Zoe Vorenas Dressage

23/09/2026

One thing we really value at ZVD is giving our horses time to simply be horses.

Where appropriate, our horses spend time turned out together, grazing, moving around and socialising with their friends. Some are school horses, some are young horses, some are competition horses, but their value doesn’t change their basic needs.

Horses are herd animals. Being able to interact with other horses, move freely, graze, play, rest and just exist without always having a job to do is such an important part of their wellbeing.

Of course, every horse is managed as an individual. We consider personalities, injuries, feeding requirements, paddock dynamics and safety when deciding who goes out with who. But wherever we can, we want them to have genuine social contact rather than spending their whole lives separated because we’re worried about a rug being ripped or a little scratch appearing.

We ask a lot of our horses. They carry us, teach our clients, compete for us and give us so much.

Giving them time with their friends is one of the simplest ways we can give something back. Happy horses first. Everything else comes after that.

15/09/2026

ZVD is open over the Public Holiday long weekend, with lessons running across the weekend for riders of all levels 🌸🐴

Spring is well and truly here, and while the longer days, warmer weather and green paddocks are beautiful, it also means constantly reassessing how we manage each horse. A big part of that is simply energy in versus energy out.

As pasture starts growing quickly, horses can suddenly be taking in a lot more energy without anything else in their routine changing. For some, that means weight gain or a bit of extra freshness. Others are in enough work that they still need additional feed to support training, recovery and muscle development.

There’s no one size fits all approach. A good doer in light work on plenty of spring grass needs very different management to a performance horse in heavier work, a young horse growing, or an older horse that struggles to hold condition.

At this time of year we’re constantly watching body condition, intake, workload, feet, rugging and how each horse actually feels to ride. Then we adjust as we go.

Spring management isn’t just about feeding less because the grass is green. It’s about asking: how much energy is going in, how much is going out, and does this horse look and feel right for the work we’re asking them to do?

There’s definitely more paddock rotating, mowing, spraying and rug changing involved at this time of year, but it’s worth it when the horses are happy, healthy and feeling their best.

15/09/2026

The Fear of Riding

You can’t really learn when you’re scared.

If a rider is spending the whole lesson worried about what might happen, trying to stay on, or bracing for the next thing, there’s not much room left to actually process information and learn.

That’s why we don’t believe confidence comes from simply “pushing through it”.

Sometimes confidence needs to be rebuilt properly. That might mean slowing things down, changing the exercise, putting someone on a safer or calmer horse, or giving them a few really positive rides before asking for more. Sometimes, building confidence looks like starting with groundwork before progressing to riding.

The right horse makes a huge difference. So does feeling supported, listened to and never embarrassed for being nervous.

Once a rider starts to feel safe again, that’s when the learning can really happen, and usually the confidence starts to come with it.

ZVD, we work with plenty of riders who have lost confidence, had a bad experience, or simply feel nervous getting back into it. We take the time to work out what’s actually causing that fear, match riders with safe and suitable horses, and build things back up step by step.

There’s no rush, and no expectation to prove anything. The goal is always to help riders feel safe, capable and genuinely confident again.

13/09/2026

What a beautiful weekend at ZVD 🌸

We couldn’t have asked for better weather for a very busy few days of lessons, lots of riding and plenty of time spent with our wonderful horses. So lovely seeing so many familiar faces, along with some new ones, enjoying Beaumont Park in the sunshine. We’re very lucky to have such a wonderful group of horses, clients and people around us.

11/09/2026

07/09/2026

For those wondering if it’s worth the trip…

Last week, we had a wonderful visit from the lovely Carmen, who had made the trek out from Hall’s Gap. She sent us this lovely message after!

“Hi Zoe and Brooke,
Just wanted to write to thank you for yesterday. A chance recommendation spotted on a Facebook group lead me to you but being over 4 hours drive away there was the worry it would not be worth it but I am so glad I took the risk. I was nervous after a long break from lessons but Brooke and P*k looked after me every step of the way. What an absolute pleasure it was to be able to experience riding a horse of such high calibre and training. Brooke’s coaching was top notch, kind and clear and my nerves vanished. I could not stop smiling the whole lesson and I absolutely cannot wait to continue my riding journey with you guys.”

30/08/2026

We’ve had the most wonderful weekend at ZVD, surrounded by our incredible horses and lovely clients, from some exciting new faces to those who have been part of our journey for years.

As we approach one year since moving into our beautiful home at Beaumont Park, we’re feeling incredibly grateful for everything this past year has brought.

For our wonderful horses, the amazing team and support network around us, and of course, our clients who make everything we do so worthwhile… thank you.

Here’s to another year of happy horses, happy riders and many more special moments at ZVD. 🐴✨

04/08/2026

Training Horse Spot Available

We’ve had the lovely baby Poppy with us for a six week training stint following her initial breaking in, and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching her develop in confidence, strength and understanding.

Alongside her ridden work, we’ve spent plenty of time long reining, particularly out of the arena, to broaden her experiences and build her confidence in different environments.

Our training program is tailored to each individual horse, with a strong focus on correct foundations, thoughtful training and exceptional day to day care.

The rider may not always be dressed up for the occasion, but the quality of training and care is our priority 😂

We will have one training horse position available after 16th August.

Located at Zoe Vorenas Dressage in Lilydale. Send us a message for further information or to discuss whether our program would suit your horse. 🩷