Holiday Camp Adventures!

What a giant adventure we had last week on our school holiday riding camp. Blessed with beautiful, frosty, crisp mornings followed by (mostly!) glorious sunny days, our group of happy, keen kids saddled up and prepared for some action packed days on horseback.

Kids were given their own horse to ride for the duration of the camp, matched to their ability. Each day we packed our lunches and plenty of snacks in our saddle bags, like true roaming jackaroos. The kids enjoyed such a sense of adventure, freedom and responsibility as they learned to care for their horse, each day strengthening the bond,  knowing their needs a little better.  Each rider’s confidence and ability grew with every step and by the end of the camp, the group had become friends with each other and of course, their trusty steeds.

Over the course of three days, we travelled for miles throughout Budgong. We headed up and over Mount Scanzi on Day One, all the way up the Butter Track, a tad chilly up on the ridge, but always a favourite with glorious views down through both Budgong and Kangaroo Valley.  Day 2 saw us clocking up more miles, travelling all the way out to the spectacular lookout rock at Lower Budgong Road and coming home down Abernethy’s Road.  Finally, on Day 3, we headed out towards Tallowa Dam, reaching the ruins trail before happy, but weary riders headed for home.

 After three long days of riding, for at least 5 hours a day, one little girl, when asked if the camp could be improved upon replied, “Longer rides!”  Guess you just can’t get enough!   That’s why we’re so excited about the sleepover camps in September. We can eat, sleep and breathe HORSES!

Email us at info@kangaroovalley.com for more information on future camps for both adults and children.  Find us Riverstone Banks on Facebook to check out more photographs from the camp!

Night Riding!

Have you ever ridden a horse at night? Is it possible? Yes!
Is it exciting.........Sure is!

The night ride will take you through the beautiful Riverstone property over Budgong and School creeks at twilight, up into the bush trails and rain forest, riding by the light of a full moon. The night ride will finish by the fire side at approx. 9.00pm

What to bring: Warm clothing including comfortable track suit pants or jodhpurs, a jumper or warm jacket, filled in shoes with a small heal or riding boots and a rain coat just in case. The cost is $85.00 per person including horse hire, instruction, marshmellows and soft drinks by the camp fire. Join the night ride on your own horse at the cost of $40.00 per rider.


This ride is recommended for intermediate to experienced riders. To make a booking please phone
0402 902 072

Night riding is an experience definately not to be missed!!!!

Horse Riding at Night - what's it like?

Excitement and anticipation filled the cool evening air as we saddled up at sunset. The warmth of the horses breath became visible in plumes of steam expelled from flaring nostrils. Silence filled the olive grove with the exception of the familiar scraping of hooves on the stable floor. 

We began to ride before the moon rose into the night sky. It was difficult to see the ground, but not for the horses. Sure footed, alert and yet relaxed they walked down the hill towards the sound of Budgong Creek.

Motion sickness set in for the riders, for just a few minutes, in the dim light as our balance adjusted to the sway. Crossing the running waters of the rocky creek in the evening was lovely. We searched the sky for the rising moon. It was not yet to be seen. Its' only evidence, the shimmering rays of a hidden moon spilling out above the top of the hill. Riding on, the horses crossed School Creek with ease as we came to the familiar rise to the Burma Fire Trail. We love to canter up this hill and so stopped for just a moment to ponder the safety of such an adventure. The horses had night vision, we had found our balance and so with a gentle bump to the belly, we were off. We laughed together at the top thoroughly enjoying the canter in the dark. The moon was  threatening to rise.

Heading off to the distant paddocks we kept a look out for the grazing cattle and horses. The next decision came. To ride, or not to ride, through the old logging trail to the last Riverstone paddock? Our eyes scanned the sky, no moon. Tentatively we pressed forward as the horses forged confidently on without hesitation. The riders sat back, and listened with heightened awareness to the sounds of wildlife moving through the bush as our noble steeds led the way. At the end of the logging trail ridden in darkness, the last paddock lay ahead bathed in moonlight. It was beautiful. We could now see detail. The trees and grasses shimmered in the night light. It took our breath away.

We turned south taking another pathway through the property and eventually came across the horses and cows relaxing in the night. Stopping, we turned our horses towards the beams of light as the fullness of the moon travelled high into the sky to meet the billions of quivering stars flooding the land in brilliant light. We were spell bound and just did not want to leave. Laughter and stories filled the air. The horses grazed in the evening light. This was the place to be.... away from work, away from traffic, noise, TV, routine. It was an evening never to forget. A night that stands out from the rest.  

Eventually with sighs of almost disappointment we carried on towards the stables. The creek was alight as if with shimmering diamonds dancing around in the running waters. Cantering past the riding paddocks in the bright light of the moon was an experience not to be missed. The fog rolled in as the mist enveloped the landscape. Shards of moon beams cut through the misty air with brilliance. It was majestic. There is a God.

By Deborah Banks, Riverstone.

September Riding Camp was Awesome!

The September School Holiday Riding Camp has sadly come to a close after four incredible days that just seemed to fly by! Thank you once again to the fantastic Kids on Camp. As always you were wonderful!

