The High Plains Muster: A Week Working Horses in the Alpine

The Tradition

Alpine grazing on the Victorian High Plains dates to the 1830s. Cattle were walked up to summer alpine pastures above the snowline from November and mustered back in autumn before the first snow. Most of this is now history — alpine grazing was progressively phased out of national park land — but some private freehold holdings and a small number of leased areas still run traditional musters. For those who prefer exploring this magnificent [alpine country on foot](https://wildrangelife.com/blog/bogong-high-plains-alpine-walk-four-days), the high plains offer equally rewarding experiences through walking tracks and huts.

What the Work Looks Like

Days start at 5:30am to feed and saddle horses. By 7am you are moving through country that drops and rises 400 vertical metres in a single morning's work. The alpine ash and snowgum scrub is dense — cattle hide in it effectively and finding them requires patience, noise, and dogs. This [traditional high country riding](https://wildrangelife.com/blog/high-country-horseback-ride-victoria-alpine) requires skills passed down through generations of mountain horsemen.

Lunch is eaten in the saddle or at a brief halt. Afternoons are dictated by the cattle and the weather — both unpredictable above 1400 metres in March.

The Gear

Horsemanship aside, the practical gear requirements are simple: a waterproof outer layer that can handle alpine weather changes without restricting movement, leather riding boots with a defined heel, and a hat that will not blow off at a canter. Browse our outerwear range and footwear — both suitable for horseback work in variable conditions.

## Essential Gear Deep Dive When it comes to outerwear for alpine mustering, you need layers that work as hard as you do. The Ridgeline Monsoon Classic Smock ($189-$229) has become the gold standard among Victorian high country riders. Its three-quarter length cut provides excellent coverage while mounted, and the waterproof-breathable fabric handles the sudden weather changes that define alpine work. The storm cuffs seal out driving rain, while the chest pocket keeps essentials dry during river crossings. For base layers, merino wool remains unbeaten in alpine conditions. The Icebreaker 200 Oasis Long Sleeve ($89-$119) regulates temperature whether you're stationary in morning frost or working hard through thick scrub. [Check price on Amazon](AMAZON_LINK) Unlike synthetic alternatives, merino doesn't retain odours—crucial when you're wearing the same clothes for a week straight. Mid-layers like the Macpac Nitro Polartec fleece ($149-$179) provide insulation without bulk, essential when you need full range of motion for rope work. Boot selection can make or break your week. The R.M. Williams Stockyard boots ($495-$595) feature the traditional Cuban heel that prevents your foot sliding through the stirrup—a safety essential when working fractious cattle in rough country. The leather upper moulds to your foot over time, while the composition sole provides grip when you need to dismount quickly on steep terrain. [Check price on Amazon](AMAZON_LINK) For those preferring lace-ups, the Baxter Drover boots ($389-$449) offer similar heel geometry with added ankle support for rough walking. ## Weather and Terrain Challenges March weather in the alpine can shift from 25°C sunshine to 5°C sleet within an hour. The 2019 muster at Cobungra saw riders experience all four seasons in a single afternoon—starting in shirt sleeves and ending in full waterproofs as an unexpected cold front rolled through from the south. This variability demands gear systems rather than single-solution clothing. The terrain itself tells the story of why specific equipment matters. Alpine ash regeneration after the 2003 fires created dense thickets 3-4 metres high—perfect cattle hiding spots but murder on gear. Riders regularly push through scrub so thick you can't see your horse's ears, where thorns and broken branches test every stitch and seam. The Tough Duck Canvas Work Jacket ($129-$159) has proven exceptional in these conditions, with reinforced shoulders and arms that shrug off constant brush contact. Navigation becomes critical when visibility drops to metres in typical alpine fog. The Garmin eTrex 32x GPS unit ($329-$389) has become standard kit for lead riders, providing reliable position data even under thick canopy. [Check price on Amazon](AMAZON_LINK) Unlike phone-based navigation, dedicated GPS units maintain battery life for days and handle the temperature extremes common at altitude. Many experienced musterers also carry traditional Silva compasses as backup—technology fails, but basic navigation skills never do. ## Horse and Rider Dynamics The relationship between horse and rider takes on different dimensions when working alpine country. Horses bred for this work—typically Australian Stock Horse crosses—possess an innate ability to read cattle movement and terrain that technology cannot replicate. However, they require riders who understand their capabilities and limitations in extreme terrain. Working horses at altitude demands constant attention to their condition. The thinner air affects horses as much as humans, requiring more frequent rest stops and careful monitoring for signs of distress. Experienced alpine riders carry electrolyte supplements like Ranvet Electrolyte Powder ($45-$65 per 5kg) to maintain horse performance during long days. The best musterers can read their horse's breathing and gait to determine when pushing forward versus when prudent retreat is required—skills often learned through years of [working station life](https://wildrangelife.com/blog/working-sheep-station-farm-life-outback) where livestock management becomes second nature. Saddle selection becomes crucial for all-day comfort and horse welfare. The Colin Dangaard Alpine Stock Saddle ($2,200-$2,800) represents the evolution of traditional Australian design for this specific work. Its deep seat and high pommel provide security during steep ascents, while the broad bearing surface distributes weight evenly across the horse's back. [Check price on Amazon](AMAZON_LINK) The attached D-rings accommodate essential gear like water bottles, first aid kits, and spare halters without affecting balance or horse movement. ## Safety and Emergency Preparedness Alpine mustering carries inherent risks that desk-bound adventurers never face. In 202