Horse Trekking Company saddles up on Ben Lomond

Media Release from Horse Trekking Company
23 November 2007

Horse Trekking Company saddles up on Ben Lomond

A new horse trekking operation is offering a variety of unique Kiwi horseback experiences in Queenstown’s majestic backcountry.

The Horse Trekking Company is based at iconic Ben Lomond Station, a favourite trekking spot which became inaccessible in 1994 after a flood washed out the access road. Fourteen years later it has reopened for public horse trekking exclusively through the Horse Trekking Company.

The operation is the brainchild of experienced Kiwi owner-operators Don and Gail McKnight. The couple established Cape Farewell Horse Treks at Farewell Spit in 1992 which they continue to run.

The minute Don and Gail set foot on Ben Lomond Station they wanted to set up a similar operation on the property.

“It’s just minutes from the vibe of a major resort town but it feels completely remote,” says Gail.

“Ben Lomond Station is stunning - the perfect place to offer horse riding adventures in a place otherwise relatively inaccessible to the public. Riding just doesn’t get much better than this - 360-degree views of lakes, mountains, native bush and towering peaks!”

Don and Gail’s focus is to provide friendly Kiwi customer service, highly experienced equine management, and stress free, fun access to the backcountry and its rich gold mining history. They have brand new, high quality equipment and operate from a purpose-built facility with toilets and changing rooms.

“Whether you’re a first-timer or born to the saddle, we have 12 beautiful horses of various breeds and colours hand picked to suit every level of experience.

“Safety is paramount so we always ensure that each horse is matched to its rider,” says Don.

“No experience is necessary, treks can be as easy or challenging as you want to make them – we can lead riders for the whole trek or provide plenty of places to go for a full-on gallop through streams and the like. We can also organise overnight or multi-day treks with accommodation at the Moonlight Lodge, a favourite with locals in years past.”

Gail says that horse trekking is an increasingly popular activity for visitors and domestic holiday makers.

“When it comes to adventure tourism, the horse is the ultimate all-terrain vehicle. It’s also a great stress reliever - riding a horse puts you in touch with a slower pace of life and blows away the cobwebs.”

The Horse Trekking Company base is 100m from Moke Lake at the end of Moke Lake Road. For reservations, or to find out more about the treks, call 0800 Ben Lomond (236 566 663).

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