Equestrian Connection in Moss Vale, New South Wales | Sport & recreation

Equestrian Connection

Locality: Moss Vale, New South Wales

Phone: +61 437 718 583

Address: 6111 Illawarra Highway 2577 Moss Vale, NSW, Australia

Website: http://ashtonparkmossvale.com.au/horse-riding

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• Sport & recreation
• Education
• Sports & fitness instruction
• Pet

25.01.2022 It's taken me so long to post these photos from last camp but I just want to say a big thank you to Angela from Willow Belle Portraits for giving up two days of her time to spend with us at Equestrian Connection. We really appreciate your hard work! Thank you so much https://www.facebook.com/WillowBellePortraits/

25.01.2022 I am so happy to announce that Equestrian Connection is an early finalist for the Specialised Business category for the Local Business Awards 2020! Thank you for all of your support!

24.01.2022 I dont usually make posts like this, but I thought this was a worthy one. During each lesson that is given at Equestrian Connection, either by myself or Brian, we try really hard to get messages across to our students. These are sometimes subliminal or overt, but they are important life lessons and are helping to expand the minds of those on our arena. These lessons are not always directly related to horse riding, most of the underlying messages can be correlated to every da...y life. Its times like this that are captured on video that renew my energy as an instructor and teacher and remind me of why I work so hard every day so that I can motivate students in the way that I do. I love my job and I appreciate the opportunities that it provides each day. Thank you to my team behind the scenes always and to my clients and their families for letting me shape their lives in a small way. See more

24.01.2022 Here are some more of Angela's creations!

24.01.2022 FEI and Equestrian Australia - Im calling you out, its time to lift your game! Im taking a stand against misinformation printed in the Eventing Dressage Bitting Rules - hear what I had to say

23.01.2022 Thank you Epione Therapies for coming to see Molly today despite the crazy things happening in the world at the moment. Your dedication to keeping our horses and ponies happy and healthy is inspirational. We love you Mia!

23.01.2022 If you have a spare moment to vote, I would really appreciate it. Thank you :)

23.01.2022 Welcome to the family Pixie, you are so sweet! We love you already

23.01.2022 EllaMine x Brightbrook Insignia foal due November 2021

23.01.2022 Day 1 of pony camp was a great success!

21.01.2022 Day 2 of camp was so much fun! The girls were learning how to perfect their jumping skills today

21.01.2022 Welcome back Dolly, we have missed you!

20.01.2022 Dear Friends & supporters, Following discussion on radio this morning regarding the situation surrounding our petition for support, please find following addit...ional information. Please refrain from making comments which may be defamatory. MEDIA RELEASE - Moss Vale Pony Club is being evicted. After months of not being able to use the Club’s home ground located at the Moss Vale Showground due to ongoing rabbit baiting, the Club has now been evicted. Moss Vale Pony Club has had a long association with the show grounds with the Club calling the grounds home since the 1920’s. Since then, the Club has a had a couple of relocations due to the grounds being too wet but this time it seems the relocation may be more permanent. The Club has been requesting a new licence agreement from the Moss Vale and District AH&I Society for over 2 years, and while a draft agreement was sent to the club on 21 September, the Club has since been advised that the agreement has been terminated with 30 days notice due to not being able to agree on a suitable contract and the recent circumstances of non collaboration. The Club was not given the opportunity negotiate the terms of the Agreement prior to being given notice that tenancy was being terminated. In recent years the Club’s committee has made several requests to meet with the show society committee so as to understand the vision and strategy for the grounds and provide support. To date a meeting has not occurred. Pony Club is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers to provide instruction in riding and horsemanship and instilling in young people a love of their horses, a sense of responsibility, and acceptance of the responsibility for the proper care of their animal. Moss Vale Pony Club caters to young members from ages 4 to 25. Our riders are a dedicated group of riders, a lot of lifetime friendships have been formed so aside from learning about horsemanship the club has provided them a place to make friends with the same interests in horses and to chat at length about their beloved four-legged fur friends. Over the years, the pony club has held several fundraising activities which led to the clubhouse being built in 1987. Additional fundraising and successful grant applications have led to other fixtures being built such as the toilet and shower block (used by campers and members of the public attending events), a dressage arena, and storage sheds. These will now all be lost to the show society to be used for commercial gain. The Club committee is disappointed that the relationship with the show society appears to have broken down and that they are unable to access and contribute to what should be a great community asset. The Club always supports the annual Moss Vale Show by providing equipment and running the sporting events. It’s been a difficult year for the young members with many affected firstly by bushfires and more recently by Covid-19, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding the use of the showground, as we have yet to be allowed back on the grounds at all this year due to rabbit baiting. We to had to relocate our annual Del Throsby Memorial Day competition to another venue for the first time due to no access. At a time when youth are being encouraged to return to sport and physical activity assists with wellbeing, the eviction is a setback. Our riders are struggling with the decision and the possibility that they may lose their club has really impacted them. While the Club Committee remains hopeful that mediation may lead to resolution, interim grounds are now being sought with assistance or suggestions from the public being greatly appreciated. Contact may be made via email to [email protected]

