Where do I start my child?
Depending on the age and ambitions of your child, there are multiple places to start. For kids under 6 who have never ridden we suggest you start with a pony hire. This is a non stress, confidence boosting way for any child to start off their riding. For children looking for more than the Pony Hire, the Half Hour Private Lesson is great place to start. Private lessons are more intensive and aimed at developing a range of skills including, confidence, balance, understanding and control of the horse.
From here there a number of options including 1 Hour Private Lessons, Group Lessons and the ever popular Junior Riding Club (JRC). 1 Hour Private Lessons are perfect for any child looking to progress quickly. The one - on - one tuition lets the coach and rider to establish long term goals not matter how ambitious! Group lessons are the best way to have a fun filled lesson and make friends along the way. Groups are kept small and with kids of similar age and ability. Groups vary from basic level through to teenagers aiming for competition. JRC is a structured program running on Saturday and Sundays. Each session runs for 2 hours and includes a 1 hour group lesson and a 1 hour theory session. Further information about JRC can be found on the Junior Riding Club page located on the main menu. If you are still unsure of where to start your child, feel free to call the office on (02) 9360 - 7521
What level is my child?
Please remember these descriptions are guidelines only, we do ask that you discuss your level of riding and which group would benefit you most with your coach or our staff.
Beginner Riders:
Beginner riders are people who have never ridden before through to those who have ridden a couple of times but have not yet mastered independent rising trot and steering at the same time.
Recommended lessons best suited to the Beginner rider:
Half Hour Private Lesson, 1 Hour Private lesson and School Holiday Programs.
Intermediate Riders:
Having gained complete control over the horse whilst rising to the trot, intermediate riders will be learning to master the canter and the 2 point seat. It is expected that intermediate riders are both competent and happy to tackle a variety of horses, even the slightly more stubborn ones!
Recommended lessons best suited to the Intermediate rider:
1 Hour Private Lesson, Group Lesson, School Holiday Programs and Junior Riding Club
Advanced Riders:
Advanced riders should be starting to work on some of the more complicated obstacles of riding such as jumping, lateral work and have an understanding of the mechanics of riding. It is expected that advanced riders be highly competent on all the riding school horses and may also be on the road to individual horse ownership!
Recommended lessons best suited to the Advanced rider:
1 Hour Private Lesson, Group Lesson, School Holiday Programs and Junior Riding Club
Can my child with special needs ride?
At Eastside we can cater for most children no matter what their needs may be. We have a number of children with special needs that have gone on to ride regularly and very successfully. Horse riding has been shown to be an excellent way to develop balance, posture, strength, co-ordination, confidence and a real bond with both horse and coach.
We have listened to parents frequently asked questions. Here you will find information that you may find helpful in deciding what is best your child’s riding needs. If you can not find the information your looking for, feel free to browse the website or call us on (02) 9360 - 7521
