Valley Park Riding School in Templestowe, Victoria, Australia | Agriculture

Valley Park Riding School

Locality: Templestowe, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 475 000 088

Address: 86 O'Briens Ln 3106 Templestowe, VIC, Australia

Website: http://valleyparkriding.com.au

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• Agriculture
• Equestrian centre
• Lifestyle service

25.01.2022 Theory time #3 Routine care Stretching ... As humans, we know the importance of stretching! It keeps us flexible, helps our range of motion in our joints, increases our circulation and helps our posture. The benefits are endless! Did you know horses need to stretch too? We stretch our horses as often as we can! Stretching for the horse is exactly the same as stretching for a human! We usually stretch the horses once they have been worked, so their muscles are warm and mobile. Here are Griffen and Pk learning their stretches with Bree to help posture and flexibility, after their routine chiropractic treatment! @ Valley Park Riding School

25.01.2022 Theory Time #7 Training Hands up who needs to get a little fitter during this ISO? ...... Well we have to keep our horses ticking along too! A great way for us to do that is by lunging as well as our riding!! Lunging is when a handler stands at a centre point and a horse works around them with a connection of a lunge line! We love using lunging as a training aid to help our horses find their balance without a rider and we can use lunging when horses come back in after a rest to gradually build up their work load! Some gear you can use whilst lunging if you choose too! - A lunge line- which is usually a 12ft lead line that connects us with the horse, this allows us to direct the horse, we can attach the lunge line to our bridle or our halter You can add extra gear, again if you choose too - A roller - which is a surcingle which goes around the horses and does up just behind their front legs to replace the use of our saddle! - Side reins - we sometimes use side reins to help the horses work into an even consistent connection - A lunge whip - the lunge whip is our go button like we would use our leg when we are riding!

22.01.2022 Staff profile #5 Jacinta When did you start working at Valley Park? - Around the middle of 2017.... What is your Role at Valley Park? - You’ll see me doing a bit of everything including looking after the horses, helping clients, coaching and often riding any cheeky ponies. Who is your favourite Horse/ Pony at VPRS? - It’s hard to pick favourites but I’ve definitely got a soft spot for Lance. Do you compete ? - Yes, it’s probably the thing I miss most at the moment and I’d be out competing every weekend if I could! What (riding) discipline do you compete in? - Eventing! I have done a little bit of everything over the years but eventing is definitely where my passion lies. Did you always want to work with horses or did you study in another field? - I had no idea what I wanted to do after I finished school so I went and completed a Bachelor of Animal & Veterinary Bioscience. I’ve always wanted to work outside and decided to pursue a career with horses so completed work placement for my course at VPRS and then never left! Where did you fall in love with horses? - I was very lucky that I’ve grown up with horses in my family for my whole life so I’ve been hooked for as long as I can remember. Do you have any riding goals? - I would love to ride at Melbourne International 3 Day and Adelaide International 3 Day and to successfully keep producing my current young horses up the levels of eventing. Any tips for young riders looking to begin their horse riding journey? - Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, progress begins where your comfort zone ends and sometimes it is the most difficult horse that has the most to give you.

21.01.2022 Pony Profile #4 Cleo Breed : Warmblood Height: 16hh... Fun Facts: - Cleo originally came from a Show Jumping Stable where she competed up to 1.20m! - Cleo would have to be one of our most friendliest mares! Making friends with everyone she meets. - Cleo has a great temperament & is super talented, this allows riders to get the most out of each ride with her! Who has had the pleasure of riding this wonderful mare?

20.01.2022 Pony Profile #5 Colin Breed: Welsh Height: 12.3... Fun Facts - Colin is super soft! You’ll see Colin being used for riders that gentle with their aids. - Colin is a great little dressage pony but he also loves jumping. - Colin gives so much confidence to his riders because of his beautiful canter and straight forward attitude. - Before Colin came to VPRS, he participated in everything. Pony club, eventing, you name it Colin gave it a go! Colin sure is a favourite amongst our students! Who could not love him!

20.01.2022 COVID UPDATE It’s been a long 6 months, though we are super excited to hear we should be re-opening on Monday 19th of October! We are yet to determine exactly which riders will be allowed to return and for what lessons, but will be in contact with all riders to discuss! ... Eddie, Gandalf, our horses and staff have been missing you all like crazy. We cannot wait a moment longer to get you back in the saddle. Let’s hope this next stage brings good news for everyone!

