After school and Saturday mornings
WAITING LIST & APPLICATION FORM
If you would like to be added to the waiting list for riding lessons please click on the button below. Once we have received your completed application, you will be placed on the waiting list and contacted only when a space becomes available.
Availability is dependent on existing pupils leaving, therefore it is very difficult to know when the likelihood of a space for your child will be available. If they are a beginner we are unable to slot them into a spot should an advanced rider leave. We like to start beginners in a new class together with 4 riders and often we need to wait for enough spots and suitable ponies to become available.
Our group lessons cater for children and youth aged 8-18yrs
Sonshine Ranch offers a uniquely run riding lesson programme suitable for riders from eight years of age. Our goal is to provide a safe and engaging learning experience, giving all ages the opportunity to develop their riding skills and to be challenged in a fun environment. Term lessons are run in groups according to riding abilities, this ensures each rider gets the attention needed and progresses at the level they are comfortable. We currently have four riding instructors who are all qualified and experienced equestrians to ensure that you are learning in a safe and supportive environment with all the fun that horse riding is supposed to be. Each will work through a list of objectives with their group during the term. These objectives include horse management (grooming, tacking up, general handling of the horse) and many other aspects of riding. For the novice rider, the emphasis in the first term is to establish balance, control, and confidence. We pride ourselves in offering variety during our lessons both inside and out of the arena due to the nature and contour of our land and diverse riding facilities. Sonshine ranch boasts a great team of safe, well mannered riding ponies, ranging from beginners to advance however all are suited to the riding school atmosphere and easy to work around. Riders will be allocated to a pony suitable for their level. Due to the high demand of our lessons we have a waiting list for after school and Saturday morning group lessons.
LESSON STRUCTURE The lessons run for one hour (riding time), although we like the riders to arrive at least 15 minutes beforehand in order to prepare their horse for riding, and it may take 10 – 15 minutes after the lesson for the riders to put their gear and horse away. Groups consist of a minimum of four and usually a maximum of seven riders of similar ability.
CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT Due to our safety policies long sleeves and long pants are a requirement. Singlets are not permitted. The footwear best suited to horse riding consist of a heel and a smooth sole. We will provide helmets and back protectors which are both mandatory items. If you wish to purchase any riding gear for your child you will find them available from any equestrian retailer.
WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS Due to the nature of the riding programmes for treks, lessons and camps and the availability of suitable horses the rider weight limit is 90kg.
DAYS & TIMES (arrival time at least 15 mins prior)
Tuesday 4:30 – 5:30pm
Wednesday 4:30 – 5:30pm
Thursday 4:30 – 5:30pm
Friday 4:30 – 5:30pm
Saturday 8:45 – 9:45am
Saturday 10:15 – 11:15am
COSTS
$62 per lesson – If a 10 week term, the total fee is $620.
Sibling discount applies where there are 2 or more riders from the same family.
We require the full term fee to be prepaid at the beginning of each term.
DIRECT CREDIT PAYMENTS Account Name: Sonshine Ranch Account Number: 06-0401-0153155-00 (include your child’s full name as reference)
WAITING LIST & APPLICATION FORM If you would like to be added to the waiting list for riding lessons please click “Waiting list application” below. Once we have received your completed application, you will be placed on the waiting list and contacted when a space becomes available.