Whitethorn Academy

25/01/2026

Position Vacant - SENIOR COACH
Whitethorn Academy is seeking an experienced Senior Coach to join our professional and established team.

We are a well-run equestrian facility, with a knowledgable, supportive team of four experienced grooms and coaches, around 20 horses, and a friendly, loyal clientele. We offer lessons ranging from pony funrides to advanced level group and private coaching. Safety, the welfare of our horses, and the delivery of high-quality, structured and fun lessons are our highest priorities

Our facilities include a fully equipped covered Olympic-sized arena and secure, fully fenced grass arenas. Riding opportunities are available for the right candidate.

Position details
Status: Part-time or full-time employee (casual during 6 week probation period, permanent part-time when probation is successfully finished). Hours can be negotiated.
Location: Maitland Vale, Lower Hunter region, NSW (15 minutes from Maitland CBD)
Wages: Award level

Key Responsibilities
• Plan, prepare and delivery horse car, horse handling and riding instruction sessions
• Coach/instruct riders from beginner to advanced levels
• Provide constructive feedback and progress updates to students and clients as required
• Participate in and deliver on-the-job training and ongoing professional development
• Maintain high standards of horse welfare, safety and professionalism

This role will suit a motivated, reliable coach who values horse welfare, enjoys working as part of a team, and is passionate about delivering quality instruction.

If you're interested send an email to [email protected]. Tell me about your skills, experience, qualifications and why you would be just the right person to join Whitethorn Academy. For more information, phone Toni on 0414 855 228.

04/12/2025

Whitethorn Academy Awards will be presented on Saturday afternoon 6 December. All students who are booked in on hopoti and are in attendance will receive personalised progress report certificates. Awards presentation 4:30 pm for a 5:00 pm sharp start. Bring snacks and drinks and camp chairs and stay after the presentation for our end of year get-together.

25/11/2025

Whitethorn Academy Awards and end of year get-together coming soon! Saturday 6 December. 4:30 for 5:00 pm sharp start. Book in through Hopoti by Wednesday 3 December. Every student who books in will receive a progress report certificate.

25/11/2025

Whitethorn Academy update:
Academy Awards, Key Dates, Holiday Happenings

We're heading into the Party Season. Here's what's happening at Whitethorn... Save these dates!

1. Whitethorn Academy Awards – Saturday 6 December 2025
When: Saturday 6 December, in the arena
Time: 4:30 pm for a 5:00 pm sharp start
Every Whitethorn student who has booked in will receive an individual progress report certificate.
Please book into the Awards on Hopoti by 6:00 pm, Wednesday 3 December so we have time to prepare your certificate. No booking, no certificate.

We'll also be presenting these special awards:
Junior Achiever of the Year
Senior Achiever of the Year
Whitethorner of the Year
The James Muddle Memorial Encouragement Award
Principal’s Special Award
The presentation will run for an hour.
Afterwards, join us for our end-of-year get-together in the barbecue area.
Bring snacks, drinks (kids and adult bevvies) and camp chairs.

2. End-of-Year Dates
Last lesson day for 2025: Saturday 20 December
Closed: From Saturday 20 December 2025
Re-opening: From Monday 12 January 2026 for holiday activities
Australia Day long weekend 2026 - Whitethorn closed
Saturday 24 January
Sunday 25 January
Monday 26 January (public holiday)
Whitethorn will be closed on all three days, as per our usual policy.
Horse holiday break:
Closed: Monday 2 February to Sunday 8 February 2026
(our usual post–school holidays break so the horses can have a well-earned rest)
Term 1, 2026 starts:
From Monday 9 February 2026

3. School Holiday Program
Our school holiday schedule is now up on Hopoti and will be open for bookings from next Monday.
We can also design:
Private lessons
Family & Friends Funrides
Email [email protected] with “Holiday Enquiries” in the subject line and tell us what you’d like to do.
We’ll tailor a special holiday experience just for you.

4. Term 1, 2026 Timetable
Term 1 will be based as closely as possible on the Term 4, 2025 timetable.
If you have preferred days and times, please let us know as soon as possible so we can take them into account when building the schedule.
Remember:
We are not open on Wednesdays or Sundays.

