The Southern Highlands is the perfect place to pursue the equestrian dream, whether you own a horse or not.
The lush green surrounds and rolling hills means we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by plenty of horse properties and riding schools, with established competition grounds and associations to get you in with the right people (and ponies!).
Here’s a list of who’s who, what’s what and where to head in our NEIGHbourhood! Sorry about that…. couldn’t resist.
HORSE RIDING SCHOOLS
Whether you plan on popping in for a fun weekend activity or want to be the next Zara Phillips, it’s best to get in with an accredited riding school who will match you with the right horse and instructor to help you get started on your riding journey.
The Parklands Stables, Alpine
Riding lessons and horse leasing through a membership program just like a gym. They focus on horse welfare and rescue, as well – very cool!
Rosthwaite Farm, Moss Vale
Well known riding schools and camps, horse buying, selling and campaigning, training and competitions run by international show jumper, James Arkins.
Fitzroy Falls Equestrian Centre, Fitzroy Falls
Fun holiday camps, casual agistment and riding lessons.
Shibumi Equestrian Centre, Bundanoon
Agistment, lessons, clinics, fun days and training run by event rider, Kim Leibowitz. Several arenas and a full cross-country course on site.
Lisheen Agistment
A holistic approach to teaching horsemanship and riding for all ages. They also have a horse share program.
You’ll find some more riding schools here too!
AGISTMENT
Agistment comes in many shapes and sizes. From full time care on-site including stabling, feeding, rugging and even training, so you can pop down and ride when it suits you. Or you can simply do it yourself where you hire the paddock,and the rest is up to you.
Hunta Equestrian, Berrima
Bespoke agistment packages with arenas and a cross country course.
Vine Lodge, Exeter
DIY and assisted agistment suited to recreational riders, spelling and retired horses, also offering accommodation.
Lisheen Agistment and Horse Riding, Bundanoon
Offers riding lessons, agistment and horse share if you’d prefer not to have the full responsibility of owning.
HORSE TRAINING // BREAKING-IN
The Highlands has many skilled horsemen and women who can break in a young horse to saddle or take your horse on a training program to help you with specific behavioural issues. Pre-training is specific to thoroughbreds getting ready to race.
Hayden Equestrian, Marulan
Breaking and training with a focus on dressage horses and warmbloods.
Wiepa Lodge, Tallong
Breaking, training, spelling for all breeds and disciplines.
WBF Breaking and Equine Education, Glenquarry
Spelling, breaking and pre-training just on the outskirts of Bowral.
Coney Hatch Performance Horses, Mittagong
Horse training and competing in all Olympic disciplines, plus rider coaching, run by top performing local event riders.
EQUESTRIAN RETAILERS
But first… you’ve got to look the part, right? Totally! Check out these retailers for all your equestrian clothing, equipment and horse needs.
EQ Saddlery
Over 50 years of expertise in the equestrian retail and wholesale industries.
Bowral Saddleworld
Rider clothing and lifestyle items, saddlery, rugs and equine supplements.
Completely Equine, Mittagong
Retail store offering a wide range of international rider clothing brands and saddlery.
Horseland, Moss Vale
Large chain that’s a one-stop shop for all things equine for horse and rider.
HORSE FEED SUPPLIERS
If you’re on a DIY agistment plan or have bought horses for your property, there are rural supplies stores that can help you out with what’s best to feed and care for your horse.
Bowral Co-Op
A one-stop-shop for all stockfeeds, rural supplies and services.
Southern Quality Stockfeeds, Yanderra
Large range of horse and livestock feed mainly in bulk.
HORSE EVENTS
You don’t always have to love horses and also be on the back of one. It’s so beautiful to watch a horse and rider in action over a jump, out on the polo field or doing some horse gymnastics in the dressage arena. And to top it off, that can often be done from a marquee with a glass of bubbles in hand!
Bowral Dressage Club, Kangaloon
Hosts frequent dressage competitions or “sand dancing” at BongBong racecourse.
Bong Bong Picnic Race Club, Kangaloon
Annual country races which are a lot of fun attracting guests from far and wide. The event grows year on year with marquee and hospitality options. It’s members or invited guests only but get in touch to find out more.
Berrima Horse Trials
Eventing venue holding official eventing competitions and clinics which is great for viewing the exciting cross-country rounds.
Wallaby Hill Farm, Robertson
Arguably the most impressive, privately owned equestrian facility in the country, Wallaby Hill Farm hosts international eventing competitions, show jumping days and special clinics, often complete with trade stands and visitor friendly hospitality pop ups.
TRAIL RIDES
Explore the local surroundings from the saddle and take advantage of the national park trails and privately owned properties offering guided rides.
Highlands Equine Trail Adventures
BYO horse to do some forest exploration
Kangaroo Valley Horses
Small group trail rides around gorge Kangaroo Valley
Canyonleigh Trails
Catering to all riders with lots of available dates.
EQUINE VETS
We all need them at some stage and with so many horses in the area, we’re lucky to have some of the best vets on hand.
Bong Bong Veterinary Hospital
Examinations and health checks, vaccinations, microchipping, and other equine treatments with the expert team here.
Southern Highlands Equine Centre, Burradoo
Large equine centre with plenty of renowned experts to help with all horse health and maintenance.
Retford Equine, Mittagong
Smaller scale vet specialising in horses.
Southern Highlands Veterinary Centre, Moss Vale
Offer horse consultations and on-site facilities for horses, as well as pregnancy testing.
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
Joining a club, group or association is a great way to get some solid dates in the diary for your horse commitments and make friends along the way.
Pony Club NSW
Our area hosts Berrima District, Bundanoon, Cobbity, Loop Line, Moss Vale, Robertson, The Oaks and Wollondilly Pony Clubs. Anyone up to the age of 25 can join and it’s a great way to get started. Head here for more information.
Australian Trail Horse Riders Association
Join the group for monthly rides on a Sunday from Goulburn to Moss Vale across private properties and national parks. Enjoy a BBQ lunch and make new friends. More information here.
Equestrian NSW
The official site for all equestrian disciplines and associations.
EQUINE THERAPY AND HORSE WHISPERERS
Perhaps don’t think Mick Dundee trying to hypnotize the bull in the Crocodile Dundee movie but more a gentle and therapeutic approach to relationships and healing between horse and human.
Highlands Centre For Healing, Moss Vale
Prides themselves on creating learning experiences to support human healing through horses.
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