Lazy Acres Farm started offering pony rides last year, but it's only been in the current school holidays they've really been able to get the word out.

Emilia Gladstone and her family took on the property close to the centre of town five years ago.

"We've had the business going for about a year, but with fires and the virus, it was really difficult for everybody," she said.

"It was a really excellent activity for us, because we could stay at home.

"I also saw there were not many school holiday things around Stanley, apart from the berry picking which is really awesome - but this is another outdoor option.

"It's very family-orientated, and we've got other animals at the farm like alpaca and sheep the kids can come and feed.

"We did see a few locals during the last school holidays, but now it's much better now with restrictions pretty much lifted, at least outside."

Ms Gladstone said despite the pony rides taking place outdoors, there were still multiple COVID-19 precautions to abide by and contact was being kept to a minimum.

"We've got plenty of hand-washing, and only one family group per hour booked in," she said.

"Fifteen-minute rides are what most people have been doing, and we're making sure not to cross over and to sanitise all the equipment.

"We're moving to adult riding lessons as well, and in the future, I'm hoping to get applications accepted to go for rides in the national park."

The teacher-by-trade said many visitors to the Beechworth area had spoken of stage-four lockdowns and their relief to get away.

"It's been a mix of locals and people who regularly holiday in the area, staying in local accommodation," she said.

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"Some people have been stuck in a city apartment, which just seems unthinkable when you come up to our property.

"It's lovely, because people have been about to get out in nature."

For more information and to book a pony ride, find the Lazy Acres Farm page on Facebook.