We loved everything about this ride; the people (Deb and Frenchie), the horses (all willing, safe and responsive) and the amazing scenery. Absolutely the best way to see the high country of New Zealand without the crowds. We had all levels of rider from dead set beginner to experienced and all loved it and didn't want it to finish.

Great ride, with a lovely chatty tour guide and group of similar level so we could enjoy riding at a faster pace than walking! Lovely country.

I’ve been on many a horse ride and this one was, by far, the best of all. Firstly, the horses - beautiful, responsive, and very well behaved. I love Appaloosas and riding them across such picturesque surroundings felt like something out of an old Western. For me, that was heaven. Actually, calling the scenery picturesque is an understatement - it’s beyond words. Add to all of this our wonderful guide, Frenchie, who, not only led the ride, but was attuned to each riders ability and allowed them to ride accordingly. A “must-do” in a list of awesome activities around Queenstown. Heading back soon with the whole family next time!

I am a novice rider and the ladies at back country saddles were very patient. The group leader was so knowledgeable, between bursts of cantering we would slow up to soak in the scenery and she pointed out local wildlife and native flora. Be sure to add your weight and height when booking on bookme to make it easier on the day!

Absolutely incredible experience! The ride felt really personal and tailored to each group, instead of super commercialised. The guides were really helpful and knowledgeable on both the landscape and the horses. It was so nice seeing and supporting a locally owned and operated small company, when there are so many big corporate chains in the Queenstown area. You can also tell they really care for their horses and put the horses needs first which is super important. 12/10 experience - would recommend to people of all ages and riding abilities

Had the best 2 hours of our lives! Superb!

The homestead is located a short stroll off the main road just before Cardrona Ski Fields. We hired a car for the day for ease, comfort and to take in the scenery along our drive. From the second we arrive we were welcomed like family. Horses are beautiful and well looked after. The trail takes you through open paddocks with breathtaking views, over a stream and through the hills. My daughter (10yrs old) had never ridden before, she was trotting with ease after minutes, credit to the owners, guides, and well trained horse. Wear the Drizabone jacket! It keeps you comfortably warm from the elements, gives the experience an authentic feel and makes for a great photo half way through the trek. Will do this again in a heart beat...when we get back over the ditch from Oz! Thanks again Back Country Saddles xx

Best experience in NZ so far! Absolutely loved it. I'm used to horse riding but it was my partners very first time and by the end of it he was basically a cowboy! Definitely coming back soon!

The most amazing adventure in the Qtown area. It was My wife and 2 daughters first time on a horse and the staff were lovely and patient. Would pay double the amount price to do it again. Loved it and recommend it to everyone.

We were offered some extra layers when we arrived slightly under dressed which we were so thankful for! Our guide was amazing, the horses were suited well to us and the trek itself was so fun! Over all highly recommend! Couldn’t have been better!

What a great afternoon in the backcountry of cardrona. Great for all levels of riders, many laughs and a fantastic guide deb! I couldn't believe how calm the horses are and well mannered. Great kiwi experience even for kiwis! ? Thank you will come back one day!

We had a great time. The drive from Queenstown was beautiful as well. Debs and Jo were super friendly and obviously very passionate about what they're doing. Our horses were very gentle and calm! We were surprised how sore our legs were after riding. Had a great time, would definitely like to do it again if we're visiting.

Great experience. Horses are gorgeous and good natured, and the scenery is stunning. All the staff were lovely and our guide, Sarah I believe, was excellent, full of information and funny. Definitely recommend this.

This was a really great value trip. I'm not an experienced rider myself but I really liked how the experienced people in our group got a few canters and the rest of us had good instruction on trotting.

Cannot recommend this place enough. The staff are so friendly and lovely and the animals are the same. A stunning trek through the cardrona backcountry, including some trotting (or cantering if you’re up for it), creek crossings and hill climbs. Our ponies were lovely and Frenchy (our guide) made this a wonderful experience. I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Horses were beautiful, countryside was picturesque and Deb and Rach were super friendly and knowledgable. Amazing experience!

We arrived ahead of time and had some good time to take pictures with and of the horses that were coming out to get ready. The lead taking the tribe was great and taught us how to handle the horse, trot and trek with them. Mine was called Pawnee and she’s a beautiful girl. The terrain was beautiful, a little muddy but we were given protective coats, helmets and gloves to shield us. Do wear boots if you can, it does make the ride a little more comfortable. There’s a little female dog named Dixie on the ground as well. Friendly team and great experience!

2 hour ride through beautiful countryside. We were matched a horse that suited our abilities. My over 40yr old friend had never rode a horse before and was a bit nervous. We both had a great time with Jo leading the way. Would def recommend.

We had the most amazing experience. The view was beautiful. Staff were friendly and very helpful. Definitely something to do while in Queenstown!

very experienced and friendly staff nice way to see the country good value for money highly recommended

This was my first time riding a horse and surprised how easy it was. The horses are so beautiful and calm and it made riding a breeze. I even got to canter. Must do if you are staying in the area!