Here are some photo's from camp and more photos will be posted on our Facebook page:
Riverstone Banks

Can't wait till 2014 for the next camps! See the details below:

Sheer Riding Pleasure!

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Women's Weekend Retreats

Ladies! Time to treat yourselves.
Women's Retreats run throughout the year, with n

othing to think about but sitting back (in the saddle) and relaxing. All inclusive package with two days of riding in the beautiful countryside of Budgo

ng, a massage, meals and 2 nights accommodation. Bring a group of you or book yourself in, have an adventure and make new friends.

Jumping side saddle lessons optional!!
Enquiries & Bookings Email Louisa at:  info@kangaroovalleyhorses.com for more details! 

Join Up at Hallelujah!

“A special day,” was how young Alfie described the “Join Up Clinic” held last week at Hallelujah Stud with our very own horse whisperer, Vanessa Hartley.  A small group of enthusiastic horse owners joined Vanessa to learn how to bond and connect with their horses using the technique developed by Monty Roberts.

Join Up is a method that establishes a partnership, strengthens the relationship and develops a strong trust between human and horse.  Through a number of gradual procedures, the horse learns to obey, trust and respect his human.

Pip, a young rescue pony (above) was the perfect target for Vanessa to show by example. Until yesterday, Pip had been impossible to catch, lead or rug and had to be bribed into the round yard with a trail of hay!  Vanessa admitted that this was going to be a tough call, but had faith in the technique that she is convinced, “with patience and understanding, works every time.”

Sure enough, an hour later, for the first time in his life, Pip had a headstall on and was rugged and led out of the round yard, happy and relaxed in the company of his new, two-legged friends.

Each student took their turn in the round yard, supervised by Vanessa, practicing what they had learned with their own horse, each one amazed at the incredible results that they too could achieve.

If you are looking to improve your relationship, understand your horse better or tackle a problem pony, learning join up could be the most natural and obvious way to do it.

Watching Vanessa at work is truly beautiful, the results are magical and the feelings you’re left with after seeing such trust and companionship are really very moving.  Please contact us about future ‘Join Up Clinics” for both adults and children to learn in a safe and professional environment.

2012 Riverstone & Hallelujah Stud

Aria and Wilber

2012 SHOWS

4 year old Faith on Chanowa

It was a fantastic time at the Nowra and Kangaroo Valley Shows. For some of our team, this season was their first time competing. The competition was impressive and yet these talented riders on their trusty mounts came home with beaming smiles and bunches of ribbons! 

Aria entered into every single possible event over a gruelling 2 days of hard riding with the biggest smile ever present. This little champion was made to ride! 

 

Faith and Channy just loved the Kangaroo Valley Show. They warmed the hearts of many riding together beautifully and came home with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place achievements!  

Cesca on Blue Denim Little Jack

"Blue Denim Little Jack" was ridden beautifully by Cesca at the Nowra and Kangaroo Valley shows. He also shined in his led classes and together they brought home an abundance of ribbons.

Faith & Aria warming up for the pairs event

First place went to Aria and Faith..... synchronized perfectly in the pairs event.

The riding outfits were beautifully co-ordinated and put together by the talented Vanessa Hartley. The girls all looked incredible and felt like a million dollars.

Faith Isabella. A lady at just 4

Aria & Tessa blitzed their sporting events!

"My first ever blue ribbon and prize money!"

 What would a show be without washing, polishing, platting up and rosettes?
Thank you Katherine for many hours of patient ground work and for your encouraging support.

 Little Jack enjoying a cuddle about to receive the full beauty treatment from Katherine

 

Cesca & Beau at the KV show

Addy & Jordon made an impressive team! Well done!

Francesca and Blue Denim Little Jack, what a pair!

Adriana now all of 17, no longer allowed to compete in the childrens classes, rode brilliantly in the open events  competing against seasoned and experienced senior riders. Well done Addy. We lost count of your ribbons!

 Francesca & Beau, together for only a few short weeks have become inseparable. It was a joy to watch them work together in their Hack events. Many heads turned their attention to this beautiful pair.

Simply Stunning

Cesca & Beau at the Nowra Show

Dawn at KV ready for a big day

As the dawn approached the girls dressed up in anticipation of the events ahead.The mist rolled in around horses and riders, excitement filled the air. This was destined to be another big day.

Zoe and Shadow at the KV show

 Zoe jumped her beautiful "Shadow" at Kangaroo Valley along with Anna on the amazing "Monty".  Beautiful and talented riders on simply incredible horses!

January Riding Camp - AWESOME !

 The January school holidays riding camps were filled with laughter, friendships, tons of healthy outdoor horse riding,  bonfires and delicious food!

 There were trophies and medallions to be won for :

"Best & Fairest", "Best Trail Rider", "Best partnership with your horse"

"Best Eventer" plus champion ribbons for all riders.

Cooling off in the Shoalhaven River

 The picnic by the Shoalhaven River with our horses was incredible after a long ride with the relay batton changing hands along the trail!

Join our school holiday riding camps for childhood memories of a lifetime

2012 riding camps are open for bookings now. 

Phone 02 4446 1181 or 0402902072