September Newsletter.

Hi everyone

So after a long break, I am fully recovered from my little incident and the ponies have had a super holiday.  Thank you to the families that took my ponies in and kept them looking good over the winter.  It was really appreciated.

There is going to be a fun packed spring here at EC Croft with some new activities as well as the usual.  Before I go into dates, there are a few things I would like to explain.

Membership Club

Because I have so many activities that  I would like to offer you all, I have decided to create a membership club.  This way, for my regulars, there will be discounts when booking an activity day.  I also would like to organise members only evenings and encourage a social aspect. These evenings will have an educational twist to them as I will be inviting guest speakers from different aspects of the equestrian world, any ideas welcome.

I will give a membership form to you, at your next lesson, which will explain the benefits.

Lesson Payment

For the regular lessons, I am going to make lesson cards for everyone and would like lessons paid in blocks of 10. After each lesson, the card will be dated and ticked.  This system will make it easier for me to know who has paid what lesson, especially when the payments are done by internet.  Talking of paying by internet,  I have changed bank accounts.  The new bank number is 02-0888-0100134-000, still with the BNZ.

On another note, if you are unable to come to a lesson, can you let me know at least 24 hours beforehand, if not then half a lesson will be deducted from your card.

Kids Club

I am in the process of finding or creating a stable management programme that I can do with the kids.  There will be booklets with questions and once completed, the kids will get certificates.  I will let you know more when I have them in place.  This will be part of the membership club.

Lease a Pony

A new project I would like to try is a ‘lease a pony ‘scheme and is open to my regular clients' children.  The scheme is simple, for a weekly fee, the child can come and ride the pony anytime during the centre’s opening hours, when the pony is not booked a lesson. The fee will cover feeding and care of the pony plus a weekly group lesson.  There will also be the possibility of taking your pony to shows or other events. This is a great opportunity for children to learn about caring for a pony and the responsibilities of having their own pony.  It also gives the ponies a special someone who will give them extra attention and cuddles.  The ponies up for lease are Ailish, Charlie, Cayden and Milly.

There are two new and exciting activities at EC Croft -Drill Riding and Hoof Ball.  I am organizing regular training days of these and even some competitions.

Drill Riding

For those that don't know about Drill Riding, it is a form of dressage as a group.  The school movements can be very simple and done in a walk and trot so you don’t need to have a lot of dressage experience.  It is a lot of fun and can be very funny when someone mixes their left and right!!!   I am setting up a regular group who will practice every 3^rd Sunday afternoon of the month.  This starts on the 22^nd of September at 2pm till 4pm. It will cost $10 per rider.

I will also be doing a Drill Riding Day for kids and adults during the holidays on the 2nd of October.

Hoof Ball

A new activity at EC Croft is a game which has been spreading across New Zealand called Hoof-ball.  It’s a form of soccer on Horseback.  You need a team of 4 consisting of 2 attackers and 2 defenders.  The ball is 110 cm in diameter and horses seem to love it once they know it is harmless.   I would like to have regular trainings and tournaments of this exciting sport.  If you are interested then come and give it a go on the 9^th of October.  The morning will be about getting the horses used to the ball and then in the afternoon there will be a small tournament.  This will be $25 per rider, $50 for a family.

Jumping Lessons

As well as organising some Jumping Clinics, I am putting in place monthly jumping lessons.  They will be on a Friday Morning at 10- 11:30  and a Saturday afternoon at 3:30-5pm in the 1st week of every month.  So the first ones will be on Friday the 4th and Saturday the 5th of October.  They will cost $25 per person.

Family Obstacle Day

The Obstacle Day, will be on the 6^th of October, and is about trying your hand at opening a gate, dragging a sack or riding with a flag,.  This will be a fun day and a great way to not only bond with your four legged friend but also spend time with your kids and their ponies. You can do the course in hand and/or ridden. The cost is $25 per rider or $50 for a family.

Groundwork Clinics

For those looking for something a bit calmer, why not join our Groundwork Clinics and work on your horsemanship skills.  There will be regular training days, helping you to improve your partnership with your horse and you will be given tips and exercises to do at home.  First one is on the 29^th of September from 10 till 3pm.  These will be taught by Patience.

Now for the dates

September

Sunday 22nd                2-4pm              Drill Riding

Sunday 29th                10-3pm             Groundwork Clinic with Patience

October

Tuesday 1st                                         Under 12s Training Day

Wednesday 2nd                                  Drill Riding Day

Thursday 3rd                                       12s and over Training Day

Friday 4th                   10-11:30          Jumping Lesson

Saturday 5th               3:30-5              Jumping Lesson

Sunday 6th                                          Family Obstacle Day

Tuesday 8th                                        12s and over Training Day

Wednesday 9th                                   Hoof Ball Day

Friday 11th                                         Under 12s Training Day

Unless otherwise stated, the activities will run from 10am till 3:30pm.  You need to bring your lunch and be prepared for sunny weather but also for rain if forecasted. 

The price for the training days is $60 per child.  This price is the same for all other activity days unless otherwise stated.

There is the possibility of hiring one of our ponies for any of these activities at $10 per pony.

The last piece of info is that I am organising an Open Day on Sunday the 3rd of November.  I will be asking you all (and hope the answer will be 'YES!!!') to participate on the day. I would like to plan several different demos including   Drill Riding , Hoof ball, Groundwork and maybe even a mini jumping competition.  Details will be confirmed nearer the date but please pencil this into your diary.  The more the merrier:-).

I am looking forward to teaching you all this coming Spring and Summer and hope we will have lots of fun and lots of laughs too!!!

See you very soon

Susan.

Autumn Newsletter

Hi Everyone,

Well autumn is really here, you can feel the nip in the air and the horses are starting to get their hairy coats.  We still have many nice riding days ahead of us so lets make the most of it while we can.

We have some interesting training days coming up and I have fixed some dates for the next school holidays.

But before I tell you more, I would like to congratulate the riders, who completed the 20km ride at the weekend.  It was a great ride at Burke’s Pass and we all had fun and completed it within the time and more importantly, all the horses passed the vetting!!!
There were many Endurance riders who were delighted to see all you young ones (I don’t mean just the kids) giving it a go and also seeing those round ponies/horses having fun!

I hope this will be the first of many and I know some people will go further next time.

Upcoming events
Easter Sunday - 31st of March - 1pm till 4pm

We are organising an Easter Egg Hunt.  Come with the family to find the eggs hidden on a trail.  Make up a team of 4 to 6 people with at least one on horseback.
$50 group entry - Let us know numbers before the 28th of March.
Afterwards we will heat up the BBQ and play some games.  We will supply sausages

Adult Drill Riding - Give it a go - Friday 12th April. -

Drill Riding or Formation Riding is a sort of dressage as a group.  You ride in pairs, threes or even in a group of 4 or 6 and do a sequence together.  It is great fun and learning experience.
From 10-3pm, we will practise different formations and movements and then put them together to create a sequence.  We might even put it to music!!!
You will go home with a video to show to all your friends!!
$60 per person. Minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 10.

Obstacle Day - Saturday 20th April

After the success of our last one, we have decided to do another  one.
Morning will be practising the obstacles on the ground.  Julien will be on hand to help the big kids while I’ll take the smaller ones!!
In the afternoon, we will do it ridden.
$50 each

Adult Jumping Day - 4th Of April

The morning will be grid work which is ideal for both novice riders and novice horses and in the afternoon, we will set up a course of jumps.
$60 each - possible horse hire for $10.
I would like to run some other jumping days for adults.  Those interested let me know and we will look at dates.  These can be either during the week or on a Sunday.

School Holiday Programme

The Holiday Training Days will be run as usual from 10 am to 3pm.  The kids need to bring their lunch and appropriate clothing for the weather (what ever that might be!!).
The days will comprise of a lesson, some stable management and either a trek or games depending on the riding level.

For Beginners/Novices up to the age of 11, the days will be Tuesdays 23rd and 30th April.

For Intermediate riders, the days will be Fridays 26th April and 3rd May.

$60 each,  Pony hire - $10

Minimum of 4 to run a training day.  Other dates can be arranged if I have a minimum of 4 riders.


Kids Drill Riding - Thursday 2nd May

For the kids to give it a go too!!
$50 per child,  $10 pony hire.

If there are kids interested in both Drill Riding and the Training Day 3rd of May, I can organise evening meal and sleeping arrangements to save parents running back and forward.


On a different note, we have the following for sale from our small farm.

Eggs - $4 per dozen.

Potatoes - $1 per kilo

Onions - ready soon.

Give us a phone or drop us an email to place your orders.



We are looking forward to seeing you soon.           

Best Regards

Susan and Julien

Summer Holiday programme

Hi there Folks,

Just a short message to tell you that I decided to put specific dates for easier organisation.

The dates for our training days and camps for the kids.

But before I do, Julien and I would like to invite you all to our end of year BBQ on Saturday the 22nd at 6pm onwards.  Come with your family and spend a nice evening with us.  All I ask is that you bring some beverages and a plate of something meaty, savoury or sweet.

Now the dates

Training days

Under 10s - Tuesday 15th Jan and / or Thursday 24th

10s and over - Thursday 17th and/ or Tuesday 22nd

These days are from 10am till 3pm. Bring a packed lunch, sun cream and a hat as well as riding gear(if you have).
Cost - $60 per day per child. If you have your own pony then $50.

Camps - over 12s

These are 5 day camps, food is included in price (still to be decided)

The camps will be run - 10 am Mon - 4pm Fri
Own horse/pony can come.

Dates - 14th - 18th, 21st - 25th , 28th to 1st Feb

Bring tent,sleeping stuff, plate, cup, cutlery, torch, change of clothes/footwear, sun cream, hat, riding gear etc.


All days and camps need a minimum of 4 children to run.

Other dates can be arranged if in demand.


If you are interested in any of these dates, let me know.

As we have had many last minute cancellations over the last 2 years,  we would now like a non- refundable deposit of $30 when booking.  I apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

I hope to see you all on the 22nd, RSVP myself or Julien so we have an idea of how many chairs and sausages!!!

If you are unable to come, I would like to wish you all the best during the coming Festive Season.

Merry Christmas

Best Regards

Susan

November Newsletter

HI everyone,

Here is the latest newsletter.
Funny weather we are having now. Hopefully for the upcoming events the sun will smile down on us.

Here are the dates to put in your diary.
Let me know what activities you are interested in and provisionally book your space.  Most of these need a minimum of 4 people to run.

November

Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th - 2 day camp for over 12 yo. (no Saturday lessons)

Sunday 25th - Organised trek for everyone.

December

Sunday 9th  Horsemanship Clinic (level 1)

Saturday 22nd  - Last lessons before holidays ( Christmas theme with games)

Sunday 23rd to Wednesday 26th  - Centre closed

Thursday 27th  - Saturday 29th  - Summer Holiday Programme.

Monday 31st to Tuesday 1st  - 2 day trek to bring in the New Year. 

January

Thursday 3rd to Saturday 5th - Summer Holiday Programme.

Sunday 6th to Monday 14th - Centre closed

Tuesday 15th to Saturday 19th - Summer Holiday Programme.

Monday 21st to Saturday 26th - Summer Holiday Programme.

Monday 28th to Saturday 2nd - Summer Holiday Programme.

Sundays 20th, 27th  and 3rd Feb  - Centre closed.



For details keep reading…….

2 day camp for over 12s.    (Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th   November)

From the Saturday morning - 10am until Sunday afternoon -4pm.
Kids need to bring sleeping bag, roll mat and tent (if poss).
Bring lunches for 2 days.
Saturday’s evening meal and Sunday’s breakfast will be included in price.
For the horses - bring hard feed if giving, hay will be included in price.
$120 per child with a $20 horse hire fee.
Book if interested as limited places.

Organised trek ( Sunday 25th Nov)

Come on an all day trek with us.  We have still to decide where but this will depend on numbers and transportation.  We have some horses/ponies available.
Bring a packed lunch in a rucksack or saddle bag.  A nice way to spend a Sunday.