Enquiries for all activities:
📧 [email protected]

Welcome Learner & Novice Riders!Learn to ride horses or enhance your skills safely in a fun environment at Whitethorn Academy.Our well-equipped facility is conveniently located at Maitland Vale, minutes north from Maitland CBD in the lower Hunter Valley of NSW.Building all-round horsemanship skills...

25/09/2025

Can you believe it's school holiday time again!!!

School holidays = horse time! Saddle up for a range of fun filled sessions available for all levels of riders.

Here’s what we’re offering for the September/October holidays:


🐎 Holiday Horsefun Half-Day Camp

Ages 7–14
Great for beginners, including 'never-evers'!

Brush, saddle and ride your way through a fun-filled morning. Kids will enjoy hands-on time with their own horse or pony, learn basic riding skills, and take part in engaging games and activities. All under the guidance of a senior coach and supported by our experienced helpers.

Dates:

Tuesday 30th Sept
Tuesday 7th Oct
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost: $110 (includes morning tea)

Please inform us of any dietary requirements.
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Little Tackers’ Pony Playgroup

Ages 2–6
Gentle introduction to ponies

Perfect for our littlest riders! Each child has their own pony and helper for a safe and enjoyable experience with riding games and pony fun. Parents are welcome to cheer from the sidelines.

Date: Saturday 11th Oct

Session 1: 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Session 2: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM

(Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time so we can fit boots & helmets)

Cost: $60

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‘Behind the Scenes’ Skillbuilder Sessions

For current Whitethorn students only.
Boost your confidence, independence, riding skills and horsemanship in these hands-on, educational riding days, tailored to your level. And have fun at the same time!


Level 2 Skillbuilder (Full Day)

Build confidence in daily horse care and handling
Groom & saddle your own horse
Trot and steer confidently around the arena
Patterns, games, and riding gymnastics
Date: Wednesday 1st Oct
Time: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $200 (includes morning & afternoon tea, and lunch)

Please inform us of any dietary requirements.

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Level 3 Skillbuilder (Full Day)

Take the reins in grooming and saddling
Expand knowledge on feeding and caring for your horse
Build confidence in making seamless transitions
Sharpen your skills in sporting events and relay races
Date: Wednesday 8th Oct
Time: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $200 (includes morning & afternoon tea, and lunch)

Please inform us of any dietary requirements.

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Level 4 Skillbuilder (Afternoon Session)

Pole work & intro to jumping
Strengthening canter transitions
Build confidence through patterns that put your skills to the test
Date: Tuesday 30th Sept
Time: 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Cost: $110

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Adults’ Horsemanship & Riding Workshop

For adult riders ready to go beyond the “how” to start learning the “why.” A mix of theory and saddle time to build confidence and deepen your understanding of horse behaviour and riding techniques.

Sessions:

Friday 10th Oct | 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Cost: $90

Saturday 11th Oct | 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Cost: $110.

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🐎 Quicksticks! Head to Hopoti to book now!

Spots are limited, and our popular sessions book out quickly. Head to Hopoti to reserve your place today! www.hopoti.com/stable/WhitethornAcademy


⏰ Important Reminders:

Whitethorn is CLOSED over the King’s Birthday Long Weekend: 4th, 5th & 6th Oct.

Horse Holiday Week: Our horses get a well-deserved break after the holiday program before our Term 4 lesson schedule begins. Lessons resume Monday 20th October.


The Whitethorn Herd (both Horses and Humans!) is looking forward to welcoming you to our fantastic holiday activities!

Hop into Hopoti now to book!

– The Whitethorn Team 🐴

Welcome Learner & Novice Riders!Learn to ride horses or enhance your skills safely in a fun environment at Whitethorn Academy.Our well-equipped facility is conveniently located at Maitland Vale, minutes north from Maitland CBD in the lower Hunter Valley of NSW.Building all-round horsemanship skills...

06/07/2025

The school holidays are here - and so is our holiday program! We’ve got a range of fun filled sessions available for all levels of riders. Check out what's on...!

