Backcountry Saddle Expeditions
Backcountry Saddle Expeditions
Backcountry Saddle Expeditions
5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Backcountry Saddle Expeditions has celebrated a few milestones this year... They are 36 years old... with an outstanding 30 years under the current management of Debs Thompson. Debs is a "hands on" outdoor girl and wishes to share her family of "fur babies" with everyone. Henry the cat, Dixie the dog and her stunning herd of 20 Appaloosa horses. Appaloosa's are an American Indian horse who are best known for their stunning spotted coloration. They are a mountain breed and are suited to the beautiful mountain steeps of the Hidden Valley, Earnscleugh. To keep the western theme the horses are outfitted in Western Saddles which ensure the rider a safe, secure and more comfortable ride. Come and enjoy the family and meet Debs and her team.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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5.0
725 reviews
Excellent
704
Very good
17
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Ozetravellers
Gold Coast, Australia1,103 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
We have been riding in many countries around the world and this was one of the most pleasurable experiences we have had. Deb’s horses are so well trained - an absolute pleasure to ride. At first I was a bit worried as there were 2 beginners with us and I thought they may slow our ride but often throughout the ride Debbie would take the beginners ahead and the three of us would canter /gallop to catch up. Most horses would be jumpy hanging back but not these horses! Perfectly chilled. Deb gave us such a great tour of the back country , teaching us about the history, flora and fauna constantly. She also took photos and videos and sent them to us afterwards. It was a pleasant 1 hour 20 from Queenstown but well worth it. We also had lunch at Dunstan house in Clyde on the way back - recommended by Deb and well worth it.
Written 7 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah K
Hamilton, New Zealand65 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
A beautiful way to experience Alexandra. Amazing views from high up in the hills. We were three beginner riders who were able to canter by the end of this trek. Deb and her husband are welcoming, kind and informative. Learnt about the horses, landscape, fauna and the local wild life. Able to get a spot the day before and Deb has eftpos. Everything was a breeze. Loved the oil skin coats available. Couldn’t recommend this tour enough!
Written 26 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine K
53 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Excellent two-hour ride in Cardrona - we chose this over the other rides because of the location and value for money. Best decision - the ladies who run this are wonderful. Our guide Frenchie was super friendly and clearly loves the beautiful horses. We rode Smoke and Knox. The horses were all so gentle but have their own quirky personalities. Watching Dixie the dog bounce around the paddocks looking for rabbits was hilarious. She didn’t catch any today but be warned if she does apparently fresh rabbits are delicious.
BUT we were sad to hear the landowner has sold to developers so the horse rides will be moving to a new location in the near future. Make the most of this now before the golfers and skiers move in for good! Thanks again ladies we had an awesome time!
BUT we were sad to hear the landowner has sold to developers so the horse rides will be moving to a new location in the near future. Make the most of this now before the golfers and skiers move in for good! Thanks again ladies we had an awesome time!
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jet31518410955
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Family
Due to my daughter's love of horses, we have done a few family horse treks on holidays. This was by far the best experience we have had. The trek was led by Debbie who is such a wonderfully relational person and exceptional guide. The Appaloosa horses are the most adorable horses, full of personality and energy. They are fit, healthy and strong. This trek caters to all levels of ability/experience - including those with lots of riding experience. The views were outstanding too! It was so much fun for the whole family. We don't usually leave reviews, but really want to promote this to others because it was excellent!
Written 5 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kyle K
Honolulu, HI15 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We had the best time riding with Olivia—When we visited NZ 3 years ago, this trail ride was one of the highlights of our trip, so we had to include it again!
They are super easy to schedule with & the location is convenient to Queenstown or Wanaka. The horses are GORGEOUS & you can tell they are so well cared for.
Our group had riders of all levels & they matched the horses to the riders very well.
The station land the stables use is seriously breathtaking—gorgeous mountain views & we could see from the Remarkables to Mount Cook!
I can’t recommend this stable enough! Extremely satisfied return costumers here!
They are super easy to schedule with & the location is convenient to Queenstown or Wanaka. The horses are GORGEOUS & you can tell they are so well cared for.
Our group had riders of all levels & they matched the horses to the riders very well.
The station land the stables use is seriously breathtaking—gorgeous mountain views & we could see from the Remarkables to Mount Cook!
I can’t recommend this stable enough! Extremely satisfied return costumers here!
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pete C
18 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
What a great experience, totally recommend. Debs is great and the scenery is amazing. My wife and I are complete riding novices and we loved it. The horses are very sure footed and predictable and we quickly gained in confidence while covering some quite challenging terrain. Worth the drive from Wanaka and Queenstown to enjoy the different landscape. Enjoyed a nice lunch at the Post Office in Clyde afterwards .
