In and around the ACT there’s plenty of activities, businesses, and charities that all celebrate the bond between people and horses.

WINSTON Churchill once famously said that “no hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle”.

That quote would ring true for many in Canberra, where there’s plenty of activities, businesses and charities that all celebrate the bond between people and horses.

This week “CityNews” spoke with some local horse lovers to find out about the equine experiences on offer in and around the capital.

Sarah unleashes her riding potential

HORSE-riding enthusiast Sarah Michelle says she’s had multiple riding stints over the years, and Gooromon Park helped her in more ways than she could possibly explain.

“My first time on a horse was as an 11-year-old on school holiday camp and I was well and truly bitten by the riding bug,” she says.

“I first came to Gooromon Park as a teenager where my riding really flourished with the quality of horses and instruction. I had a few years off then returned as a young adult, then had another big break and came back at 28.

“Horses were always in the back of my mind, as something I dearly missed and longed to return to.”

Sarah says from turning up as a rusty adult rider, with eight years out of the saddle, to helping her learn to care for her first horse, coaching her through her first competitions, and having the hard conversations when she needed them, “the coaches at Gooromon have been there for me the whole way, sharing their knowledge.”

Chief instructor Danielle French says Gooromon takes riders from beginner to advanced, as well as running school and school holiday programs, and birthday parties.

“A life with horses for me is about constant learning, always improving yourself to do better,” she says.

“Sarah truly embodies this; it’s always such a privilege to play a role in watching someone transform – not just in their horse riding.”

Gooromon Park, 214 Gooromon Ponds Road, Wallaroo. Call 6230 2230, or visit gooromonpark.com.au

New vet open at leading equestrian centre

WILLINGA Park is one of Australia’s leading equestrian centres, and an events and conferences destination set on more than 2300 acres on the NSW south coast, says marketing and sales manager Nadine Young.

“Combining award-winning architecture, public art sculptures and stunning botanical gardens, it offers luxury accommodation, restaurant, custom dining and tailored experiences,” she says.

“Willinga Park is the vision of owner and founder Terry Snow. Terry’s vision was to create a world-class equestrian park to provide a platform to train, and to compete, and caters for many equestrian disciplines, including show jumping, dressage, eventing and campdraft.”

Nadine says Willinga Park’s key events during 2024 include Dressage by the Sea CDI in February, Gold Buckle Campdraft in May, Jumping@Willinga in September and Eventing@Willinga in October.

“The newly completed world class, purpose built Willinga Park Vet Hospital provides seven days a week equine emergency and after care services for clients and referring veterinarians,” she says.

“The team of highly qualified staff, headed by Dr Eric Klaui are dedicated to offering personalised veterinary services, utilising state-of-the-art diagnostic, medical and surgical equipment.

“Willinga Park is a private property, and is open to the public during our open and event days. We welcome you to visit on these days and we update our website regularly to let you know when these days are held.”

Willinga Park, 134 Forster Drive, Bawley Point. Call 4405 5666, or visit willingapark.com.au

Race day for local cause

PEGASUS Riding School is getting ready to host their seventh annual race day on December 1, says CEO Matt Watson.

“It is one of our three major public fundraising events each year, and it’s just a day at the races,” he says.

“So December 1, from noon to 6pm, come on down to the St Covet Row Marquee at Thoroughbred Park to have fun and raise money for a good cause.

“We are delighted to have Corkhill Bros once again this year as our inaugural sponsor. More than 50 per cent of our money comes from donations and fundraising, and 100 per cent of the money we raise stays in Canberra.

“A table of 10 on the day will include a three-course luncheon, generous drinks package, lucky door prizes and so much more.”

Matt says Pegasus facilitates horse therapy services for people living with disabilities.

“It is 50 years this year since the idea came about, but 48 years since we became a corporation,” he says.

“We’re located in Holt on 100 acres of property, conveniently located only 10 minutes from the Belconnen town centre, and we have 18 horses in our herd.”

Pegasus Riding School, 119 Drake Brockman Drive, Holt. Call 6254 9190, or visit pegasusact.com.au

Great horses in the great outdoors

COCHRAN Horse Treks, established by Peter Cochran, has been operating for 26 years, says general manager Bec Atkinson.

“We offer multiple days (mostly three or five days) horse trekking in the Snowy Mountains of NSW for experienced riders through the warmer months from October to May,” she says.

“There is a resident group of brumbies near our camp as well as kangaroos and a group of alpine emus. Our camp is on the NSW side banks of the Murray River and is a beautiful area to explore on horseback.

“Each year in April we offer a special seven-day ride of 150 kilometres across the mountains to attend the Man from Snowy River Festival in Corryong, and after the festival we saddle up again and head south to explore the Geehi area and the Tom Groggin region near the Victorian border.”

Bec says Cochran is the premier tour operator in the area for horse trekking with unparalleled location offerings.

“Our rides are expertly led by experienced and qualified guides. We offer quality camping facilities, we pride ourselves on great food and, of course, great horses,” she says.

“It’s a lifelong passion for us and we have been bush riders all our lives.

“Our horses are carefully selected for their temperaments and their desire to please their rider. Peter selects only the best and this gives our guests the opportunity to ride the finest mountain horses.”

Cochran Horse Treks. Call 0417 370490, or visit cochranhorsetreks.com.au