After a triple whammy of drought, fires, and now COVID-19, for one family it's now time to get back in the saddle.
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Tamworth and Kootingal Horse Riding Adventures have seen it all the past few years, yet their love of bringing the outdoors to those looking for an escape as never abated.
"We were one week away from running out of water and having to sell some cattle before it rained," Christine Ogilvie explained.
"We were lucky then, but then the coronavirus came and we couldn't take out groups. It was definitely one thing after another."
It's taken it's toll, both mentally and financially.
Yet while praising the government for it's flexible removal of restrictions this week, owner Jason Newman says they have no idea where to get permission to reopen.
"We've gone to Destination NSW who referred us to another organisation and then another one, and we are still no closer to finding out if we can start up again," he explained.
Yet once they do get the all-clear, they are back to taking those looking for a break from the real world, cityites, as well as a few high-profile guests back on the tracks.
They've met personalities like the sound crew from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, a female body guard to the Prime Minister, and captain of the West Tigers Moses Mbye.
"The most bizarre question we had, was how do the calves know where to go to get their mother's milk," Mr Newman chuckled.
"We were even asked if we took the cattle into our home when they were giving birth, they just really got an insight into how things were done out here."
But she said she had no idea how bad it [the drought] was, she said she took her hat off to us. That really struck a chord.
- Christine Ogilvie
The realities of country life, with no bells or whistles attached, taking tours during the drought proved a real eye-opener for many. They are looking forward to an influx of people on the trails after being house-bound.
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"I got chatting to a police officer from the city once," Christine remembered.
"She had seen some terrifying things in her life.
"But she said she had no idea how bad it [the drought] was, she said she took her hat off to us. That really struck a chord."
Jason started up the trail rides in 2015 at his 1400 acre property Swamp Oak Station in Mulla Creek.
Both he and Christine are horse-riding champions with long histories working in the equine industry.
Head to their website or Facebook page for updates on their return.
