A few 4WD’s were heading the same way as us. No wonder, it’s the highway to Rainbow beach, a favorite spot for 4wd adventurers to spend the weekend and camp on the beach. We however didn’t go that far. Our destination was EQUATHON for our adventure on a horseback. I have never rode on a horse’s back but after we got a Redballoon gift voucher from my son and his partner, I no longer could say: “I do it when the opportunity is there”. So we booked and last week we got the email that the booking was confirmed. Equathon’s location is close to the Noosa North Shore in Queensland. To get there we had to cross the Noosa river and luckily enough there is a ferry ($6.00). We were early and had our coffee next to the site were a carwash is located. Great place for the 4WD’s that come from the beach to get rid of steel munching salt, because there is a sort of bidet for cars which nicely takes care of the cleaning of the underbody. We registered at the Equathon office and after filling out the necessities for the insurance etc. there was a small problem because our names were not on the list but after some discussion the problem was easily solved and we headed to the shed to be handed a helmet that would protect our precious heads in case the art of balancing on a horseback was too much of a challenge and we would fall off. There were 8 adventurers in the group.
On the Beach
My confidence wasn’t high on the confidence scale but I was the last to be called to mount a horse and the others didn’t seem to have a problem so I stepped up and put my left foot in a sort of metal loop which they call a stirrup and swung my right leg over the horse’s back and landed in the saddle where I sat with white knuckles holding the steering wheel waiting for the animal to make a move, letting me know who’s boss or telling me he didn’t like to go for a ride and throw me off.
NOTHING. Great start. I got some basic instructions as to how to steer Mack (the horses name) with the rein (steering wheel) and after CC (our leader) told us in which order we had to follow her, we wend. The first twenty minutes or so walking through nice bush land and I got more confident with riding this wonderful animal. They are very well trained and used to new riders I imagine. CC stopped and asked if we were ready to go for a bit of a trot. Why not. Wow, that is hard on the back if you haven’t done this before. You have to come in the same rhythm as the horse but, I managed to hold on. It was only a short run and we got back into a walk again. Moments later we arrived at the beach.
On the Beach
It’s a wonderful feeling. Sitting on a horseback, seeing the waves roll on to the beach and have a nice fresh breeze in your face. Not so nice was it when a bit later the weather decided that it has been a bit dry and a short shower damped the temperature but not our fun. Photo’s were taken. We rode a bit further over the beach and then returned to the stables. After dismounting from the horses we felt some very stiff legs but thanks to CC and the other instructors who guided us, we had a great experience.
Apollonian Hotel
After Two hours horseback riding, we felt our tummies rumbling and we headed for Boreen Point. The Apollonian hotel here had a great menu which suited our idea of having a great lunch and when the kitchen opened at twelve midday we ordered the dishes we liked. It is a wonderful hotel in a nice setting and we enjoyed our meals on the veranda with the sound of live music coming from a corner where three musicians took care of the entertainment.
