AFTER a long two-year wait, long-time Noosa local and horse lover Patrick Lloyd has finally realised a dream.
From the start of this month, Patrick can offer horse riding on Noosa North Shore.
Patrick has lived in Noosa since he was 5 years old and has always had a love for the ocean and horses. Here’s a chance to combine his two passions in a dream come true for the father of two.
“I love horses and I love Noosa, to be able to bring the two together in such a way has really been something,” he said.
“Messing about with horses is my absolute favourite thing to do. They are the most amazing creatures.”
It’s been a testing two-year journey for Patrick to get permission to operate his horse riding business, Noosa Horses, on the beach, as only three permits are allowed at any time.
However, Patrick has managed to secure a sub-contracting role from one of the permit holders.
“You keep telling yourself you’ll get it done, but until you actually do, it’s just not the same,” he said.
Patrick said he still faced a battle with council and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services to find a place to set down the horses that would be more user friendly. However, he said in the meantime a North Shore local was helping him out with a place to set-up the tours.
“I’ve been running trail rides out of Ringtail State Forest for over 18 months now, but people always ask me if I do beach rides, too,” he said.
“It’s great to say I can now offer beach rides.”
Patrick offers intimate two-person rides along the Noosa North Shore and said he enjoyed showing visitors the beautiful Noosa beach he grew up on.
As well as horse rides, Patrick also has three ponies and can offer pony rides for children.