20.01.2022 Thanks Ashton Park! We love being neighbours :)

20.01.2022 This is a massive appreciation post for my Dad Brian Spence. Without him I would never be where I am today, he supports me and encourages me to reach my goals. I am even more appreciative of him on days like today when I'm too sick to instruct, yet he moves mountains for me to come and help me earn a wage for the week by taking on my lessons for me. Even after he has already done a full day at his own work! Thanks so much Dad, I love you so much.

19.01.2022 Snazzy new rainsheet for Matilda just in time for some much needed rain!

19.01.2022 Mia from Epione Therapies came to our kids camp last week and showed the girls how she uses Emmett Therapy to help our horses and ponies keep in top condition. Thank you for your wonderful demonstration Mia! If you think your horse is in need of a touch release therapy, then Epione Therapies is the place to go. I can't recommend them enough! https://www.instagram.com/p/B7g-CWSJEsS/

19.01.2022 We have some exciting news to announce! Welcome officially to Equestrian Connection Jack :) youre a much loved member of the family already and we adore you. We cant wait to see him teach new riders and to be spoilt by everyone

19.01.2022 Hi all, just letting you know that I will be away from the 22nd of December until the 5th of January. If you haven't already done so, can you please let me know which date you can start back next year that would be great. Camp is on from the 14th-17th of January so normal lessons won't be going ahead that week I'm sorry. Also due to drought and the ongoing costs and upkeep of the horses, there will be an increase in cost for lessons starting from the 5th of January. This is... to ensure that Equestrian Connection can keep working to the best of it's ability and providing the best possible service to our clients, as well as for our precious horses. Cost is yet to be determined, but I will let you know asap when I've come to a conclusion. Thank you for your support this year, I can't wait for another great year with you all in 2020. Have a great Christmas and New Year!

18.01.2022 Thank you so much to our amazing sponsor Epione Therapies for giving Molly and Charlie their treatments today. We are so excited for this new journey in 2020!

