Sun Ranch is the holiday home of Byron Bay's iconic Zephyr Horses.
We offer daily feed time on the ranch. Private one hour onsite horseback tours, meandering along ridge lines with stunning vistas. Equine healing to reset the nervous system; including Equine connection and Equine Reiki sessions. Private/ Commercial photoshoots with one of the Zephyr herd. Group rides at Zephyr Horses.
PLEASE NOTE Sun Ranch private 1 hour rides with picnic are for Sun Ranch guests only and are located on the Ranch. All other group rides located at Zephyr Horses in Byron Bay.
EQUINE ASSISTED CONNECTION - NOW AVAILABLE AT SUN RANCH
Equine Assisted Connection and Reiki sessions are a one-on-one experience with a member of the Zephyr Horses herd, where you'll be invited into a quiet, respectful space of authentic connection. Through being with the horse, you’ll explore themes of self-acceptance, safe boundaries, body language, and emotional awareness. The horse responds without judgement, offering honest reflection that gently reveals patterns in how we relate to ourselves and the world around us. No horsemanship experience is needed.
Bookings by request through Sun Ranch
.Frequently asked questions:
How do I make a booking for a ride at Sun Ranch?
Sun Ranch offers private rides which are available to Sun Ranch in-house guests only. To book a stay, please visit www.sunranch.com.au. Once you've booked a stay, you can speak to the Sun Ranch team to arrange your private ride.
How many people do you take per group?
Group rides are located at Zephyr Horses in Byron Bay. Group rides are mixed experience group rides with up to 8 people per ride.
What time are your rides?
Ou ride times vary. Please check availability by emailing [email protected]
Do we need to have any riding experience?
No experience is necessary, however we will need to know your Age, height, weight, and experience level (0-4) to pair you with the right horse. Please use the following as a guide:
0) Never ridden a horse before.
1) Beginner: Have ridden a horse at a beginner level.
2) Novice: Have ridden a horse 10 or more times.
3) Intermediate: Comfortable at trot and canter. Can rise to the trot.
4) Experienced: Comfortable at all gaits and with a more spirited horse
Is there a maximum weight?
The maximum weight for beginners is 100kg, or 105kg for experienced riders. Please contact us if you are slightly over this weight though, as we may still be able to take you.
I have a medical issue... am I able to ride?
If you have any medical issues, including pregnancy, injuries, allergies, or disabilities, please contact us to discuss prior to making a booking and we will do our best to assist you. Sometimes we will require a letter from your doctor clearing you for riding.
I am pregnant... Can I still ride?
Unfortunately we are unable to take pregnant riders. Sports Medicine Australia and Get Healthy NSW both recommend that pregnant people avoid exercises which risk falling and injury to the abdomen, such as horse riding. Horse riding also carries a risk of placental abruption. Please contact us if you have any questions, but note that medical advice should always be obtained from the appropriate medical professional.
Do we need travel insurance to ride?
We highly recommend that you take out personal travel insurance (that includes horse riding) or have private health insurance.
Do you ride in the rain?
All tours go ahead unless deemed unsafe by our staff. Generally, we’ll ride in rain but if the wind is too strong or there’s lightning, we might choose to postpone your tour. If we do postpone, we will reschedule for a later time or date or can provide a credit for use any time within 12 months. You do not need to contact us if you think the tour might be cancelled as we will contact you if there are any changes. Please visit here for full booking terms and conditions.
What should we bring for our ride?
Please wear long pants and enclosed shoes, with socks (ideally riding boots, or similar). If it looks like it might rain, please wear 'wet weather' gear. We supply helmets (note helmets are compulsory).
Can we bring cameras or phones on the ride?
You are unable to bring cameras (including GoPro) or phones along on the ride due to safety procedures. Our guides take iPhone photos throughout the tour. These photos are included for Sun Ranch bookings. If your main interest is photos, we recommend considering our professional photography package. This package includes approximately 50-100 professionally captured and edited images, delivered via email link within 14 days of your ride. When booking a ride online, you will have the option to add one of these photo packages at the time of booking.