kids lead horse
and pony rides
start a journey
that lasts forever
Let your child discover the joy of riding in a calm, parent-led experience designed to build confidence gently.
You’ll lead your horse/pony on foot through Glenworth Valley’s scenic paddocks — creating a peaceful, shared adventure at your own pace.
Many families return again and again, watching their little ones grow more confident with each visit — developing a lifelong connection with horses.
what to expect
on the day
Self-Led Experience
Parents or guardians lead the horse on foot the whole way.
Safety Briefing
A short demo on how to safely lead your horse.
Scenic Walk
Explore a large, open horse paddock down by the creek in our spectacular wilderness valley
Supervision Requirements
Ages 3–4: Minimum two adults per child (one to lead, one to hold your child in place). Ages 5–12: Minimum one adult per child.
Sessions
One hour on weekdays – ideal for 1-4 riders.
30 minutes on weekends & Public Holidays – 1-2 riders.
Shared Rides
Up to 4 kids can take turns riding the same horse.
Pricing
From $45–$75. Save with off-peak pricing.
just 20mins from
gosford & hornsby
Just 20 minutes from Gosford & Hornsby, Glenworth Valley is right on your doorstep.
Perfect for quick day trips, family camping getaways and weekends to remember.
- Parents or guardians lead the horse for the full duration.
- Adult Supervision Requirements: Two adults needed for ages 3–4 years. One adult needed for ages 5–12 years.
- Footwear: Enclosed shoes must be worn by both adults and children.
- Adults are fully responsible for their child’s supervision
- Before You Begin: A demonstration will be provided on how to lead your horse
- Weather: Experiences run in most weather. Please dress appropriately
- Weight limit for riders: 80kg
an activity for the whole family
self-guided touring
As a self-guided tour, parents or guardians are required to lead the horse for the duration of the experience.
For children aged 3 & 4 years, two adults are required per horse (one adult to lead the horse while the other closely supervises). For older Children aged 5-12 years, one adult is required.
Glenworth Valley does not provide tour guides or supervision. Enclosed shoes are required for both the adult and child.
over 50 years of
horse riding experience
Glenworth Valley opened its doors as a small horse riding center in 1969.
Word travelled quickly of the incredible experience, and it soon became a cherished favourite of Sydney & Central Coast locals.
Since, Glenworth Valley has become an internationally visited destination, attracting global celebrities David Beckahm, Bill Gates & many more to discover its breathtaking & unspoiled wilderness.
Discover this timeless Australian adventure with your little one, and discover why Glenworth Valley’s horse riding tour is the region’s favourite outdoor adventure.
lead horse riding
quick summary
Ages: 3 – 12 years
Weight limit: 80kg
Experience: First timer to beginner riders
Type: Self-guided
Excludes: Tour Guide/Supervision (other than initial safety briefing)
Includes: One horse per booking, which can be shared with up to 4 children, taking turns. Need more horses? Additional horses can be added to your booking (from $45-$75) if each child would like their own; subject to availability.
Price: From $45-$75. Save with off-peak pricing.
Extras: Helmets are compulsory for all riders. Helmets can be hired for an additional $8 fee per horse. Wet weather ponchos are available.
Available: Daily
Check in: 30 minutes prior
important information
and faq's
Participating in the activities we offer is risky. Before making a booking with us, each participant and/or guardian acting on behalf of minor participants in your group is required to read and agree they understand and accept our Risk Warning describing some of the typical risks of participating in the activity in our Risk Warning and Waiver of Liability Contract and Terms and Conditions On the day of your activity booking, each participant and/or guardian acting on behalf of minor participants will also be required to sign our Risk Warning and Waiver of Liability Contract before being allowed to participate. Please click on the links above, to read and accept this information, before finalising your booking.
Helmets are compulsory for all riders. Helmets can be hired for an additional $8 fee per horse.
Have Your Own Certified Helmet in line with current Equestrian Australia Standards and within 5 years of the manufacture date? Present it for inspection on the day of your activity. A non expired certification label must be visible to receive a refund of your helmet hire fee.
We recommend wearing full-length pants. Jodhpurs or jeans are ideal.
Fully enclosed footwear such as riding boots, sneakers or shoes with a flat sole is best. A limited amount of riding boots are available to hire. Sandals, thongs, steel caps or large bulky shoes with a heavy tread are not permitted.
For safety reasons backpacks, handbags etc are not to be worn whilst riding or leading.
Remember to bring sunscreen, insect repellent and a sun hat.
Minimum adult supervision ratios apply (see above).
Experiences proceed in most weather. Dress accordingly.
Sessions are non-refundable in wet weather unless cancelled by Glenworth Valley.
more experiences loved
by horse riders
free experiences
make the most of your visit
4pm: adorable petting farm
feeding sessions
Come say hello to Glenworth Valley’s adorable farm animals — including Hilda and Dougie the Scottish Highland cows, their cheeky sidekick Stella the miniature goat, and her gang of kiddy buddies. You’ll also spot emus, ducks, chickens, and more.
Pick up a bag of animal feed from reception for just $5 and treat the animals through the fence any time.
Want to get even closer?
Step inside the Petting Farm at 4pm on weekends and school holidays for a free hands-on experience you won’t forget!
every day
running of the horses
Watch up to 250 resident horses run through Glenworth Valley in a crescendo of hooves and energy.
Happening daily at approximately 4:30pm. Check in with reception when you’re here for directions.
