Schools |
At High Country Horses (HCH) we believe that the experience of riding a horse should be an enjoyable and safe one. We take safety very seriously with all of our trail leaders being certified by the Association of Horsemanship Safety and Education (AHSE). Our programs are based around teaching people to ride and handle horses in a safe manner as well as providing students with a history of the district the land usage environmental issues and differing policies over the past 100 years that have helped shape the area to be what it is today.
OUR CAMPS 
In conjunction with our accommodation business, Merrijig Lodge, we have a great deal of flexibility in format of our camps. You can choose to stay at the Lodge or to camp in the bush or a combination of both. You can choose to cut the cost by self catering your meals or have us fully cater the whole camp.
OUR RIDES
On our shorter rides we operate through the foothills of Merrijig. We ride through areas featured in 'The Man from Snowy River II', splashing through creeks and enjoying the serenity of the natural bush. Our extended camp out rides travel up the headwaters of the Delatite River, over the Summit of Mt Stirling to Craig's Hut, taking in the breathtaking views along the way as we pass through forests of majestic Alpine Ash and the twisted, gnarled multi-coloured Snow Gums
RIDING EDUCATION
All students are given an introduction in the following aspects of horses and riding with special attention to building their confidence in these key areas:
- The herd behavior of horses
- Horse communication via body language
- Safe horse handling techniques
- Grooming a horse
- Saddling up
- Safe mounting and dismounting
- Correct riding position
- Control of a horse when riding
- How to rise to the trot
TAILORED TO MEET YOUR CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
With our knowledge of the environment and the history that surrounds us, we can tailor our rides to meet your specific curriculum requirements so that the rides are not only enjoyable but educational.
SAFETY
HCH adhere to the industry standard of a minimum ratio of 1 trail leader per 6 riders. Current Australian Standard riding helmets are supplied for all riders and must be worn at all times when handling a horse. UHF radios are carried by all members of staff and are used to communicate what is happening at all times during a ride. First aid kits are carried by the Trail Leader, ensuring that we can handle any minor injuries in the field whilst a backup vehicle and driver are within radio or mobile phone contact at all times to cover any unforeseen problems that may occur. All saddles and bridles are inspected to ensure they are in good working condition before every ride.
QUALIFICATIONS
All of our trail leaders have a Certificate 3 or 4 in Outdoor Recreation - Trail Riding as well as a minimum of Level 2 First Aid.
INSURANCE
HCH has full Public Liability Insurance coverage and is licensed by Parks Vic as a Tour Operator.
PRICING
Our riding camp prices are based on a number of factors such as the number of rides that will occur during a camp, where the rides will occur; that is, in the foothills of Merrijig or up in the high country as well as whether the camp will be self catered by the camp organizers or fully catered by High Country Horses, Our prices are affordable and competitive so please contact us for a quote tailored to your specific requirements. (one teacher to 10 students free of charge)
REFERENCES
HCH have a long history of providing horse trail rides and camps for schools. We have provided short instructional rides, 2 hour rides, day rides and up to week long camps and built many long term relationships. References are available on request