Rodeo and Horseriding

For those who lived for pony club, fell in love with the exploits of the Man from Snowy River or dreamt of galloping with the best of them, it's hard to go past a horseback adventure in the beautiful Tamworth region. Whether you want to be a jackaroo or jillaroo, go for a gentle ride or watch a thrilling rodeo, there's something here for you.

Things to do

The Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre is one of the finest equestrian venues in the world and hosts more than 50 events a year, from dressage to competitions such as the NCHA Tamarang Futurity. This is where city slickers can see cutting-horse in action, where skilled riders and nimble horses separate cattle from a herd.

A beautiful way to see the countryside is on horseback. You’ll find tours for all levels of experience at Tamworth and Kootingal Horse Riding Adventures in Kootingal, a short drive from Tamworth. Harlow Park Horse Riding, near historic Uralla, offers short trail rides or two-day camping treks.

For a real adventure, forget the hour-long trail ride and commit to learning the horseriding and cattle-mustering skills of jillaroos and jackaroos on working farms around Kootingal. Choose from either the Leconfield 5 Day Jackaroo and Jillaroo School or the Leconfield 11 Day Jillaroo and Jackaroo School.

Festivals and events

Check out the events calendar for other equine action in the area, including the spectacular Australian Stock Horse Society National Show and the PBR Tamworth Iron Cowboy in November, where you can watch as professional bull riders try to hang onto bucking bulls for eight heart-stopping seconds.

The Quirindi Rodeo in February draws a huge crowd as people gather to cheer on an exciting show of bronco and trick riding, steer wrestling and more. The area’s landscapes will also impress, with vast sunflower fields in bloom from December to March. Quirindi is only 50min drive southwest of Tamworth.