The Parklands Stables acknowledges that we walk upon the traditional lands of First Nations peoples. We
pay our respects to them and recognise the continuing gift of their cultures to the life and spirit of Australia.
We put children's safety and well being at the centre of everything we do.
Inclusive horse riding school
The Parklands Stables is a small, inclusive, equestrian centre in Berrima, 90 minutes drive south of Sydney.
Our services range from a gentle introduction to horses and riding through to our comprehensive high achievement program, The Parklands Stables Young Riders Team.
We take pride in the strength of our rider education, safety and horse welfare. The horses we care for are our partners and their physical and psychological needs are at the centre of our community.
We enjoy sharing our horses with others so that everyone can enjoy the lower stress levels, increased self confidence, improvement in mood and enhanced emotional regulation that comes from spending time with horses.
The Parklands Stables welcomes everyone. There's no pressure and no judgement. You're invited to be part of our community in the way that works best for you.
OUR HORSES
Our horses can support riders to build skills for general riding, show jumping to 80cm, medium dressage and eventing to novice level. Our team are professionally schooled and enjoy their work. They give no more than two lessons per day, rest on Mondays and live in fields together where they're able to socialise. Read about some of our much loved team below.
ARI
Ari has competed in dressage, show jumping and cross country. He has a short, balanced stride which is very reassuring for nervous riders. He can be sharp off the leg for experienced riders but they need to prove themselves to him first. Ari was the very first member of The Parklands Stables team. He stands 15.3 hands.
BEN is a 17 hand thoroughbred who has competed in dressage, showjumping and eventing. His favourite phase is jumping and with an advanced rider he's very enthusiastic. He loves scratches and cuddles.
ISAURIAN is a 16 hand thoroughbred. He raced successfully for Godolphin and is being retrained by Parklands Stables. He's proving to be a very calm horse and very comfortable to ride. He has well established paces and will soon start jumping. Isaurian loves to play.
REUBEN stands 15 hands, if he keeps his shoes on. He's a thoroughbred who never raced. He's very relaxed and has lovely paces. Reuben helps our more advanced beginners refine their technique. He'll lift his nose for a kiss if asked.
OSCAR stands14.3 hands and is a Quarter Horse x Appaloosa. He takes care of all his riders regardless of their level of experience. His passion is jumping and with an advanced rider he's very motivated.
APPLE BLOSSOM stands10.3 hands high and is a very pretty, gentle Shetland x Welsh pony. She enjoys giving young children their first equestrian experiences and is very patient.
OUR SERVICES
Scroll down to browse through our services or use the links below to go straight to a service of interest.
TRAIL RIDES
We don't offer trial rides but we recommend:
BEGINNER RIDER COURSES
FIRST EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE
We offer a gentle introduction to horses through our 4 week Introduction to Horse Management course. If you've never spent time with horses before, or feel nervous around horses, this is the perfect introduction. You'll enjoy a 40 min lesson each week covering safety, catching, tacking, grooming and communicating with the horse.
DURATION: 40 mins
COST $320 ($80 per lesson)
BEGINNER RIDERS
Individual Lessons for Adults & Children over 10 years
First time riders are welcome to join our 6 week Beginner Rider 1 course. There are 4 further levels of beginner rider to progress to, or to join, if you've had some experience.
Our Beginner Rider courses cover fitness, horse management and foundation riding skills. We understand that everyone learns at a different pace, so no one is pressured to progress if they aren't ready. If you'd be more comfortable doing a level twice you're very welcome to do so.
Level 1
At this level you'll learn and practice:
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tacking up
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mounting and dismounting
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walking on the lunge
DURATION: 50 mins
COST $600 ($100 per lesson)
Level 2
At this level you'll learn and practice:
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walking and trotting on the lunge
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simple working equitation
DURATION: 50 mins
COST $600 ($100 per lesson)
Level 3
At this level you'll learn and practice:
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trotting independently in the round yard
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beginning to canter
DURATION: 50 mins
COST $600 ($100 per lesson)
Level 4
At this level you'll learn and practice:
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cantering on the lunge
DURATION: 1 hour
COST $660 ($110 per lesson)
Level 5
At this level you'll learn and practice:
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to walk, trot and canter independently
DURATION: 1 hour
COST $660 ($110 per lesson)
OCCASIONAL LESSONS FOR RIDERS WITH OWN HORSE
We allocate a set number of lessons each week for riders who have their own horses. You can book by emailing jacqueline@theparklandsstables.com.au. Book just the one lesson or a series. Occasional lessons are 40 mins on our arena.
Riders with their own horses can also join us as weekly riders and participate in our group lessons.
DURATION: 40 mins
COST $95 per lesson
WEEKLY LESSONS
Our weekly lessons are booked in 6 week blocks. You'll enjoy:
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Weekly lessons for riders who can walk, trot, canter confidently
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Structured lessons (negotiated with your coach) so that you can measure your learning
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Optional in lesson fun competitions or presentations to enjoy goals to work towards
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Free online pilates lessons from a respected Equestrian Pilates instructor
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Regular social events
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First refusal of workshops and clinics
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Opportunities throughout the year to include family and friends
WEEKLY INDIVIDUAL LESSONS
COST: Weekday $110 (1 hour)
Weekend $125 (1 hour)
WEEKLY GROUP LESSONS
COST: Weekday $125 (2 hours)
Weekend $145 (2 hours
TASTER FOR WEEKLY LESSONS
Our Taster Package is a 3 week trial block so that you can see if weekly lessons are right for you. You'll have 3 individual lessons, the opportunity to watch a group lesson, invitation to 1 Parklands Stables social event, the opportunity to fence sit at an enrichment event and 1 Newsletter.