Written 31 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
deborahemmanuel
Singapore11 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
I had an epic time with my friends on our expedition. It was over too quickly! Our guide Claire was excellent at looking after us, a few were first time riders but we felt safe and free to explore under the expert care of the team, who matched us with the right horses for our backgrounds. Highly recommend!!!
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Izzy
United Kingdom3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Debs was an amazing tour guide and made us both feel so comfortable considering we hadn’t ridden in over 10 years! The horses were beautifully behaved and the scenery was stunning. Would highly recommend if you’re in the area.
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lindaloe
Rawmarsh, UK1 contribution
Dec 2019
Amazing ride on beautiful Appaloosa horses.
I was lucky to be in a party of 3 who were all novices. Debs, the owner, took us through the basics of riding before we started off. Rachel, our guide was very supportive, talking us through the different moves, making us feel relaxed, and at he same time giving us a running commentary of the surrounding area. We did trotting and even managed a small canter. I was a bit apprehensive to start with, but soon got the hang of it, and throughly enjoyed the whole experience and would certainly go back again.
I was lucky to be in a party of 3 who were all novices. Debs, the owner, took us through the basics of riding before we started off. Rachel, our guide was very supportive, talking us through the different moves, making us feel relaxed, and at he same time giving us a running commentary of the surrounding area. We did trotting and even managed a small canter. I was a bit apprehensive to start with, but soon got the hang of it, and throughly enjoyed the whole experience and would certainly go back again.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaylan W
6 contributions
Mar 2025 • Solo
Phenomenal all around! Deb was a fantastic guide, clearly very experienced and provided super interesting tidbits along the way. The horses were wonderful… all very very well trained! Beautiful views. Worth the drive, we were the only ones up there… it was very peaceful. A perfect length ride all for a great cost.
Written 16 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hiya! Just wondering if the time spent trekking is 2 hours? or does that time include preparations and getting acquainted with the horses etc. Thanks! :)
Written 16 August 2019
Debs T
Alexandra, New Zealand
It’s 2 hours riding and all the lives and cuddles before and after are a bonus 🤠🐴
Written 16 August 2019
Is this suitable for a 20 month old and a 3.5 yr old sharing with each parent?
Written 10 March 2019
Debs T
Alexandra, New Zealand
I really sorry but we cannot double saddle.
My minimum age for children is 5 years old.
Debs
Written 10 March 2019
May I know the price of the ticket pls?
Written 17 December 2018
Debs T
Alexandra, New Zealand
The Adult price is $95 and a child is $75 (15 years and under) for a 2 hour ride.
We have 2 departure times daily at either 10.00am or 1.30pm and we do need a prior booking.
Hope this helps...
Debs🤠
Written 18 December 2018
jorgitooreillybeccar
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hi there. We are a small group (5) of Argentinian university students. We are all excellent horse riders, and well acquainted with the care and handling of the animals. We were wondering if you had job openings during your summer, form December 15-20 to the end of February. We also have fluent English, a good education, clean and orderly habits and good manners.
Written 29 May 2018
Debs T
Alexandra, New Zealand
Sorry guys,
All my staff carry over from season to season.
I haven’t got any for seen vacancies.
Good luck...
Debs🤠
Written 30 May 2018
chloe1135
Adelaide, Australia
Hi there. Just wondering if there was a weight restriction for the horse riding. I’m a rider myself but I’m just worried about my partner, as he is a little over the weight restrictions here in Australia to go riding on tours.? Many thanks. 😄
Written 3 May 2018
Debs T
Alexandra, New Zealand
Hi Chloe,
I do like to talk to people about weight versus height and ability.
Someone who is 5ft and 100kg is very different to a person who is 6ft and 100kg.
Hopefully you can ring me so we can discuss all these factors.
Debs🤠
Written 3 May 2018
What is the minimum age to ride? We are family of four, (kids are 9 and 2) the 9 year old rode before. Thank you!
Written 1 October 2017
Debs T
Alexandra, New Zealand
Hi Guys,
The 2 year old is too young to ride.
Our minimum age is 5 years old.
The 9 year old will be fine.
Hope this helps...
Debs:-)
Written 30 October 2017
Hello,
My friends and I are going to New Zealand next week, and planning to try horse trekking. Just curious, are we allowed to carry a camera or handphone while riding the horse?
Thanks.
Written 31 October 2016
Debs T
Alexandra, New Zealand
Yes cameras are essential... The scenery is beautiful.
If you don't have a zip up pocket we supply a small bag that we tie onto the front of the saddle.
Bookings are essential and we do rides twice daily at either 10.00am or 1.30pm daily.
Look forward to your reservation.
Debs:-)
Written 31 October 2016
Showing results 1-7 of 7
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