Murchessons Horseback Wine and Dine Tours helps rescue horse recovery and rehabilitation

Murchessons Horseback Wine and Dine Tours was established by local workmates Kim Murdock and Steve Hutchesson as a way to help fund their "passion project" - the recovery and rehabilitation of rescue horses.

Murchessons is the Hunter Valley's first tour operator to combine horseback riding with the traditional cellar door experience.

It is based out of Hanging Tree Vineyard, where Ms Murdock and Mr Hutchesson have worked for the past few years, and utilises existing horse facilities from a previous business that had operated at the property.

Murchessons have rescued 20 horses and ponies, with organisations like Horse Welfare reaching out to them during busy periods.

They keep the horses that are suitable as trail riders or guide horses, and help to find "forever homes" for those that cannot be kept by the business.

Their trail ride tours started in April this year, after about 12 months of planning and training.

All proceeds from their trail rides currently goes into rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming horses and ponies. Rehabilitation can take a minimum of eight months and can cost up to $3500 (excluding vet bills and treatment costs), and more than $5000 for horses with more severe health issues.

Ms Murdock said the idea was amusing at first, then came to reality.

"We've had a lot of success with our rescue horses and wanted to do more - save more horses - but there's no getting around the fact that they are costly animals to maintain," she said.

"That's when Steve and I came up with the idea to do wine tours on horseback. No one else was doing it and we realised we could fund the horses by doing these trail rides.

"At first it was a bit of a joke, but then it just made sense.

"The trails give us training goals and the horses enjoy getting out for a ride. We use all the tour proceeds to maintain the horses and pay their agistment and insurance."

Months of time, care and training is put in to prepare the horses for the trail rides.

"We take it slow, using natural horsemanship to build trust and get to know the animal," Ms Murdock said.

"It can be months before we even put a saddle on the horse. They'll then do the trail with experienced riders for at least six months to make sure they are suitable.

"It takes a lot of patience, time and love to build a bond with a horse that has been neglected or mistreated, but horses are forgiving by nature. They want to be friends and feel safe.

"Our horses are extra special because they're being given a second chance at life."

Ms Murdock and Mr Hutchesson have more than 30 years of wine industry knowledge and experience, and have partnered with Hanging Tree Wines, Wynwood Estate and voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley for a range of tours, with beginners welcome.

Find out more at murchessons.com.au.