Horsemanship Clinic (Sunday 9th December)

Julien will be running a clinic on groundwork, focusing on the relationship between owner and horse and how to establish better communication.
The clinic is from 10 am to 3pm. Cost - $50.
If you need a horse, you can hire one of ours for $10.
Bring a packed lunch, drinks will be supplied.
Need a minimum of 4 participants to run


New Years 2 Day Trek   (31st Dec - 1st Jan)

Don’t know where to bring in 2013, why not in a remote hut with a bunch of crazy people!!!!!  BBQ and entertainment will be provided as well as a hangover cure for the morning after.  This adventure will be open to the non riding members of your family. 

WE NEED EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST ASAP;
Once we have sufficient interest, we will organise the details.


Summer Holiday Programme

I will be running training days and camps over the summer holidays.  I have decided not to have specific dates but to leave it open to all. There will be different  options of either your child coming one day, several days or on a weekly basis.

For the older kids (over 12), there will be the option of camping with evening meal and breakfast supplied.  The kids who decide to stay over will be expected to help with the younger riders and also will have horses/ponies under their charge.  A great way of improving both your riding and stable management knowledge.
Own horse is welcome.

Other things that are happening at EC Croft include

Equine Osteopath

It is important that your horse feels comfortable when you ride him.  If your horse has any aches or niggly bits, give Julien a call and he will work his magic. 


Pony Trainees

I am starting a programme called the Pony Trainee system for any keen teenager who would like to have work experience and training in the equestrian field.  In order to enter the program they need to be physical fit and capable, have some riding and horse experience.

Each student should have individual goals they are working towards whether it be gaining the confidence to have their own pony or becoming proficient enough to work  professionally in the equine industry.
I will offer the Pony Trainees special opportunities as they progress, however they must put in the hard work first.

The idea is that the students come on a Saturday and/or after school, also during the holidays.   There are limited places.  The students will work with us and our horses.  Though it is not guaranteed they will ride every time they come, the hours worked will be noted and the students will build up credits. 1 credit for 4 hours work.  4 credits equal one hour riding whether it is an extra lesson or a trek.

Let me know if your teenager is interested and when they could come for a trial day.

River Rides

Would you like to have a relaxing ride along the river or do some swimming with the horses?
We are now doing short treks on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday (by appointment).
Give us a call to book in.

Birthday Parties

Having a birthday party for your child and looking for an activity?
What about pony rides?
Let us know what you would like and we can organise it for you.



Quality Horses/Ponies for sale

We have several quality horses/ponies for sale.  If you are looking for that dream horse, give us a call.  If we don’t have the one you are looking for, we can help you in your search.

On a selling basis, if you would like to sell your horse but don’t want the hassle, we provide a sell on behalf service.

We promise to make the best match so that both rider and horse come out smiling.



On a personal note this Sunday (10th) I will be doing my first endurance race with Glen (an arab x riding pony).  We will hopefully complete and qualify at 40 km.  Though only started recently, he is a great horse, a real cool dude.
I will keep you posted on how we do on our blog.

We also welcome five little black and white piglets into our ever growing farm.  After a difficult start, the mum didn’t know if she really wanted to be mum, they are now a happy contented bunch.

Hope to see you very soon.

Susan and Julien.

Obstacle course training day 20-10-2012

 Awesome day for this first training day on our new obstacle course.

KIDS HAD FUN, PARENTS BEHAVED... or was it the other way around ?














A great BBQ and a rugby game in the dark to finish this beautiful day

Horsemanship clinic Level 1

WHAT A GREAT DAY !
Thank you so much every one who attended to have made this first clinic so interesting to provide.
It has been a pleasure to teach such committed students.





I hope you have all gone away with a better understanding of your horse.
Keep working on your skills to reach the horseman (woman) within.

Remember : Build on what you learn. "We take in the saddle what we have on the ground".

WELL DONE

September Newsletter

Hi there,

Spring is definitely in the air now.  Now is the time to get back out there and enjoy our hoofed friends.
We are going to have a very busy 2 months.

Here are some dates to put into your diary.

