Kerewong Horse Farm History

The 60 acre property, "Kerewong" was selected in 2001 as the ideal location for a horse tourism business. With picturesque views over rolling hills, valleys, pastures and mountains, Kerewong is in Lorne, Port Macquarie hinterland region on the Mid North Coast of NSW, Australia.

For over 20 years Kerewong has been home to Southern Cross Horse Treks, which offered multi-day horse riding holidays for experienced and advanced horse riders. This small, owner-operated business gained many repeat visitors and an International reputation as "the" place to ride in Australia for those who loved fast-paced riding on spirited horses.

The initial herd of fit, forward-moving, and endurance-trained Arabian horses were the much-loved heroes. When the initial herd retired, second and third generations of Arabian newcomers were added to the team. The Australian Brumbies arrived in 2019.

Kerewong Horse Farm Today

In 2023, it was decided that the business model needed a shift to provide more diverse experiences for horse-loving guests while maintaining the tradition of offering unique horse holiday adventures.

Kerewong Horse Farm programs are interactive, educational and relaxing.

Horsemanship Retreat Programs with the Kerewong horse herd, offer an opportunity to increase knowledge about horses, natural horse behaviour, communication and connection.

Horse owners can now bring their own horse for a relaxing BYO Horse Holiday experience. 

The very popular Country & Coast Horse Trekking adventure tour has been retained providing experienced horse riders a week long all-inclusive holiday package with 5 riding days and 6 nights accommodation. 

Kerewong Horse Farm supports local businesses, sponsors local horse events, hosts clinics and is well-networked with the local farming community as well as the Australian National & International horse world.

Kerewong Horse Farm occasionally takes on volunteers, helpers and backpackers on a Work & Travel visa to help around the farm with everyday tasks. 

About Your Host - Kathy Holtrust

Kathy offers warm and friendly hospitality with an Australian / European flair. She is fluent in English, Dutch and German, and knows some basic French.

Kathy was born in The Netherlands and horses have always been a big part of her life. She started with riding school ponies as a child, competed with her own horse in equestrian events as a teenager, and worked with horses during her travels as a young adult. Having migrated to Australia in 2000 she opened her business, Southern Cross Horse Treks in 2004 with her herd of Australian pure-bred Arabian horses.

An expert horse-person and equestrian, Kathy loves the training and social aspects of Endurance Riding and other appropriate events and experiences.

Kathy is always evolving her understanding of horses and horsemanship through daily interaction, attending clinics, lessons, extensive research and staying abreast of current horsemanship topics and equestrian topics.

 >> Read about Kerewong's Philosophy and Ethics here. 

Photography Credits

While most of the photography seen on this website and social media is produced by Kathy, a special thanks goes to the guests of Kerewong Horse Farm, who share photos of their trip and give consent for photos to be used in marketing.

Professional copyright photography used on this website, is reused with permission. My eternal gratitude goes to the following outstanding, gifted and passionate photographers:

Katie Kaizer Photography, Wedding and Portrait Photographer, Nantucket Island, USA

Elsa Marchenay Equine Photography, NSW Australia

Jo Lyons Photography, Great Lakes NSW Dog Photographer, Wootton, Australia

Jo Arblaser, Animal Focus, NSW Australia 

Ellen Keidge, Still Free Photography, Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia