High Country Horses

Following in her mother's equestrian footsteps, Casey Irvine was four when she started riding. At that time her mum Deana had changed to other interests, but was forced back onto the saddle because of Casey's infatuation. With both mother and daughter back in the world of horses, the pair's fate was determined. Their family now run High Country Horses operating out of a 100-year-old shed on the river flats between the Rees and Dart Rivers, a few kilometres out of Glenorchy. With 90 horses on site, all riding abilities are catered for over a range of ride options, from a couple of hours to multi-day. The popular overnight option, Around the Mountain, includes staying in a lake-edge hut, and climbing to 900m, the highest riding elevation in the Wakatipu Basin.

Many of the horses are brought into the herd for their personalities and, as the riders from around the world are just as varied, Casey points out that no two riding days are the same. Combined with riding amongst magnificent scenery, that's exactly what she loves about her job. 243 Priory Road.

(03) 442 9915, high-country-horses.co.nz

Casey Irvine