Horsemanship clinic - Saturday 22nd of September

Holiday training days for kids -     Tuesday 2nd of October for under 10s
                                                   Thursday 4th  for 10 yrs and up

Possible two day camp - Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th for over 12s

Transporting a horse seminar - Saturday 6th of October

Adult Jumping Day - Tuesday 16th of October

Obstacle training day - Saturday 20th of October

All the details are below.

Horsemanship Clinic (22nd of September)

Julien will be running a clinic on groundwork, focusing on the relationship between owner and horse and how to establish better communication.
The clinic is from 10 am to 3pm. Cost - $50.
If you need a horse, you can hire one of ours for $10.
Bring a packed lunch, drinks will be supplied.
Need a minimum of 4 participants to run

Holiday Training Days (2nd and 4th of October)

The days will be from 10am to 4pm.
The kids need to bring a lunch, drinks will be supplied.
Cost -     Using a centre‘s horse -$60 ,  Bringing your own - $50.
Need a minimum of 4 participants to run

The under 10s day activities will be
Morning -     Lesson, building an obstacle course and practising each obstacle.
Afternoon-     Team race over obstacle course, games and quizzes about pony care.
If time at end, bareback riding.

10 yrs and over training day activities will be -
Morning lesson (flatwork and jumping)
Afternoon trek to river - swimming with the horses

2 day camp for over 12s.    (Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th )

From the Tuesday morning - 10am until Wednesday afternoon -4pm.
Kids need to bring sleeping bag, roll mat and tent (if poss).
Bring lunches for 2 days.
Tuesday’s evening meal and Wednesday’s breakfast will be included in price.
For the horses - bring hard feed if giving, hay will be included in price.
Price to be decided.
Book if interested as limited places.

Transporting a Horse Seminar (6th of October)

The seminar will cover the following subjects -
How to load, unload,
How to fit travelling gear
Trailer maintenance. 
If you would like to come or know of someone who would be interested, let me know.
It is in partnership with Agribusiness and is from 10am till 12:30 and a price of $60

Adult Jumping Day  (Tuesday 16th of October)

Would you like to try jumping or would like to get back into it?
This will be a very relaxed way of doing it.  The jumps won’t be big ( I promise, unless you want to!!)
From 9:30 - 4pm
The morning will be grid work and improving your position and feel over the jumps.
The afternoon we will have a go at a small course.
Bring your lunch, drinks will be supplied.
Cost - $50 with a horse hire charge of $10.

Obstacle training day  (Saturday 20th of October )

Come and spend the morning with us and try your hand at our obstacle course.
Obstacles will include barrels, a bridge,  a gate, a flag, mounting tyres etc.
If we have enough people, there might be a small competition in the afternoon.
Open to all ages so come with your kids.
Will start at 9am.
Morning training - $25
$5 horse hire fee if you need a horse.

Other things that are happening at EC Croft include

Pony Trainees

I am starting a programme called the Pony Trainee system for any keen teenager who would like to have work experience and training in the equestrian field.  In order to enter the program they need to be physical fit and capable, have some riding and horse experience.

Each student should have individual goals they are working towards whether it be gaining the confidence to have their own pony or becoming proficient enough to work  professionally in the equine industry.
I will offer the Pony Trainees special opportunities as they progress, however they must put in the hard work first.

The idea is that the students come on a Saturday and/or after school, also during the holidays.   There are limited places.  The students will work with us and our horses.  Though it is not guaranteed they will ride every time they come, the hours worked will be noted and the students will build up credits. 1 credit for 4 hours work.  4 credits equal one hour riding whether it is an extra lesson or a trek.

Let me know if your teenager is interested and when they could come for a trial day.

After School Programme

I have advertised in the local schools that with Care Farming NZ ( a registered charity), we are running after school programmes on a Monday and Thursday until 6pm.  There will be a variety of activities including animal care, gardening, woodwork and team building.  There will be time allocated to homework.  The programme costs $12 per day.  There may be additional transport costs.

River Rides

Would you like to have a relaxing ride along the river or do some swimming with the horses?
We are now doing short treks on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday (by appointment).
Give us a call to book in.

Birthday Parties

Having a birthday party for your child and looking for an activity?
What about pony rides?
Let us know what you would like and we can organise it for you.