Spectacular views of the surrounding mountain rangers. Riding through streams and gullies. Providing options for all level of riding skills (walking, trotting and galloping. Frenchy was an exceptional tour guide. By the time we completed our 2 hour horse riding experience, Frency knew everyone by name and little bit about each other.

Great value ride. 2 hours of riding, which is a perfect amount. Really unique experience riding appaloosa horses through the valley.

From the moment we arrived till the moment we left Debs and Fran made us feel welcome, at ease and completely confident with what both they and we were doing. We were paired with horses that matched our abilities and travelled as a group. The horses were amazing, the scenery breathtaking and the whole experience magical. Will I be back?? Try and stop me!!

Would 110% recommend this to anyone of any age. My friend and I are both in our late 20s and had a blast. The views were unreal. The guide was fin and knowledgeable and you absolutely fall in loce with the horses!

Fabtastic experience and superb staff! Well recommended and horsea are well look after.

The horses were great. The scenery amazing. Highly reccommend.

Awesome, awesome, awesome activity! The guides were nice. The horses were great. The views were marvellous. Will come back again! Highly recommended!

This was a great day in the saddle. Although we were absolute beginners we were instantly allowed to get on the trek in the horses. They are very well trained and we instantly felt comfortable. We were even taught to trot :) Our guide was really nice, encouraging, and absolutely enthusiastic about what she was doing :) Thanks for the awesome experience!

The staff were excellent with my nervous 10 year old and coached her along so she rode without a guide rope and was confident enough to Trott. Can't praise them enough, although now she does want a pony! The staff are very knowledgeable about the area and act as tour guides as well as riding instructors. The horses are beautiful with lovely pleasant natures and obviously the scenery is spectacular. We will definitely return on our next visit. I would thoroughly recommend Backcountry Saddles to beginners and experienced riders alike.

Great experience ridding at that place with lots of information and different trekking. You might want to catch it before they shift. Great horses and greater friendly hosts.

Our family had the most amazing time horse riding with Backcountry Saddles through the beautiful Cardrona Valley. It was a highlight of our trip to NZ. We were all complete novices to horse riding yet we all felt completely at ease with Deb and her beautiful Apaloosa horses. Even our 5 year old was riding solo. A truly wonderful way to enjoy beautiful Cardrona Valley.

Fantastic out ride up the Cardrona slopes. What beautiful country and amazing horses. The added bonus was having Dixie dog join us on the trail and hunt rabbits. The experience completely exceeded our expectations.

We had a beyond amazing time doing the Cardrona Valley Horse Trek with Back Country Saddles! The two ladies who took us out were animated, funny and informative. The scenery was nothing I had ever seen before - a complete winter wonderland. Plus, the horses are pretty cute. I would totally recommend finding time to do this if visiting the area :-)

Don't hesitate to take this activity. Just believe your leader and partner(Hourse ^^), you'll be safe and happy then. Ouch...I forgot the name of my leader and partner.ㅜㅜ Both of them are very nice!!! They made me feel comfortable while I'm riding a horse. NZ information was for free from our leader is the good bonus~!!! Thanks again!

We booked for the morning riding slot but due to poor weather, we were able to shift the booking to the afternoon slot. Do remember to give them a call beforehand to confirm your booking. The horses were gentle and easy to handle even for riders with no experience at all. The ride was really scenic too. Very safe and suitable for all ages!

Lovely people, well behaved abd trustworthy horses, spectacular scenery I highly recommend this experience, I'd do it again!

原本打算去Glenorchy騎，後來考量到時間就改來比較順路的Caradrona，事實證明當初的決定是對的！兩個小時的行程中，牧場主人先做了些簡單教學讓我們和馬熟悉，接著就出發去繞山丘，馬如果渴了就在小溪喝水，餓了就在路邊吃草，非常特別的體驗 過程大部分是散步，偶爾會小跑一下，超級好玩！在大草原騎馬的感覺實在是太棒了，而且我們的馬都很溫馴，每隻都有可愛的小個性，我的馬是裡面的爸爸有時候會越走越慢需要提醒牠不要落隊，還有一隻不愛走別人走過的路愛另闢蹊徑，我們都很愛自己的馬♥️，也能感受到主人把牠們照顧的很好，如果有機會再訪紐西蘭我一定會回去找阿瑞(我的馬)！阿瑞等我！

It felt like a long wine-dy drive to get there and we were unsure uf we were getting anywhere bcos it was all mountains and grass, jus take your time and be careful when driving but so worth it wen we finally reached the place and experienced the horse riding at such scenic place. The horses were gorgeous, we had hokey and smokey and they were so cute and well behaved! Service from the ladies was lovely, we also bought some honey! Including manuka honey. Havnt tried it yet but they look yummy ? Definately recommend

Words cannot explain how beautiful it was, the scenery was magnificent.