Based in the Yarra Valley and with many years experience, I have a few spots available for Pony Training or Quality Tuition. My Grandmother used to tell me stories about her Father, who was killed around 1930 in a farming accident. He used to go and buy a mob of cattle or sheep, and come home with the farmers horse "He wasn't treating it right" was one of the reasons I heard many times. When he was killed, there was a paddock full of mounts that were re trained and sold on, because he found it hard to pass by a horse in need of a good home. The farms were sold and my Grandmother moved to Melbourne. Cora Lea Ponies is named after one of our Family Properties in the Jerilderie area, something I hold on to dearly now my grandparents have passed on. My parents were not born into horsey families, and I had to settle for one lesson a year for my birthday. When I was 16 I found an ad for weekend work with ponies and children. Of course I applied thinking what a super opportunity. It wasn't long before I convinced Marie to give me lessons in return for work, 12 months later I found myself a free lease and Marie convinced my parents horses was better then boys or goodness knows what else 17 year olds might get up to. I joined Pony Club and made life long friends, even though I was one of the older riders and clearly quite novice, I was made to feel welcome, part of the club and looked up to as a role model. I then was accepted as the Office Trainee in the PCAV State Office, where I learnt the Ins and Outs of Pony Club, helped organise State, National and International events, helped develop new competitions and programs, Worked with Equitana Committee and studied with the AFL traineeship program. In 2006 i travelled overseas to work at a summer camp for girls in New Hampshire, USA. Where we recreated their riding program to cater for 200 girls to have private lessons, with a horsemastership course and competitions with other camps in the area. I returned to America for two following summers to continue to develop the program. President Obama's Girls have attended the camp and participated in the riding program. I continued my travels to the UK and Europe where I was able to find work everywhere I went, with my coaching qualifications and my experience. I still hold accredited coaching qualifications in the USA, UK and Europe as well as Australia. I have held the DC position at Ringwood Pony Club, where I worked instil in our members, the importance of good horsemastership, the quality of friendship and the acceptance of all others, no matter what type of horse they ride, their experience or the colour of their saddle, for when I started my free lease pony came with a pink wintec. I teach regularly at different Pony Clubs and have many riders who have picked up private lessons. My students range from beginners to children competing in Showing, eventing and Dressage, and also Adults, with many references available. I specialise in Flatwork, Riding Dressage Tests, workouts, Showjumping and Cross Country. I also have a knack for working with nervous children and horses/ponies with quirks. My services also offer the training of horses, whether you are ready to sell, have problems with current horses, or hoping to educate your greener mount. I have taken my own unbroken pony to winning at Royals and now being ridden by a child at pony club in all phases, including a beginner at pony club rallies. I have shown successfully at Royals on many mounts, competed in Eventing and have mostly started my own young horses. I have had many horses come thru the gates and and have been told "It will never be suitable for my child" and in three weeks its popping around cross country at pony club with their child. I now mainly offer group lessons on our school ponies during the week, and holiday programs. Please contact me to discuss any questions you might have. If you have a vision fora pony experience, we can make it happen.
