River and Mountain Horse Trekking in Peel Forest

Bonding time with the horses

We give it a go ourselves, Robin making an instant bond with Andy and having control. Meanwhile, Mack is mocking Laura as he stops and refuses to get near the platform, probably sensing Laura is not confident about all this since last time she rode a horse she fell off… Of course, Hollie gets Mack to the platform no problem. So, it’s like that is it, Mack?!

Nevertheless, Laura seems to be able to walk the horse around with ease at this stage, so let’s go!

The journey to the Peel mountains

Our 4-hour horse trek begins following the gravel roads to the mountains, (yes, mountains!), that our horses are going to be climbing today. This gives us the time to get used to the feel of the horse, have a bit of a chat, and even do a bit of trotting to speed things up. It’s a mix of field-side tracks and under the cover of trees until we reach a ford. This is our first water crossing today!

Horses on the airport

From there, it’s onto private land as Hollie has to get off her horse and open a few gates. One of which leads to a long grassy field with just the middle cut in a wide straight line. At the end is an airport wind indicator flag.

“This is Peel Forest Airport,” Hollie confirms our suspicions. Holy cr*p!

We cross the runway that is currently experiencing a weed problem with daisies, buttercups and other summer flowers. However, it is surrounded by stunning views of green rolling mountains. One of which, Mt Peel, we are about to trek up!

Getting intimate with the fir trees

The uphill climb powered by gassy horses

We find ourselves on a single (for a horse) track a little but rougher, edgier and more adventurous than the gravel roads that brought us here. Hollie prompts us to lean forwards so the uphill climb is easier for our horses. With each step they climb, all our horses let out massive farts, perhaps as an extra boost up the hill. (Or perhaps because they have been cheeky enough to snag some long grass to eat at every opportunity they get).

Although most of the climb up is within the shelter of a fir tree forest, we are wowed every time there is an opening in the trees to reveal vistas of the countryside and more of the mountainside.

Horses, epic views and beer

Eventually, we come out on an open ridge with views overlooking the Peel Forest town and pastoral lands, as well as lush green mountains undoubtedly making their way to the Southern Alps. This is the perfect place to get off our horses, have some beer, and take in the sensational views. We’re also delighted to see that Hollie has packed some shortcake, chocolate and an apple so that we can feed the core to our horse and make them love us.

Fir trees to the face

On the way back down Mt Peel, however, we don’t think the apple core treats worked on our horses, as they are determined to walk us into every tree branch on the way down. (Until we remember that we are meant to be in control – it’s always just easier to blame an animal that can’t speak for itself).