gov.au) for all nationals referred to in chart above.
Working Days Required
ETA: When issued through DIMIA’s ETA website, or through travel agents or airline offices, usually processed and valid immediately or within three working days.
Non-ETA: 10-15 working days.