Giddy-up between the bays

The Peninsula has long been a place for horses. The commercial side includes racing facilities such as Mornington’s racecourse and training centre, with trainers occupying properties close by. There’s equestrian centres and stud farms.

Recreationally, the region is dotted with riding trails including through bushland around Arthurs Seat, with spectacular views as a bonus.

Beaches for riding include St Andrews and Gunnamatta beaches near Cape Schanck, and Rye Ocean Beach.

There’s a range of riding activities to suit preferences and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, you can find guided rides and lessons to suit.

Two riding destinations are The Ranch at Boneo and Arthurs Seat Trail Rides.

The Ranch (formerly Ace Hi) offers trail rides through rolling hills with spectacular views of Bass Strait. For intermediate riders there’s the Bush ’n’ Beach ride to St Andrews Beach. Riding your charge through bush trails opening out to magnificent stretches of pristine beach can be a life-affirming experience.

Arthurs Seat Trail Rides in Purves Rd, Main Ridge, offer two-hour sessions catering for everyone from beginners to the highly experienced. There’s a get to know your horse session before riders venture out on a guided 90-minute ride through spectacular Greens Bush, the Peninsula’s largest remnant bushland and a haven for wildlife. On weekends, the session starts at 9.30am and by appointment on weekdays.

A new experience is riding through beautiful coastal bushland and on spectacular beaches followed by immersing tired bodies in the thermal pools of Peninsula Hot Springs at Fingal. Bliss.