18.01.2022 Merry Christmas to you and your family from our family here at Equestrian Connection!

18.01.2022 Today we farewell the Moss Vale Showgrounds as our home. We would like to take this time to thank the Southern Highlands Community that has supported us throug...hout this year. Members of our club have kept a dignified silence, even when there was a lot of misinformation being spread about the club. So, in response to recent claims and allegations made against Moss Vale Pony Club by members of the Show Society committee or associates, the pony club committee would like to take the opportunity to respond. The pony club has a significant history of written correspondence with the Show Society over the last 3 years with details outlined below: Moss Vale Pony Club refused to sign lease agreements: False There has not been a signed agreement in place for over 10 years. Upon ascertaining this, the pony club first requested an agreement from the show society in June 2018. A draft agreement was received soon thereafter and amendments were sought in November 2018. No response was received to the request for amendments until November 2019, with a revised agreement promised soon thereafter. The pony club followed with the show society in writing on 7 occasions with an agreement produced 10 months later on 21 September 2020. The license agreement was withdrawn on 14 October 2020, and tenancy terminated before the pony club could respond. At no time did the pony club refuse to sign an agreement. During the period where no license agreement was in place, the pony club property and members were fully insured by its own insurance and fees paid as per invoicing from the show society. *The pony club complained to the local Council and the EPA about rabbit baiting. False Legal procedures for rabbit baiting were not followed and whilst the pony club was not advised that baiting was underway nor was there any signage stating the same, the pony club did not make complaints to the local Council or the EPA as claimed by the Show Society committee. Claims of contaminated soil: True The safety officer of the pony club provided both verbal and written incident reports to the Show Secretary and President outlining concerns that asbestos had been found on the grounds. The reports were not acknowledged and offers of support to navigate the process for investigating the matter, as is legally required, received no response. In the interest of public safety, the matter was later reported to the local Council for formal investigation and resolution. Claims by the Show Society that MVPC had not paid rent: False A full reconciliation of payment of all invoices from the show society has been provided by the pony club included bank evidence for a number of years. Despite not having a signed license agreement in place, the show society invoiced the pony club at previously agreed rates. The pony club has been prompt in making payment in full. Allegations that the pony club is seeking to remove the Show Society committee: False Moss Vale Pony Club does not hold a voting right under Moss Vale Show Society (‘MVSS’) membership, so, therefore, cannot remove the current show society committee. The pony club does not wish to take over the show society, however, they do want to see honesty, due process, and transparency. Claims by the Show Society of non-collaboration & lies by MVPC: False Since 2018 the pony club has asked on more than a dozen occasions (in writing) for the opportunity to meet with the show society committee to firstly improve the relationship and to discuss and understand the strategy for the grounds. The pony club has offered assistance and to partner in grant writing, running fundraising activities, donate items, and offer support to build and improve facilities. All attempts have been ignored or rebutted and the pony club has not been granted a meeting with the show society committee for several years. The pony club is perplexed at the claim of lies with no further detail provided as to the content of the alleged lies. The pony club has made significant financial contributions to the facilities at the Showgrounds over the last 40+ years. The club funded the building of its clubhouse and storage sheds and the dressage arena. Both the clubhouse and arena have been made available to the show society to rent for larger events at financial gain. The pony club also contributed to building the facilities block including showers and toilets. This has been a valuable asset which is well utilized by the caravan and camping visitors and which contributes to the ongoing revenue to the show society. The young members of the pony club are saddened by the breakdown in the relationship which has led to their eviction from the grounds effective 11th December 2020. The search for permanent new grounds continues, please feel free to contact us via this page with any leads.

18.01.2022 This goes for anyone who is learning how to ride at Equestrian Connection.

17.01.2022 Thanks @robertjayephotography @robertjutrisa youre amazing!

17.01.2022 Camp has been amazing so far and the weather has been lovely thanks to our sponsor Epione Therapies for coming in today and talking to the kids about Emmett Therapy. We love you Mia! In the coming days the kids will be learning about show jumping and many other exciting things. Thanks also to our helpers Caitlin and Poppy. Watch this space for more photos and videos

16.01.2022 Today I was sent this poem that a lovely young rider wrote at school and I thought it was too sweet not to share! Here it is: Oh Kenny The day I got on you I feel in love. Your my favourite horse and your skip is funny.... When I come to get you in the paddock you come racing over. Whenever I'm sad I think of you, the bond between us is inseparable - Jessie. We love you Kenny!

16.01.2022 https://horses.worldofanimals.org//ride-the-rolex-cross-/ I think we can all learn something from this :)

15.01.2022 Hi everyone :) I'm on the lookout for quiet horses and ponies to join my team so I thought I would put the feelers out on here and see if anyone has anything suitable. I'm looking for anything in its teens/early 20's that's been there, done that and is looking for a easy place to live out the rest of it's days. I don't mind if it's out of work as long as there's no bite, kick, bolt, buck or pigroot. Safe and reliable horses are what I pride myself on owing and I would love to... see what's out there. You might have someone sitting in your paddock at home not getting the attention that you think it deserves that you'd like to see being loved and cared for at the best of homes. A trial period would be amazing, but not necessary. References available if required, please inbox me if you think you have something that ticks my boxes :) budget isn't amazing, but professional, knowledgeable home is! Thanks for your time See more

