Graham was born and raised on a small family dairy farm in Edi and among locals is almost the 'Don' of the King Valley holding extensive knowledge of many bridle trails and tracks throughout the valley. After completing school he made a living by breaking in horses and running cattle in the surrounding area so this helped him gain such a knowledge of the area.
Anne-Maree was born on their current farm in Oxley. Anne-Maree's family were one of the original settlers on the King River and the last of the original settlers to retain their holdings. Many of the original settlers have since sold and moved on. However Anne-Maree and her family continue the tradition of farming the 1,200 odd acres at the 'home block'. In addition to this 1,200 acres, Graham & Anne-Maree have many other lease properties scattered throughout the North East including the magnificent King Valley.
A community focused family, the Forge's have been integral to the development and ongoing success of the Edi Upper School Ride which raises funds for the small primary school by hosting an annual ride in the King Valley.
A traditional horse and cattle family, the Forge's are actively involved in the Mountain Cattleman's Association. Anne-Maree as a child used to ride from home to the Cattleman's events and 30 years on, continues to be involved.
A strong believer in the traditional methods, though recognising the importance of technology and innovation, the Forge Family use horses as their primary tool for working their cattle. With over a dozen horses on the home block at any time, and over 1000 cattle- mustering on horseback over a weekend to check, tag or move cattle is a regular occurrence.
Checking, marking and mustering cattle throughout the sub-alpine areas of the Rose River and King Valley is almost a daily occurrence and the Forge's see great opportunity in using this as a point of difference for visitors to the region wishing to get back to nature, breathe the fresh mountain air and go on a riding experience like no other.
With such rich heritage and intimate knowledge of the valley, the Forge's feel this is just another way they can share their passion and open the region up to visitors in a way that sets them apart from the average trail ride. The upcoming Heritage Cattle Drive is an extension on this and with time they hope to be able to offer these shorter half day - full day cattle mustering experiences also.
Anne-Maree was born on their current farm in Oxley. Anne-Maree's family were one of the original settlers on the King River and the last of the original settlers to retain their holdings. Many of the original settlers have since sold and moved on. However Anne-Maree and her family continue the tradition of farming the 1,200 odd acres at the 'home block'. In addition to this 1,200 acres, Graham & Anne-Maree have many other lease properties scattered throughout the North East including the magnificent King Valley.
A community focused family, the Forge's have been integral to the development and ongoing success of the Edi Upper School Ride which raises funds for the small primary school by hosting an annual ride in the King Valley.
A traditional horse and cattle family, the Forge's are actively involved in the Mountain Cattleman's Association. Anne-Maree as a child used to ride from home to the Cattleman's events and 30 years on, continues to be involved.
A strong believer in the traditional methods, though recognising the importance of technology and innovation, the Forge Family use horses as their primary tool for working their cattle. With over a dozen horses on the home block at any time, and over 1000 cattle- mustering on horseback over a weekend to check, tag or move cattle is a regular occurrence.
Checking, marking and mustering cattle throughout the sub-alpine areas of the Rose River and King Valley is almost a daily occurrence and the Forge's see great opportunity in using this as a point of difference for visitors to the region wishing to get back to nature, breathe the fresh mountain air and go on a riding experience like no other.
With such rich heritage and intimate knowledge of the valley, the Forge's feel this is just another way they can share their passion and open the region up to visitors in a way that sets them apart from the average trail ride. The upcoming Heritage Cattle Drive is an extension on this and with time they hope to be able to offer these shorter half day - full day cattle mustering experiences also.