Fordsdale Farmstay

While a quite a bit off the main roads, my partner and I were so glad to meet Sue for an intro to horse riding. Sue was motherly, enthusiastic, skilful and most impressively so well-informed on Queensland's farming industry and how animals farmed for edutainment purposes can also be treated with respect and dignity. Had great conversations while riding out in Wagners and learnt so much from our one road trip out away from the city. Thanks so much Sue!

I stayed for a 2 day horse riding package at Sue's - and had the most amazing time. Sue was a wonderful host (alongside her support team including Pete and Tip the dog!) with great communication before I arrived. I stayed in winter. The weather was beautiful (if a little chilly at night), the tents are very cosy though with everything you need, a roaring camp fire, fabulous food cooked by Sue (no idea how she rustled up such amazing meals so effortlessly) - all set in the most glorious scenery. This is very much 'off the beaten track' and off-grid, but that only added to the experience. I can ride and was looking for a riding holiday that wasn't simply a 'caravan' trail with horses who had lost all spirit... Sue's horses are top-notch. They are all extremely well cared-for, the fittest horses I have ridden in a long time and with a variety of characters. As Sue knows each horse so intimately she chose the perfect horses to ride for my ability, and I was able to experience several rides across a variety of terrain in the surrounding area. Sue is great company and very knowledgable about the area, wildlife - and of course the horses. All-in-all I would have no hesitation in recommending this riding holiday to anyone wanting to properly experience rural Australia on horseback. I'd love to go back one day.

SueFordsdale Farm Stay Adventure QLDWow! What a holiday!Sue’s horse-riding adventure farm stay provided a fun and relaxing holiday in the country next to Ma Ma creek. Located on 1,000 acres in Fordsdale, it is an easy 1 ½ hours from Brisbane.Our country adventure started with three small river crossings and an exciting 4WD climb up the mountain. At the end was a country oasis overlooking the luscious countryside surrounded by free roaming horses, cows, and goats. As inexperienced glampers we were thankful for the comfort provided in our spacious elevated glamping teepee tents with comfortable mattresses and cozy bedding.Our days were full of enjoying the best of a horse-riding experience and country lifestyle with guided trail rides around the property and through the Ma Ma creek, adventure riding with Sue in the properties Ute to collect firewood and the option of short trips into the Ma Ma creek, Toowoomba, or the surrounding area.The kids’ favorite part was the guided horse-riding. Simone (known as the queen of the paddock), Cricket and Poseidon became much loved companions. All with gentle natures, we felt at ease on our rides and enjoyed the adventure. While we were at the farm stay, we also met Zeus, the tiny, fluffy Shetland pony, with a big personality. He provided the animal petting component as the kids loved to stroke his main and give him lots of cuddles.A holiday for mum too, Sue kindly provides all meals, easily catering to our gluten free family. Relaxing cheese platers were consumed in the late afternoon whilst watching the sun set over the horizon, enjoying the warmth and serenity of the campfire. The kids loved roasting marshmallows after dinner, on carefully gathered sticks from the surrounding lantana.A supporter of the volunteer program, we were lucky to meet a young French back packer, who helped Sue tend to the animals, helped with the cleaning and played board games with the kids.A holiday to remember and one that was both action-packed, yet relaxing. Thanks Sue and the Fordsdale farm-stay for a great getaway.Written by Xavier, 8 and Maddie 6.

Very pretty small campsite with a view, a fantastic activity for the entire family if you’re staying in the area. We came in for a day of horse riding and really enjoyed first the beginner lesson and then the horseback trek around the valley. Fantastic views, the horses were well trained and Sue was really accommodating. All our camp mates envied us when we came back.

Just returned from a two night trip to Fordsdale Farmstay and can’t recommend enough! The experience was great, and really good value. Sue’s horses are in fab condition, the trails are beautiful and the accommodation exceeded my expectations! Will definitely be back. Thanks Sue!

Today we had the pleasure of riding with Sue and her horses. We had a great time! The horses are just beautiful, well cared for and very friendly. My 9 year old daughter loved it. We'll be back! Thanks again Sue.

Sue was amazing!! I got to ride Zaccas on the beautiful trail and through the creek. Amazing, refreshing exactly what the soul needed.Tons of different color butterflies all along the trail :)Tip the dog gives great cuddles and comes along on the trek too!Highly recommend, the horses are loved and well looked after - all in great spirits.

We had a hens weekend horse riding adventure with Sue. Could not recommend it more, we all had a fantastic time and Sue was very accommodating. The horses were very calm and gentle and we had two very beginner riders (haven't ridden before). The food and accommodation is fantastic as well! Thank you for an amazing time Sue.

5 stars, Sue went above and beyond to ensure my granddaughter and i had an amazing experience trail riding on her beautiful property. Cant recommend Sue highly enough, such an experienced horse woman, her horses are wonderfully sound, calm and quiet.Thanks Sue for your hospitality, certainly planning on going backChristine and Amelia

Do yourself a favourGo and stay here and enjoy the genuine experience of farm stay with the best host you could ever want. Sue will go above and beyond to ensure you are truly looked after like a family . She doesn’t treat you like a guest but her own familyThe warmth , the genuine warmth and love was all there .I couldn’t have asked for a better break with my wife, 2 kids and little puppyThe horses are stunning , huge and well trained . The camping wads awesome , the food was homely and always plenty .I didn’t know how warm and loving Sue was . Next time I’ll take a bottle of red wine for Sue . You all need to do the same . Perfect holiday for your kids and family