Session times are 0800 to 12 PM daily. The program is suitable for Novice (confident trotting and learning canter) to experienced riders. Active riding includes vaulting, bareback riding, riding one horse and leading another, novelties and mounted games. 

Mounted Games are races performed by teams of people on ponies, exciting for participants and spectators alike.  At the top level, they require a high degree of athletic ability, good riding skills and hand-to-eye coordination.  Some examples of mounted games are flag race, ball and cone,  stepping stones, bending race. 

Riders of any level can improve their balance, confidence and horse control by learning and practicing games skills.  The ability to work together with other riders to help one another is a key skill that games riders develop. 

Novelties are tests of skill and training that are performed by individuals on horseback, usually against the clock.  Some examples of these are barrel race, keyhole, 5 flag, western bending.

 In this program riders will learn some key active riding skills such as ie passing objects between riders while mounted, riding with reins in one hand, bending down on the move to pick up and put objects down, and using body weight to influence the horse.  We will also practice riding bareback and vaulting, learn the rules for at least three mounted games and practice performing the games focusing on precision and maintaining control of the horse at all times. 

Riders will be grouped according to age and experience, so don't worry if you're not an experienced competition rider, you won't miss out on anything! Zia Park is affiliated with Pony Club Australia and we follow the PCA syllabus of instruction.