You know what? After years of riding through Tasmania’s bush… I still get that little thrill every single time I spot something moving in the scrub. And trust me, when you’re out on one of those bush rides at Horse Riding Tasmania, you’re gonna see some stuff that’ll make your day.
## **The Usual Suspects**
Okay so wallabies are basically everywhere. Like, EVERYWHERE. First time riders always get so excited when they see their first one bouncing across the trail… meanwhile us regulars are like “oh hey, another one.” But honestly? Still makes me smile every time. They’re usually pretty chill about horses too – they’ll stop, look at you for a sec, then just hop away into the bush.
Possums though… different story. You probably won’t see these fuzzy guys during your daytime rides (they’re night owls) but sometimes if you’re out late afternoon, you might catch one waking up in a tree hollow. Had one literally drop out of a tree right in front of my horse once. Let’s just say that was… interesting.
## **The Spiky Little Legends**
Echidnas! Oh man, echidnas are the best. These walking pincushions are like nature’s little tanks, just trundling along doing their thing. When they hear horses coming they usually just freeze up or start digging themselves into the ground. Super weird to watch but also kinda adorable? In their own spiky way.
Pro tip: if your guide stops suddenly and points at what looks like a moving bush… it’s probably an echidna.
## **Eyes in the Sky**
Now this is where it gets epic. **Wedge-tailed eagles**. These birds are MASSIVE. Like, bigger than you think massive. Wingspan can be over 2 meters! When one of these beauties soars overhead, everyone stops. Even the horses look up.
And if you’re lucky enough to be near the coast on your ride… sea eagles. White-bellied sea eagles to be exact. They’re not as big as the wedgies but man, watching them dive for fish while you’re on horseback? That’s the stuff right there.
## **The Ones That Make You Work For It**
Look, I’m gonna be real with you. Wombats? Super rare to see on rides. They’re around (you’ll see their cube-shaped poop everywhere – yes, cube-shaped, Google it) but they’re shy as. Same with Tassie devils. They’re out there but daytime sightings are like… winning the wildlife lottery.
Snakes… yeah they’re around in summer. But here’s the thing – horses are really good at spotting them before you do. Your horse starts acting weird? Trust it. The guides at Horse Riding Tasmania know their stuff too, they’ll keep you safe.
## **The Weird and Wonderful**
Sometimes you get the random stuff that makes a ride memorable:
– **Blue-tongue lizards** just sunbaking on rocks
– **Sugar gliders** if you’re riding near dusk (rare but SO cool)
– About a million different birds – kookaburras, rosellas, black cockatoos
– **Pademelon** (like mini wallabies, super cute)
– And once… just once… I saw a platypus in a creek we were crossing. Still not sure if it was real or if I imagined it
## **What You’re Basically Guaranteed**
Honestly? Every ride is different. But here’s what you’ll almost definitely see:
– Wallabies (multiple)
– Some kind of eagle or hawk
– Bush birds galore
– Probably an echidna if you’re observant
– Definitely some lizards in summer
## **The Real Magic Though…**
It’s not just about ticking animals off a list. It’s that moment when you’re riding along, maybe chatting with your guide or just enjoying the rhythm of your horse… and suddenly there’s this rustling in the bush. Everyone goes quiet. You’re all watching, waiting…
Could be a wallaby. Could be an echidna. Hell, could be just the wind. But for that moment, you’re completely present. Just you, your horse, and the Tassie bush doing its thing.
That’s the real wildlife encounter right there.
**Ready to see what’s out there?** Book a bush ride and find out. Just remember – bring your camera but also… sometimes it’s better to just watch and enjoy. Your horse won’t judge you for missing the perfect photo op 😉