COST: $330
YOUNG RIDERS TEAM
The Young Riders Team (YRT) is for teens can walk, trot and canter with control and who want to test their riding skills outside the School. The YRT ride twice a week and are mentored by Olivia Lalak. You can see Olivia competing in the 2023 Melbourne International here https://vimeo.com/836077993
For those not quite ready for the YRT there is a preparation group who enjoy a similar program to prepare to start competing. The YRT Prep Group have the opportunity to groom for the YRT at local competitions.
Riders from the YRT who are interested in exploring the idea of professional riding can apply for a Traineeship when one becomes available. Trainees must be YRT participants to maintain the opportunity. Traineeships comprise:
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Horse management skills and knowledge to a professional level
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Business skills as relevant to the Equestrian Sector
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Advanced riding
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A paid part-time job with Parklands Stables as a trainee groom
Further information jacqueine@theparklandsstables.com.au
Our grateful thanks to for their ongoing support of the team.
EQUINE HIGH TEA
Horses communicate through touch and body language, and you'll share both with your horse during this special experience.
After meeting your horse, we'll support you to begin bonding through gentle grooming. You'll also learn about your horses's life and personality. You'll choose an activity for you and your horse to enjoying in the round yard or on a lead line. We'll show you how to use body language to deepen your bond and work with your horse in a connected and safe way.Finally, we'll show you where to scratch your horse to mimic the mutual grooming horses do to re-enforce their friendship bonds. It's a magical moment.
After that it's time for High Tea on the farm!
This experience is suitable for people 12 years of age and over and lasts for 2 hours. Bookings are available for 1 - 4 guests.
Booking / enquiries to 0484 240 648 or jacqueline@theparklandsstables.com.au
COST $125 per person including High Tea
($5 from every booking is donated to Horse Rescue Australia to assist abandoned and neglected horses)
CHILDREN FROM 5 - 10 YEARS
Our beginner lessons for 5 - 10 year olds are for children who have started with Primary School education.
Children may assist their coach to catch the pony or put the pony back in the field. They assist with a brief groom and tack up before riding. Once children turn 11 their lesson may extend to 50 minutes if they're ready.
Our children's beginner lessons are individual.
Duration: 30 minutes
Cost: $70 weekdays $75 weekends
For Advanced children's lessons please call to discuss.
PONY PRESCHOOL
Pony Preschool is a gentle, fun experience for Preschoolers from 2 years of age.
Children make friends with Apple Blossom (pictured) through grooming and riding activities. These activities offer a lovely introduction to the world of horses and encourage development in:
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listening & following instructions
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managing emotions
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empathy & sharing
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gross motor skills
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independence
Our preschool lessons are individual.
Duration: 30 minutes
Cost: $60
DECEMBER TRIAL LESSONS
In December we offer trial lessons for people considering riding with us in the new year. Our trial lessons are one off lessons for any of our services without any obligation to continue riding with us. They also include a voucher for a 50% discount off your next lesson if you decide to keep riding with us. Vouchers are valid for 3 months.
Adult Trial Lesson
Duration: 60 minutes
Cost: $90
Children's Trial Lesson (2 to 9 years)
Duration: 30 minutes
Cost: $60
To book your trial lesson complete the enrolment form and waiver below and we'll be in touch to offer you a day and time. If you'd like to speak with someone first please ring Jacqueline on 0484 240 648 or email jacqueline@theparklandsstables.com.au
ENROLMENT FORMS, WAIVERS, Ts & Cs
Enrolment takes just three easy online steps:
1. Complete the Enrolment Form.
2. Sign a Waiver
3. Sign the Terms & Conditions.
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If you're enrolling for a December Trial Lesson please tell us that in the section 'Note To Parklands Stables'.
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REGISTRATION FOR WORKSHOPS
Registration takes just two easy online steps:
1. Complete the Enrolment Form.
2. Sign a Waiver
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FACILITIES
ARENA & CANTER TRACK
We ride on a professional 60 x 20m dressage arena which sits inside a 400m canter track.
COVERED ROUND YARD
Our round yard is all weather with good cover and effective lights.
CROSS COUNTRY
We're currently building a small 60cm cross country course.
SHOW JUMPS
We use Jump 4 Joy show jumps with FEI Safety Cups.
WORKING EQUITATION
Our course is constructed of recycled & natural materials and is used both in hand and under saddle.
CONTACT DETAILS
BY PHONE:
Tues - Sat 9am - 5pm
0484 240 648
BY EMAIL:
jacqueline@theparklandsstables.com.au
IN PERSON:
(by appointment only)
833 Greenhills Rd
Berrima
Southern Highlands
NSW
Gundungurra Land
COMPLAINTS
If you feel you have not received the service you paid for, or have had a negative experience of any kind while on the farm, please contact Jacqueline Cosgrove at jacqueline@theparklandsstables.com.au or 0484 240 648. High standards of client service matter to us and we value the opportunity to repair relationships where trust has been breached. Your comments will always be received with respect.