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Here are some frequently asked questions about Topline Park Riding and our horseback ecotours. Where we ride, what there is to see here, duration of tours, experience and ages of riders, directions and so on... Topline Park's printer-friendly information sheet with directions, costs etc is here. If you'd like to know more, please email Lisa. 
Where is Topline Park and Main Creek? Topline Park is situated in New South Wales, in the Upper Hunter Valley, 2 1/2 hrs drive north of Sydney, 1 hr from Newcastle, and 14 km from the historic town of Dungog. Main Creek is a small creek valley, in the foothills of the amazing Barrington and Gloucester Tops. To drive to Topline Park from Dungog, take the Stroud Road north from Dungog. 4km from town, turn left onto Monkerai Road, cross the railway bridge and turn left at the next intersection which is with Main Creek Road. Topline Park is about 7km along on the left of Main Creek Road on tar sealed surface. Look for the bright blue restored dairy building near the arena! Return to FAQ or the Home Paddock. The horses , what breeds and how many? 15, at the
moment, from Doozie the smallest mini pony, to Jack a 17hh Standardbred
gentleman. Plus Gertrude, the donkey! There are lots in between,
from ponies to Palouse to purebreds. Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds,
warmbloods and some delightful unregistered horses and ponies. Visit the Horse Paddock to meet some of the horses. Return to FAQ or the Home Paddock. What is there to see? Topline Park has rainforest and sclerophyll forest, as well as undulating grassy paddocks for the horses. Almost all the riding tours are on forested trails. There are beautiful and unusual plants including orchids. Fossickers search for gemstones and gold, but most visitors come to the area for the tranquil country lifestyle and amazing scenery. Also living here are many native Australian birds, like the huge, raucous black cockatoos, kingfishers, brightly coloured king parrots and loud little bell miners. There are wallabies, goannas, koalas and spotted quolls ('Quite Unlikely Obviously Lurking Lifeforms'; a nearly extinct marsupial predator). Return to FAQ or the Home Paddock. Tours vary from 1/2 hour "minitours" to 1 hr, 2 hr, 1/2 day, and full day duration. Return to FAQ or the Home Paddock. Is there an age limit for riders? No! Tours are designed individually for the age and ability of riders, and we have a range of horses and ponies for riders of all ages. Return to FAQ or the Home Paddock. I've never been on a horse, may I ride at Topline Park? Yes! We match you with a horse appropriate to your experience and show you the basics of safe riding. You'll be pleasantly surprised to discover what a great way riding is to see the country! Return to FAQ or the Home Paddock. Do you have tours for experienced riders? Yes! All tours are individually planned with the fitness and ability of riders in mind. We can plan a challenging tour for advanced riders! Return to FAQ or the Home Paddock. The Bower cottage now offers special accommodation and horse riding packages in conjunction with Topline Park Riding! Imagine staying at very comfortable accommodation and a chance to explore our beautiful valley on horse back at a reasonable tariff. Visitor's cabins
at Topline Park are planned for the future, but for some other great
places to stay nearby, see the Accommodation sections of our
Link Corral. Return to FAQ or the Home Paddock. Always comes first. Riders wear Safety Standard Approved helmets. (You may borrow one from Topline Park.) We recommend that you wear riding boots, or boots with a smooth sole and low heel. Long pants (panty hose underneath can add to your comfort on long rides), long sleeved shirts and sunscreen are also recommended. Tours are accompanied by friendly local guides who are also qualified horse riding coaches. And tours have a maximum ratio of 4:1, Riders to Guides. All tours begin with time to get to know your mount in an enclosed arena before riding onto the trails. Novice riders may opt for a "safety line" to their guide. Our guides also offer riding "tips" on the trails, so you'll be more centered, comfortable and communicate more easily with your mount. Return to FAQ or the Home Paddock. Yes, but it must be fit, sound, well shod, and have no vices! Return to FAQ or the Home Paddock. You can choose to ride with just a guide or with up to eight friends. If you are visiting on your own, ask when booking, if you'd like to join another group. We keep group numbers small for maximum enjoyment and safety. Return to FAQ or the Home Paddock. Birthdays, anniversaries etc? We can make your special occasion "Extra Special". With some "surprises" like a romantic supper or a children's "pony party". Return to FAQ or the Home Paddock. There are many wonderful places and things to photograph in the Barrington Tops area. You are welcome to bring a camera. Some of the horses carry saddlebags for cameras etc. Return to FAQ or the Home Paddock. Tours are available seven days per week and moonlit nights. The forest by moonlight is a magical experience, especially with the lights of the fireflies or glow worms! Return to FAQ or the Home Paddock. Does Topline Park offer horse riding lessons, coachingor training for riders and horses? Yes! We have qualified riding coaches. Private and group coaching is available for riders of all ages and abilities. There is also a regular Saturday morning children's class, which begins at 9am. Visitors are welcome to participate. Ride your horse at your venue, or one of our schoolmasters at Topline Park. We also train horses for Shows, Dressage, Pony Club, Jumping and Pleasure Riding. Return to FAQ or the Home Paddock.
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| Visit Topline Park's Home Paddock, Link Corral or Horse Paddock, Ride the Trails, check out our FAQ or contact us. | ||||||