19.01.2022 Staff profile #6 Bree When did you start working Valley Park? 2015, how time flys! ... What is your Role at Valley Park? Mainly instructing, but you’ll see me in the yards or schooling horses! Who is your favourite Horse/ Pony at VPRS? Hedgey would have to be one of my absolute faves, though Chester is probably my favourite pony because he’s so cute! Where did you fall in love with horses? When I was much younger! I went on a pony ride with a couple of friends and never looked back. What (riding) discipline do you compete in? I don’t compete at the moment, but my main passions are Show Jumping & Dressage! You’ll see me giving pretty much everything a go. Have you had many set backs as a rider? 100% I am sure everyone has seen me on crutches many times! I’ve been unfortunate enough to break both my legs, but that has never forced me to quit! Just get up an go again! Setbacks have just encouraged me to work hard and come back stronger. What is your biggest riding achievement? Probably winning a rug at Minnie’s first ever cross country phase event! It took a lot of hard work to get there. Do you have any riding goals? No not really, I would love to work my way up the levels of show jumping or dressage but I really just love the training and behind the scene work. Any tips for young riders looking to begin their horse riding journey? Take your time but give it a go! You make a mistake great, learn from it and try again!

19.01.2022 Theory time #6 Routine Care Dentist Yes that’s right, horses need the dentist too!... Horses have their teeth checked every 6-12months. The dentist will file down teeth to make sure there are no sharp edges poking into their gums! Having their teeth filed means all teeth align properly and they can chew feed with no issues. The dentist will also check for any sores in the mouth and if needed will give their teeth a clean. Did you know you tell your horses age by their teeth? See more

17.01.2022 There really is nothing better then riding with your friends! #orangesquad

14.01.2022 Pony Profile #6 Alfie Breed: Percheron x welsh Height: 13hh... Fun Facts: - Did you know Trish started Alfie under saddle What a fantastic job she did! - Alfie and Koda are half brothers - Alfie has the best canter! Because of his smooth paces it makes him fantastic to learn anything on! - He might come across as slow but that’s only to keep our less experienced riders safe! He loves a good gallop across the paddock!

13.01.2022 Theory Time #5 Routine Care: Hoof care Whether horses are shod or barefoot, they need regular visits from a qualified farrier. Generally 5/6 weeks between visits for shoes and 7/8 weeks for trims. Each horse is different and may last longer or need less time between visits. ... Horses hooves grow like our finger and toe nails. When left to grow too long they can become uncomfortable and cause serious issues for the horse. There are lots of different types of shoes available and plenty of varying reasons why a horse will need shoes. Some of these include: - Extra support for a soft/brittle hoof - Corrective reasons - Protecting the sole from rocks causing bruising - Riding disciplines - To provide protection from ware and tare if ridden on hard surfaces Hoof oil is also vital to hoof health and can be used year round, although most people use only in the warmer months. Again depending on what each horse requires! In wet conditions, hoof oil helps keep moisture out which will prevent the hoof from becoming too soft/brittle. In the warmer months, hoof oil prevents the hoof from drying out and cracking. Big shout out to our farrier, Jake! Jake does a super job caring for our teams hooves. Pictured is Jake with Cleo and PK photo bombing in the back

13.01.2022 Staff Profile #3 Jaimee When did you start working Valley Park? -Around June/July 2017 ... What is your Role at Valley Park? -I mostly care for the horses but you will see me doing odd jobs here and there and helping with clients. Who is your favourite Horse/ Pony at VPRS? -My favourite pony is Muffin, he's just too small and adorable not to love I also love Hedge as he has helped me with my confidence and growth riding wise. Where did you fall in love with horses? -I was the annoying child on a car trip yelling horses whenever I saw one, they have always been one of my favourite animals. You studied at Marcus Oldem college, can you tell us what you studied there? -I did a one year diploma in Equine Business, we did lots of practicals with horses, learned all about feeding and managing and vet care as well as basics on how to run a business including economics and human/staff management. During that year I actually did placement for 2 weeks at Valley Park. Was a career in horses something you always wanted to pursue? -It wasn't something I truly thought about until year 12 before that I had thought about becoming a vet, but I have since learned that studying isn't really for me. Do you have any riding goals? -My number one goal is to own my first horse sometime soon but it the meantime I am building up the courage to jump again. Any tips for young riders looking to begin their horse riding journey? -Never give up and don't compare yourself to others who might have the opportunity to do more than you, focus on your own journey and just love what you're doing and the fact you get to do your journey with horses! Swipe for a giggle @ Valley Park Riding School

10.01.2022 JANUARY HOLIDAY PROGRAM BOOKINGS NOW OPEN To book, please download our booking form from our website and email completed from to [email protected]!

