Sun Ranch is the holiday home of Zephyr Horses, Byron Bay’s top riding club. We offer one hour onsite horseback tours, meandering along ridge lines with stunning vistas, with a picnic in your chosen location to follow.
NOTE, SUN RANCH HORSE RIDE BOOKINGS ARE FOR SUN RANCH GUESTS ONLY
PRIVATE RIDE AND PICNIC FOR 1-2 PEOPLE (ages 8+) - $799
Sun Ranch rides are available only for Sun Ranch in-house guests. To book a stay, please visit www.sunranch.com.au. Once you've booked a stay, you can book a ride using the above links.
How many people do you take per group?
We can take 2-8 people on mixed-group Sun Ranch Tours, however we can also cater for bigger groups with overlapping or back to back rides.
We also offer private rides for 1-2 people.
What time are your rides?
Our ride times vary. Please check availability and/or book using the above links.
Do we ride for the whole 1hr?
You will spend approx 15 minutes getting to know your horse in the mounting area, while receiving basic instructions, and approx 45 minutes out on the trail.
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, 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 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). Note, if your shoes are not deemed suitable by our staff, you will be required to wear our boots. 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 a bonus that are provided free of charge. PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF PHOTOS, NOR DO WE GUARANTEE THE QUALITY OF PHOTOS THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE. Photos must be downloaded within 7 days of your tour. You can access our photo drive in your booking confirmation email. If your main interest is photos, we recommend arranging a professional photography package. When booking a ride online, you will have the option to add a photo-package at time of booking.