Four Oaks Farm Littlehampton review | SA’s Great Travel Planner

The gentle clop of the horses is the only sound as we leave Four Oaks and head into the surrounding countryside.

THE allure of horse riding has always eluded me somewhat.

Put it down to a lack of exposure.

If I have ever sat on a horse I can’t remember it. Camel? Yes. Horse? No.

Still, as a parent, you do get to try a few different things from time to time. Our daughter had expressed some interest in going for a ride, but as a non-horsey family we weren’t too sure where to start.

Happily, a little internet searching brought us to a place called Four Oaks Farm, just up the freeway at Littlehampton. It advertises trail rides, pony parties, farm visits and riding lessons.

So one Saturday morning we headed off, with an excited daughter and a more reluctant son. For my part, I was quite happy after being informed I wouldn’t need to jump on a horse but could walk alongside.

It’s easy to fall in love with Four Oaks the moment you turn off the dirt road and bump down the driveway into the parking spot. The farm is nestled in a small valley below and a variety of animals are immediately apparent.

Apart from the expected horses there are chickens, ducks, geese, emus, sheep, alpacas and peacocks.

The two horses we have booked are waiting patiently. Our guide today is Sue Vivian, who has been hosting pony parties and taking trail rides here for more than 20 years. She also has some help, as every rider has an individual guide to lead the horse.

Firstly, the two kids are fitted with riding helmets, then they are asked to help make sure the horse is ready for the ride and help fit the saddle and the bit. The horses look large compared to the kids but the calm, no-fuss demeanour of Sue settles any parental nerves.

Caring for the horses is part of the fun at Four Oaks Farm.

After all the preparations we set off at a comfortable walking pace.

The gentle clop of the horses is the only sound as we leave Four Oaks and head into the surrounding countryside.

We are going to be on the move for about an hour so comfortable and sturdy walking shoes are advisable. It’s not a requirement that parents accompany their children but if you don’t you are missing out on a lovely chance for a walk through the Hills.

There are three horses in our group today. They walk single file along a combination of trails and dirt roads on a large 6km loop around the farm.

Ruby is delighted by the whole experience, an expression of pure joy on her face as she concentrates hard on the task at hand. The initially reluctant Tom is also starting to relax a little, so much so that by the end of the ride he will admit to “quite’’ enjoying it.

While the kids are getting used to their elevated world view, the parents are enjoying the scenery. Sometimes we walk alongside the horses, at other times we hang back. Sue is also an excellent tour guide.

She points out local landmarks, explains the odd sight of a helicopter sitting in someone’s back yard, explains the geography and points out rare plants, such as Isopogon ceratophyllus, that were around in the time of the dinosaurs.

We see kangaroos hop away at our approach. We enjoy the long views across the valley to Mt Barker summit and Mt Lofty. It’s not a difficult walk but there are some moderately steep hills that take away the breath a little more than they should.

At the end of the hour we arrive back at Four Oaks. The kids are involved to the very end. They help undo the saddles and then give the horses a careful brushing down. Finally they say a somewhat sad goodbye.

Reviews are unannounced and paid for by SAWeekend.

This review was first published in May 2016 and had details updated in March 2021.

• Downing Rd, Littlehampton
• 8388 6361
• fouroaksfarm.com.au

• LOCATION 30 minutes up the freeway. Take the Mt Barker exit and head for Littlehampton.
• ACTIVITIES trail rides, pony parties Plus riding and horse therapy sessions for children with autism, through the group Absolutely Autsome and riding for adults with autism.
• PRICES Trail rides are $95.00 for 6km/1 hour for adults and children. Pony parties start at $550.00 for 2 hours for 10 children or $720.00 for 3 hours with a minimum of 16 children.