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.