Rainbow Beach Horse Rides owner Andrew McCarthy has announced closure

The owner of one of the region’s most iconic businesses - Rainbow Beach Horse Rides - has reflected on some favourite memories of the past 12 years now that he has made the decision to shut up shop.

Andrew McCarthy, the owner of Rainbow Beach Horse Rides, thanks the community.

Rainbow Beach Horse Rides owner Andrew McCarthy has announced that the award-winning tourism staple will close later this year.

The company, which offers horse rides on the sand, in the ocean, underneath the full moon and along the countryside, will take its last ride in October.

Mr McCarthy, a Kia Ora man who grew up around horses and has been “riding forever”, has thanked the community and guests for their ongoing support.

“We’ve been really fortunate to have a lovely beach and to be able to share it,” he said about Rainbow Beach, voted third most colourful beach in the world and fifth most incredible.

He attributes the company’s success to top-notch horses, saddles and safety practices. Guests ride $30,000-$50,000 horses and are seated in $5000 saddles.

“No one else in the trail ride industry in the world has better horses or saddles,” he said.

Andrew McCarthy guides his guests on a Rainbow Beach ride.

He shared some of his favourite memories across the 12 years of operations, including facilitating more than 40 marriage proposals and being told by clients “you’ve changed my life”.

He added that he had taught several Hollywood A-listers, and the business had appeared in a Korean documentary and a French television show.

It also provided horses for Zoe Kratzmann’s beach photoshoot promoting their Spring/Summer 2023 collection, and won the Gympie Chamber of Commerce Tourism Award three years in a row, as well as the New Business Award.

Mr McCarthy has more than 20 horses, most of which he will sell once his business closes.

“I owe those horses a lot,” he said, commenting on how he was looking for the right candidate.

Anyone interested in buying one of his horses can contact [e-mail].

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