Pony & Horse riding school
What We Do
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn with Diverse Skill Sets
We can encourage and empower you to improve your confidence as well as life skills through understanding the way The Horse thinks. Building a partnership the natural way, you will learn how to work with them rather than dominating them by force. Natural Horsemanship enables you to develop a relationship that is mutually beneficial with endless rewards for both horse and human while keeping yourself safe!!!
Check Out What We Do…
Be involved in pre and post care of the horse/pony. This may include catching, grooming, saddling, feeding as well as putting them back in the paddock.
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The objective is to ensure that the rider is confident and safe to prevent injuries to both The Horse and the rider. We do this by using the lead rope, halter, various parts of their bodies such as mane, tail, a leg, and through the trusting relationship which will develop over time at ABNH.
All of the lessons include an element of groundwork or ground games. The goal is to build a confident, connected, listening, learning horse and rider.
Here is Lucky and his rider playing with an umbrella whilst standing next to a tarpauline.
After the ground games we explore the ridden elements learning to use our body language without the need to rely on our reins or legs. Basics include start, stop, reverse/back up and turning.
We continue to build the confidence of the rider through practising the basics, ensuring confident riding position in preparation for rising trot (posting). Continuing our partnership philosophy, we endeavour to emphasise these skills through games and connection.
The main goal is to continue to work on the balance point whilst the animal is moving at walk, trot and canter; only progressing to the next level when the rider is comfortable. There are opportunity’s to ride bareback and to learn the skill of jumping.
We continue to build on the previous levels in jumping and start to incorporate dressage movements. There are opportunities to use a bridle if the skill of the rider demonstrates soft hands and respects the horse's mouth. There is also the opportunity to take part in local competitions and events as the rider grows their skill and confidence.
This is the ultimate test of relationship between horse and human on the ground and on their backs. We take the partnership to the next level by trust, respect and, importantly, using less equipment to connect with the horse.
An option we provide is to participate in road rides around the local area, once the introductory lesson has been completed. This is a chance for riders to improve their skills and practice riding in a more open environment.
We provide lessons for all abilities from those who have never been near a horse/pony, are scared or have had a bad experience with these animals right through to experienced riders. We offer both group and individual lessons. Our groups have a miminum of 2 participants and a maximum of 5 so we can provide the best teaching possible. The minimum age we recommend for lessons is 5 years old.
For more information click on The Options page.
We give people the option to deepen their connection and partnership by offering sponsorship with their favourite four legged friend. It gives people the sense of owning their own horse/pony but without the full responsibilty of ownership and the day to day care.
For more information click on The Options page.
We can provide school holiday programmes for those who want to learn all about horse care, ground work and riding. The participant will be involved in the catching, grooming and saddling of the horse/pony as well as the after care once the session has been completed. If staying for a full day there is the opportunity to feed them and put them to bed. The morning session includes a lesson in Natural Horsemanship in an enclosed area and in the afternoon we will play gymkhana type games finishing off the with a short road ride.
We offer half day, full day, one and a half and 2 day programmes.
For more experienced riders who ride with us regularly there is the opportunity to go on outings to venues such as the beach, forest, port hills and local pony club grounds where we can use their show/cross country jumps.
For more information click on The Options page or the events page for the next available dates.
We can provide lead rides for those not wanting to do a full lesson but just get the feel of being higher off the ground and/or on a moving animal. These are up to 30 minutes in length and designed for participants of any age.
We offer opportunities to attend Natural Horsemanship clinics to further your education and skills. These are run by accredited Parelli trainers at our base. Through these trainers we also offer NH certificates (extra costs apply).
Contact us for further details.
