Maraylya, Maroota, Windsor, Richmond, Camden, Picton are all good horse land but well ouside an hour of the CBD, Dural as you mentioned is bordering on Castle Hill/Cherrybrook but really is an industrial/retail park. Most of the horse land is just a bit further out to Glenorie and Arcadia and at best is at least an hour from the CBD.

Rouse Hill maybe?

St Ives/Terrey Hills, where I live has horses and riding schools. It is 45 mins roughly to drive to the CBD, tho I usually drive to Gordon (12mins) and catch the train (35mins). St Ives showground has gymkhanas and events regularly, and properties in Terrey Hillls have acreage. However, it is not a cheap area to live.

And in rush hour?

Easier to take the short drive and train as previous poster stated - I have still made the city in a car in 40 mins depending on what time I leave in the morning. There is also a direct bus from St Ives and the surounding areas which can get you in in 45 mins if you are on the 7.30 one. Mind you one snarl up train or road and you are in for a long wait bu I find the commute 90 percent of the time easy enough.

It is not so much the commute into the city with a car as the parking costs etc when you get there!

Look at places such as Ingleside a bit further out and some of the property into Frenchs Forest - keep an open mind on where you live and you could be close to some prime livery areas

Sorry I'm Late.