I’m signing a liability waiver while being fitted for a helmet and oversized oilskin jacket.

An hour earlier I was tossing up whether it would be more appropriate to wear hiking boots or bright blue and green running shoes for our horse riding excursion across the barren, tussock-dusted landscape of Cardrona Valley. The townie shoes prevailed.

​​Debbie ‘Debs’ Thompson, owner of Backcountry Saddle Expeditions, is back to complete my trekking ensemble, and explains that the weighty, body-length overcoat isn’t just for the look. It will also protect my legs against harsh high country scrub and provide warmth on the crisp but beautifully sunny winter’s morning.

We were preparing for a two-hour horse trek through the historic gold mining valley and across high country farm plateaus on the remote stretch between Wānaka and Queenstown.

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Backcountry Saddle Expeditions is one of the longest running horse trekking operations in the country. Before relocating to the Hidden Valley in Earnscleugh between Clyde and Alexandra due to land development, they operated in the Cardrona Valley for 35 years.

The company uses the Appaloosa horse breed, known for their spotty colourings, even temperament and versatility on rugged mountain terrain. The horses were allocated based on the age, height, weight and ability of each rider. With the least riding experience out of our group – none at all – I was paired with Biddy, a gentle mare who worked like clockwork across the trail.

Debs took us through the basics of getting up into the saddle and how to hold and use the reins. She explained that the “western-style saddles” were used for additional safety and comfort for the rider.

Helpful riding pointers included keeping the pelvis neutral, moving the reins from side to side below the belly button for steering, and to picture holding an “ice cream that you don’t want to spill,” if using a one-handed approach.

All saddled up, several more last-minute precautions were thrown in. The horses should never be side by side and they’re not allowed to stop and eat. Stopping for a drink was fine.

The ride was a 16km journey up the tussock-topped Cardrona plateau just off the Crown Range Road. In a line of five horses we zigzagged up and down the uneven terrain, through several farm gates and crunching across frozen water runs.

The picture-postcard scenery of alpine grasslands against the snow-capped mountains and cloudless blue sky warranted several mid-ride selfie attempts. Posed group shots taken by our guide proved to be far more successful.

On a flat section of the trail we learned the art of trotting. Our guide instructed that the moderate pace should be accompanied by an out-of-the-saddle bouncing rhythm to take strain off the horse’s back.

Biddy shifted into automatic as the rest of the team took off into the open space. Once comfortable with the pace and terrain ahead I tried the one-handed ice cream grip and hung on for what was an unforgettable and thrilling ride.

Essentials

Backcountry Saddle Expeditions runs two- to three-hour horse treks on Earnscleugh Station, Central Otago. Experiences cost $100 for adults, $80 for children (aged 5-15), and $100 for those who require to be led for safety. See: backcountrysaddles.co.nz

Staying safe: New Zealand is currently under Covid-19 restrictions. Face coverings are mandatory on all flights and public transport. Proof of vaccination and vaccine exemption may be required in some venues under the traffic light system. Follow the instructions at covid19.govt.nz.

Gifting an experience: Tourism New Zealand has gift vouchers for adventure experiences. See newzealand.com

This story was produced as a part of an editorial partnership with Tourism New Zealand. Read more about our partnership content here.