BLACKBUTT NORTH HORSE FIELD GUIDE
Three Days of Canters and Pine‑Scented Tracks in Blackbutt North
A 3-day intermediate-level horse trek through the Benarkin forests and Blackbutt, with days of trotting, cantering and swag‑style nights — a concise guide to what to expect and how to prepare.
Three Days of Canters and Pine‑Scented Tracks in Blackbutt North.
Spend three days riding through the Benarkin forests and around Blackbutt on varied trails — soft bush tracks, pine forestry and sections of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail — with plenty of trotting, cantering and hills, cozy evenings at the Blackbutt Showgrounds and pub meals in town.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Plenty of trot, canter and hill play
Each day is different but consistently active: expect walking, trotting and cantering across soft tracks and hills, with roughly four hours in the saddle on days one and two and a shorter circuit on day three.
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, pine forestry and bush tracks
Rides follow and branch off the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail toward Nanango and Linville, then dart into pine forestry and bush tracks that are soft underfoot and built for speed and fun.
Swag camping, hot showers and pub dinners
Nights are spent swag‑style at the Blackbutt Showgrounds (with bathrooms and hot showers); riders eat together at the Blackbutt pub, and a twin/queen room at Hotel Radnor can be booked for an extra cost.
What the day feels like
What three days in the saddle feels like
The itinerary threads together sections of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and off‑trail bush tracks so each day builds different riding muscles: long stretches for rhythm and canter, pine‑forestry loops for quick turns and hills for playful climbs. Riders use fender and western‑style saddles, carry water in saddlebag holders, and are fed a provided breakfast and saddlebag lunch each day before returning to camp for showering and a big country meal.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this getaway suits — and who should sit this one out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Arrive at 9:00am at the Blackbutt Showgrounds (near the cattle yards and bug shed); rides typically start at 10:00am and finish around 2:00pm on the final day so riders can travel home in daylight.
Bring a water bottle and sunscreen, long pants, closed‑in shoes (or smooth‑soled boots), a sleeved shirt; all riders must wear helmets (helmets are available if you do not have one).
Swag‑style accommodation at the showgrounds requires you to bring a sleeping bag and pillow (you may bring your own swag or tent); a covered set‑up keeps gear out of the weather.
A provided breakfast and saddlebag lunch are supplied each riding day; dinners are shared at the Radnor Hotel (which can cater for dietary requirements).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What ages can participate?
This getaway is offered to riders aged 15 and over.
What riding skill level is required?
Suitable for intermediate to experienced riders who are comfortable with rising trot and canter; not recommended for nervous riders.
When and where do we meet?
Arrive at 9:00am at the Blackbutt Showgrounds (near the cattle yards and bug shed); rides start around 10:00am.
Are helmets provided?
Yes; helmets are available to use if you don't have one, and all riders must wear helmets.
Where do we sleep and can I bring my own swag?
Accommodation is swag‑style at the Blackbutt Showgrounds; bring your own sleeping bag and pillow (you may also bring your own swag or tent). A room at Hotel Radnor can be booked for an additional cost per night.
How much riding is there each day?
Expect about four hours in the saddle on days one and two and about 2.5 hours on day three, with varied pace and chances to trot and canter.