10.01.2022 Staff Profile #4 Tarryn Proctor When did you start working Valley Park? End of 2018... What is your Role at Valley Park? Riding instructor Who is your favourite Horse/ Pony at VPRS? Lucy! She is exactly like my second pony, little pocket rocket jumper Where did you fall in love with horses? In grade 1 I moved schools and girls in my class used to ride to and from school! I was hooked from that day on What (riding) discipline do you compete in? Eventing up to 5***** What is your biggest riding achievement? My proudest achievement is completing and placing at Adelaide international 3de 4**** (which is now 5*****) on a horse I’d had since a 3yo. I’d brought on from nothing through to that level! Do you have any riding goals? To represent AUSTRALIA at the olympics in eventing or to compete overseas in England at Badminton and Burghley 5***** Any tips for young riders looking to begin their horse riding journey? Some horses will test you, some will teach you and some will bring out the best in you

09.01.2022 Theory Time #4 Routine Care Worming ... A worming routine is a very important part of any horse owners basic care routine. This helps to prevent the growth and spread of worms. If horses have an excessive amount of worms in their system it can lead to weight loss, poor coat, gut issues and behavioural changes. We worm our horses regularly every 8 weeks, which is administered with a worming paste. For fussier horses you can use a pallet if needed. Preventing and managing worms is generally done by keeping paddocks clean and sticking to a strict worming schedule. Here is a photo of Jaimee worming Pepper!

08.01.2022 Pony Profile #7 Peekay Height: 16.1 Breed: Clydesdale x Warmblood x Arab... Fun Facts: - Peekay would have to be the poster boy of VPRS! Handsome, charming and a fan favourite! - Even though Peekay likes to keep to himself in the paddock, he secretly loves Griffin. They’re best friends! - Have you ever sat on a rocking horse, well that’s what Peekay’s canter feels like but way better! - Peekay in his early years was quite the competitive dressage mount. His skills really shine through with our more experienced riders. Peekay’s sweet disposition also allows our beginner riders to have a fabulous first ride! - Our favourite fact is that Peekay stands for Phillip Knight, how cute! He really is a true King Who has some fabulous PK memories?!

07.01.2022 Staff profile #7 Trinda When did you start working Valley Park? Early January 2013. It’s now almost been 8 years! ... What is your Role at Valley Park? Over the years my role has constantly evolved, from casual stable hand to full time facility manager. My current role has me oversea all of Valley Park’s operations. Lesson bookings, phone calls, emails, staff rosters as well as horse care management including vet, farrier and dentist visits, worming schedules etc. I also am a qualified coach, though my passion lies with management! I do it all! Who is your favourite Horse/Pony at VPRS? I can’t choose a favourite as I love them all, though I do have a soft spot for PK! Gandalf and Eddie are also top of my list! Where did you fall in love with horses? Back when I was 7 years old, I went to a holiday program and have never looked back. I was hooked after my first ride! What is your favourite thing about Valley Park? Valley Park is such a wonderfull facility, situated in such a great location. I love coming to work, doing something I love in a place where I feel so happy and at home. Our whole team is like a second family to me, which makes it that much more enjoyable! We have fun, teaching all levels and ages the joy of horse riding! I’m also very proud of the service we provide. Top quality facility, horses and coaches. Any tips for young riders looking to begin their horse riding journey? Follow your passion! Whether it be riding for pleasure, riding to actively compete or anything in between. There’s even plenty of ways to be involved with horses without riding. Find yours!

03.01.2022 Pony Profile Muffin Height: 11hh Breed: Welsh Pony... Fun Facts - Muffin is Valley Parks smallest resident! - His colour is unique and very pretty! He is registered as a steel grey roan. - Muffin is our very own unicorn for our unicorn parties, he is fantastic for our smaller young riders because he’s so docile! He does a great job introducing them to the wonders of horse riding. He sure is a favourite! Does anyone have any Muffin stories?!