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Holiday Programmes


Important Note: We will not be running Summer Camps or Horse Lovers' Days in January 2011. This page will be updated at a future date for other holiday camps and programmes in 2011.

During school holidays we conduct Day Programmes and Camps for children of ages 5 to 15. For details of the holiday programme timetable and to download information sheets, go here.

This website is updated when Camp and Day Programmes are full (i.e. there are no vacancies). Please note that it is not necessary to call or email to check whether there are still places available.

Day Programmes

Day programmes are run on weekdays during school holidays. The programmes provide an opportunity for children to experience all aspects of horse management, including catching the horses, grooming, saddling up and unsaddling after riding. Day programmes incorporate two lessons, and are open to both boys and girls.

Previous riding experience is not necessary for camps or day programmes. Many children attend without ever having ridden a horse before. However some children feel more comfortable if they have had a private lesson before attending as they are then more familiar with the centre and have obtained some skills to get the most riding experience from their time with us. It is up to the parents to decide whether they want to give them a lesson before hand – we do not mind either way as we are used to teaching all levels of experience.

Bathroom facilities are available for use of the children through out the day.

Camps

Camps are run four times a year and last for four days - one camp during each term break and one during the summer holidays. Camps are not residential, children are required to go home each evening and return the next morning.

The camps give children a perfect opportunity to learn all aspects of horse management while enjoying the social atmosphere of riding with other children who have similar interests.

A Gymkhana is held on the final day of camp, which gives the children a chance to put their horse skills to the test to win ribbons and trophies while they participate in fun events.


Car Pooling

If you would like to car pool with others in your area for dropoff and pickup for camp, please email Kathryn with your name, suburb and phone number, and we will pass your information on to other parents near your area. You can then make arrangements directly with them.

Testimonials

Here are some comments we've received about previous camps:

 

 

"Sophie has not stopped telling me about the fantastic time she had at camp. She has made new friends, had new experiences and enjoyed every single moment ..... Soph will be dining out on these stories for a long time to come, I think. Thank you very much for giving her this terrific opportunity." Gillian Meyer, Frankston, January 2007

 

"I can't thank you enough for the camps and providing this opportunity for Melissa. It has been immensely important in her growth in self esteem, independence, social abilities and behavioural control. It is the one place that Melissa talks about, anticipates and looks forward to all term. As soon as she gets home she's back on the website looking for information about the next camp. So thanks as always." Heather Kirkhope, Doncaster

 

"Mark and I would like to extend a huge thanks to Courtney and yourself. Ellie had the most enjoyable time over the 4 days of camp and was so excited at being awarded a trophy and 3 ribbons, but also thoroughly enjoyed having the experience of riding different horse’s plus doing the various chores and extending her knowledge. She’s counting the days away until next camp.Not only do your camps provide a fun but professional approach, more importantly you are instilling a high degree of confidence and self esteem in the children who take part not only on camps but lessons too. You both are doing a fantastic job in more ways than you may realise.We are extremely proud of Ellie and her achievements and we are extremely grateful to you both." Mark & Julie Oswald, Mt Eliza"

 

Thankyou for another fantastic Camp Programme for the girls. They have been entertaining me with stories and songs all the way home! Both girls are very proud of their Ribbons and Certificates and have clearly made some good friends. Your Duty Of Care is outstanding and we really appreciate all the effort that you take to make Danbury Camp a safe and educational fun time. Thanks again." Jane Whitelock-Offor, Red Hill

 

"Thank you for giving the kids such a super time today. I have been hearing all about it. They had a lovely time and are very pleased with their ribbons." Belinda Grey, Mt Eliza

 

 

 

"Dear Kathryn,

Thank you so much for providing this opportunity for children; it is a struggle to find places who are happy to accept riders with no experience and the girls had an amazing time. They haven't stopped talking about their day with you and the horses... Please also thank the girls who led them through the program for the day. Their love for the horses and their passion for riding made for excellent role models for the younger girls... so thank you.. " Sam Geary, Oakleigh South, Camp Jan 2010

 

"Dear Kathryn,

Thanking you for a great four days with Brielle. Having never won a ribbon in her life, Brielle was ecstatic receiving a first, a second and a third.

She has started a folder for her ribbons and has asked me to ask you for the webpage link to access the photos. Could you please provide us with this.

Brielle tells me she wants to take her folder when school resumes for show and tell.

Thank you."

Paul Clasby, Mt. Eliza, July 6th, 2008

 

"Hi Kathryn,

I would like to say a big 'thank you' to you and your team for making Molly's school holidays so wonderful. She had such a good time on camp -
Made new friends, learned heaps about horses and riding, and generally had loads of fun.  I couldn't have asked for anything more.  We will definitely
be booking in for another camp!

Kind regards,
Julie Cosgriff 26/4/2007"

 

 

"We would like to say how much our daughter Katherine enjoyed her time on the holiday camp. It was a big challenge for her and it was clear she loved every minute. She has grown and matured through the experience and is full of wonderful stories." Helen and Philip Gentry, Glen Iris