Hello and welcome to Richmond Valley Riding School, Est. 1994. We are the only riding school situated in HISTORIC RICHMOND, Tasmania, Australia. We SPECIALIZE in teaching BEGINNERS to RIDE, CARE and later TRAIN horses/ponies with evidence based learning procedures. In the best interest of horse welfare and safety of our riders we have a maximum rider weight limit, including clothing and boots etc of approx 80kg. Ages from 8 years to adult.
Lessons by appointment only due W.H.& S. Please phone 7 days a week 0418 602 672 between 11am and 7.30pm for inquiries and or to book a session. If we are unable to answer we will call you back.
Please note: We are not a trail riding centre for one off or casual trail rides, but we do offer one-off or casual Introductory + lessons (includes riding) for those wanting to give horse riding a try or to help prepare potential riders who are thinking about going on a trail ride somewhere while on holidays or elsewhere as Horse Riding is a HIGH RISK SPORT.
Our Motto: SAFETY while enjoying EQUINE FUN-FRIENDS-FITNESS sharing a common interest! Good management over “good luck” every day!!!
First time riders, from 8 years of age to adult, nervous riders, N.D.I.S. self managed child riders (non-ridden assessments required first), students enrolled in equine courses, young or just “young hearted” we have a qualified/certified instructor to assist toward your horsing goals.We offer:- casual, weekly, fortnightly or 4 weekly LESSONS. Private 60 minutes $110. Shared options can be discussed. (1 pony)One off 75 minute Pony Pat, Play & Lead-ride introductory experience, includes approx 15 minute induction 1 rider $110 sharing with a friend $120
BOOKINGS BY PHONE ONLY to discuss necessary details. P: 0418 602 672 11am – 7.30pm seven days a week, if we are unable to answer we will call you back.
Practical hands on and theory ensure that you as a dedicated student can become skilled and proficient in horse care, riding and training. We run our own ”In House” early learning programs in both horse care studies and riding skills.
On average we are home to only 10 much loved, trained, experienced school horses/ponies, so as to be able to regularly care for our horse’s hoof trimming, worming, dental requirements and tune ups by qualified coaches and not over stock our 30 acre property all in the interest of animal welfare/health and the safety of our riders.
All our ponies and horses have their own grooming kit, child and or adult size saddle with toe stoppers (to prevent the potential of you the learner rider having feet become caught in the stirrups), saddle blanket, bridle, neck strap,(for more security) halter and rope, a variety of pyjamas (horse rugs) and their own purpose- built yard or stable to allow appropriate interaction, (avoiding situations where you or your family may get kicked if required to walk behind horses). All other times our horses live out in varying fields to be able to interact with each other as a natural herd. Our horses vary in size, breed and temperament to cater for the differing ages & experience of you the rider. We DO NOT USE off the Track (OTT) thoroughbred/standardbred race-horses to teach children or beginners to ride.
DRESSAGE SHOWING BASIC-JUMPING TECHNIQUE GROUND-WORK GAMES HORSE MANAGEMENT COACH TRAINING FLOAT SELF LOADING and MORE, can all be learnt here. We understand that each of you have individual needs, and goals within the equestrian discipline, the aim of our school is to offer individual care and consideration with a commitment to help each of you aim toward your full potential. We strive to offer you flexible options using developed lesson plans and services in private and shared situations to encompass your needs in a fun, educational and safe environment, always taking into account that horse riding is a high risk sport with inherent risk.
EXERCISE: You know it is important to undertake thirty minutes of exercise daily, however it can become difficult to find varied exercise to ensure you stay motivated. Horse riding helps DEVELOP your MUSCLES, CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS and BALANCE including co-ordination of fine & gross MOTOR SKILLS.
Looking after horses involves lots of time, understanding, patience and commitment. We believe horse management sessions are every bit as important in learning how to care for horses safely and correctly as is learning how to ride and train, all for the ultimate purpose of further enjoyment and safer fun at whatever level.
HORSE MANAGEMENT: When the Tasmanian weather is not so kind to us and the conditions are not so suitable for riding it is often a wonderful opportunity to participate undercover in the stables or indoor study area, learning how to develop harmony with horses while learning how to care for them.
Practical & theoretical horsemanship include subjects such as:- Approach, safely fit a halter, catching, leading, securing, grooming, saddling, bridling, other equipment, booting, bandages, feeding, rugging, equine first aid, to name but a few.
PONY PAT, PLAY & LEAD-RIDE is a very popular activity for youngsters and for those slightly older or less confident about riding to still have the opportunity for hands on fun with a pony. We have little ponies and little gear specifically for little riders where required. For safety (We DO NOT put little riders on big horses and tuck their feet into stirrup leathers because their legs are “not long enough to reach adult size stirrups”. HOME/E:SCHOOL students can also enjoy mid- week lessons.
- GIFT VOUCHERS for BIRTHDAYS, CHRISTMAS or SPECIAL OCCASION
Find us: by appointment only, approx:- 3 minutes from HISTORIC RICHMOND, in the beautiful COAL RIVER VALLEY WINE REGION at 100 Richmond Valley Road, RICHMOND TASMANIA 7025
- 25 minutes from Hobart
- 20 minutes from Glenorchy, Bellerive, Mornington, Lindisfarne, Brighton etc.
- 15 minutes from Hobart Int Airport, Cambridge, Midway Point or Sorell
Important Information: Horse riding is classed as a HIGH RISK SPORT, so regardless of where you or your children participate with equine lessons BE AWARE the industry is UN-REGULATED which means ANYONE, qualified or NOT, insured or NOT, with a first aid certificate or NOT , can open/operate a riding school or give lessons. YOU WOULD NOT CONSIDER HAVING SCUBA DIVING LESSONS WITH A NON CERTIFIED DIVING INSTRUCTOR, WHY WOULD YOU SEND YOURSELF OR YOUR CHILDREN TO A NON CERTIFIED RIDING INSTRUCTOR!!!????? FOR SAFETY SAKE, THINK TWICE check credentials (fancy facilities & or signing a waiver does not mean your instructor is insured, qualified experienced or even first aid trained.) Saddles and helmets come in tiny to very large sizes to suit 3 year olds or 44 year olds etc, Is the helmet your using current Australian standard or equivalent, less than 5 years from date of manufacture and fitsproperly without falling over your eye brows or peak pointing up to the sky when given a shake. Sneakers are dangerous to ride in as feet can get caught in stirrups without a heel to help prevent this happening. Are you learning on a young green or unknown just rescued or just off the track (OTT) ex racehorse, usually only suitable for experienced riders? Ask why!!!
We know your time is valuable, so thank you for using your time to look at our website, we hope it has been of assistance 