14.01.2022 Well done Epione Therapies!

14.01.2022 I can't recommend Epione Therapies enough!

13.01.2022 Thanks so much for all your hard work Robert! I really appreciate it :) : Robert Jutrisa

13.01.2022 EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT Epione Therapies is proud to announce that we are now sponsoring Equestrian Connection! We will be working to keep all the riding s...chool ponies fit as a fiddle so that they can enjoy their daily lessons! We check on the ponies once a month, and do a little tune up on any issues or injuries that might need some attention on the day. Prevention is the best medicine, and this keeps the ponies happy and performing at their best all the time See more

13.01.2022 Cowboy pony parties now available at Equestrian Connection and Ashton Park!

13.01.2022 Its about time for the hoof trimming knowledge to be passed down through the generations. Thanks Dad!

13.01.2022 If you have ever wanted to learn more about Emmett Therapy, then now is your chance! Contact Epione Therapies for more details

12.01.2022 I don't usually make posts like this, but I thought this was a worthy one. During each lesson that is given at Equestrian Connection, either by myself or Brian, we try really hard to get messages across to our students. These are sometimes subliminal or overt, but they are important life lessons and are helping to expand the minds of those on our arena. These lessons are not always directly related to horse riding, most of the underlying messages can be correlated to every da...y life. It's times like this that are captured on video that renew my energy as an instructor and teacher and remind me of why I work so hard every day so that I can motivate students in the way that I do. I love my job and I appreciate the opportunities that it provides each day. Thank you to my team behind the scenes always and to my client's and their families for letting me shape their lives in a small way. See more

11.01.2022 In case you missed the concept. Mounting made easy.

10.01.2022 Heidi did some amazing riding this week on Molly, her first canter that lasted more than a few steps. Well done!

10.01.2022 Adult camp was a blast! Thanks for attending ladies

09.01.2022 Robertson Show 2020 Day 1! Matilda and Gus are amazing, go from school ponies one day to show ponies the next. I am so very proud of them both! Emma Spence rode Gus in the sporting and gained a 2nd, 3rd and $15. I rode Tilly and we got a 1st, 2nd and reserve champion. Thank you to our amazing sponsor Epione Therapies for your ongoing support and for keeping all the horses and ponies in perfect shape for anything that life throws at them! Thanks to Brian Spence for floating the horses and looking after us all the time.

08.01.2022 Kids camp last week was a ball! Thanks so much to Emma and Georgia for helping out all week and to the kids for being so patient with me while I was sick. The ponies of course were amazing as always.

07.01.2022 Merry Christmas to all my wonderful clients, supporters, friends and family! 2020 has been a hard year and I couldn't have gotten through without you guys. Big shout out to my lovely ladies who help me out during the week and also to my parents Brian and Michelle Spence. Another mention needs to go to our sponsor Epione Therapies who has kept our equine team happy and comfortable throughout the year, can't wait for another successful year in 2021! Lots of love from Sarah, Dolly, Gus, Molly, Scout, Rosie, Cruz, Charlie, Kenny, Jack, Roxie, Matilda, Effie, Ella and Mickey Mouse

07.01.2022 A taste of basalt dry stone wall technique with Simon Badway @highland_stone_walls in last weekends Workshop. Some beautiful patterns achieved in the face of this new wall. Hope Sarahs ponies at @_equestrian_connection_ enjoy their smart new yard! Working on next workshop dates .......

07.01.2022 We have some exciting news to announce! Welcome officially to Equestrian Connection Jack :) you're a much loved member of the family already and we adore you. We can't wait to see him teach new riders and to be spoilt by everyone

06.01.2022 I was scared today. I was scared to get on, scared to walk out the yard because I had a bad ride the day before. One bad ride, and it made me scared. I didn’t... know why. I’ve had 1000 bad rides. I’ve had 1000 falls. I’ve broken bones and bruised my pride on countless occasions, but today I was scared. Why? Because confidence is fragile. It takes months and years to build and seconds to lose and yet we are so careless with it. When we get on a horse, we wear a hat to protect our head. We wear body protectors, gloves, boots... We pay so much attention to protecting ourselves physically, we forget that our minds are not invincible, and our confidence certainly is not. Your bank of confidence needs regular deposits, not just from others... but from you. Self confidence is the most valuable currency in life. When you go to get on, and you hesitate, you falter and you start to ask yourself can I do this?, chances are, your account is almost empty. Every time you laugh and say oh no, I’m no good or so and so is 10x better than me, you make a withdrawal from that account, and before you know it, your account is empty and you’re scared to get on. But every time you say I’m really pleased with how that went or I think I rode that really well, your balance increases. We need to learn to give ourselves a break, pat ourselves on the back and allow ourselves to feel proud of where we are - after all, most of the time we’ve worked bloody hard to get there! Recognising your strengths is just as important as recognising your weaknesses. Never allow yourself or anyone else to empty that account. Confidence is valuable, don’t bankrupt yourself.

