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.