05.01.2022 Agistment - we have room for more! If you are looking for paddock, yard or stable formats DM me for more information. #equestrianconnection #agistment #agistmentmossvale

05.01.2022 We have been very fortunate today to have Epione Therapies come out to work on Gus and Kenny. The boys absolutely loved their treatments today and are feeling s...o much better now. Thank you so much Mia Kill, you are amazing. I highly recommend Emmett therapy for your horses, it makes the horses more willing and happy to go about their daily work. See more

05.01.2022 Thanks @robertjayephotography @robertjutrisa you're amazing!

05.01.2022 It's about time for the hoof trimming knowledge to be passed down through the generations. Thanks Dad!

04.01.2022 Camp kids are having a blast!

02.01.2022 Day 3 of camp was loads of fun! Thanks for a wonderful week ladies, you all rode exceptionally well.

02.01.2022 Hi everyone :) despite all that is happening in the world at the moment, I have some good news to share with you all. Some kind soul has nominated Equestrian Connection for the 2020 Local Business Awards. It would be a great privilege to attempt to defend our title of Outstanding Specialised Business again this year after being so successful in 2019. I would really appreciate it if you could vote for us and share it with your friend's and family. Please note that you will have to confirm your vote via an email that is sent to you :) thanks for all of your ongoing support. The team here at Equestrian Connection can't wait to see what the rest of 2020 has to offer https://thebusinessawards.com.au//48/Equestrian-Connection

02.01.2022 We are watching a riding lesson---The instructor says "Use more leg." What does that mean? Well, a rider's leg starts at the hip and goes all the way down to th...e foot, so "leg" is a pretty vague term. Does the instructor want the long, soft, almost Saran-Wrap leg of the upper level dressage rider, or the shorter, strong, driving leg of the upper level cross country rider? A demanding "you WILL GO" leg, or a suggesting pressure that is released almost at the instant it is applied? Or something in between? Try this----Sit on your horse and grip with your knees as hard as you can---Your horse will stand there like a rock. Now squeeze from, say, about mid-calf up. He may move a step, but more likely he still won't move. Now, soften your knee, and close that part of your lower leg that is down by your Achilles tendon and that knobby ankle bone, and the spur mount on your boot---Off he will go, because THAT is the part of the leg that he can most specifically feel. THIS is your cross country leg. That says "GO!" But you will notice that when your knee is ON, that lowest part of your leg will be OFF, and vice versa. If you use a cross country leg for dressage, you are way overdoing it, bur if you use a dressage leg for cross country, you might as well just scream "JUMP" for all the actual effect it will have. All leg is not created equal. Learn the various legs for the accomplishments of various tasks---

02.01.2022 When it’s cold and wet outside it’s nice to have dinner in your room

01.01.2022 Happy Birthday to all of my beautiful fur children today! It was a great day spent in the sun together

01.01.2022 Hi everyone :) Im on the lookout for quiet horses and ponies to join my team so I thought I would put the feelers out on here and see if anyone has anything suitable. Im looking for anything in its teens/early 20s thats been there, done that and is looking for a easy place to live out the rest of its days. I dont mind if its out of work as long as theres no bite, kick, bolt, buck or pigroot. Safe and reliable horses are what I pride myself on owing and I would love to... see whats out there. You might have someone sitting in your paddock at home not getting the attention that you think it deserves that youd like to see being loved and cared for at the best of homes. A trial period would be amazing, but not necessary. References available if required, please inbox me if you think you have something that ticks my boxes :) budget isnt amazing, but professional, knowledgeable home is! Thanks for your time See more

01.01.2022 So proud of all my lovely ladies who attended adult camp this past week. I'm very impressed by your enthusiasm and dedication