Holiday Horsefun Half-Day Camp
Ages 7–14 | Great for beginners!
Brush, saddle and ride your way through a fun-filled morning. Kids will enjoy hands-on time with their own horse or pony, learn basic riding skills, and take part in engaging games and activities – all under the guidance of experienced helpers.

Date: Tuesday 08/07 & Tuesday 15/07
Time: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: $100 (includes morning tea)

Skillbuilder Sessions
For current Whitethorn students – build confidence and skills through fun, active learning.

Skillbuilder 1 – Learning to Ride Independently
■ Groom and saddle your own horse
■ Learn to trot confidently around the arena
■ Tackle patterns and fun obstacles
■ Games, gymnastics and morning tea
Date: Friday 11/07
Time: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: $100

Skillbuilder 2 – Next-Level Riding Challenges
■ Navigate new patterns
■ Build confidence with transitions
■ Team games and morning tea
Date: Wednesday 09/07 & Friday 18/07
Time: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: $100

Skillbuilder 3 – Gearing Up for Jumps
■ Learn ground pole work
■ Start small jumps
■ Master canter transitions
■ Full confidence-builder session with morning tea
Date: Wednesday 16/07
Time: 1:30 – 5:00 pm
Cost : $100

Team Challenge Day
All levels & ages welcome!
(Experienced helpers will be ready to lend a hand to all riders).
Be part of a pony-powered team! Take part in gentle competition - relays and mounted games, then enjoy a relaxed picnic with friends and family. Spectators and picnic rugs welcome!
Date: Saturday 19/07
Time : 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Cost: $75

Horsemanship, Horsecare & Ba****ck riding
Hands-on learning + balance skills + horse care
Catch your pony or horse, care for them like a pro, learn to lunge, ride ba****ck and understand how horses think and move.
Date: Tuesday 08/07 & Tuesday 15/07
Time: 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Cost: $85

Adults’ Horsemanship & Riding Workshop
For adult riders wanting to understand the *why* behind the ride.
Build confidence in the saddle through a blend of theory and practical skill.
Date: Saturday 12/07
Time: 1:30 – 4:00 pm
Cost: $85

Spaces are limited, so please book early to secure your or your child’s place! Head to Hopoti (www.hopoti.com/stable/WhitethornAcademy)

More information or help with bookings? Email: [email protected] (Sorry, we can't monitor Facebook messages.)

Welcome Learner & Novice Riders!Learn to ride horses or enhance your skills safely in a fun environment at Whitethorn Academy.Our well-equipped facility is conveniently located at Maitland Vale, minutes north from Maitland CBD in the lower Hunter Valley of NSW.Building all-round horsemanship skills...

06/04/2025

🎉 Countdown to the April School Holidays – BOOKINGS OPEN at 12:00 noon today!
📅 Sunday 6 April 2025.

Get ready! Bookings for Whitethorn Academy’s April school holiday activities open this afternoon via Hopoti:
🔗 www.hopoti.com/stable/WhitethornAcademy

All riders must be registered on Hopoti to access and secure a booking. (Please, Everyone, check you have signed off the 3 forms on Whitethorn's landing page - Application, Risk Warning & Waiver and Safety Rules.)

🐴 What’s On Offer? Lots of fun!

Let’s start with something perfect for absolute beginners…

Holiday Horsefun™
This is a half-day camp designed especially for kids aged 7 to 14 years. Perfect for first-timers or those looking for a fun half day with horses!
Participants will:
🧼 Groom and prepare their horse or pony
🐾 Learn basic riding skills
🥐 Enjoy a yummy morning tea
🎠 Take part in team games, musical riding, and cool circus tricks
Date: Tuesday 15 April
Session Time: 8:30 am – 12:00 noon
Cost: $100 per rider

Little Tackers’ Playgroup
A special one-hour session full of fun pony games for little ones aged 2 to under 7 years. Each child will have their own experienced helper.
Date: Wednesday 16 April
Time: 10:30 am sharp (arrive by 10:15 am for helmet/boot fitting)
Fee: $60
Group limited to 6 participants

🌟 For Whitethorn Students
Skillbuilder Level 3 – Half-Day Session
Date: Tuesday 15 April
Session Time: 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Cost: $100 per rider (discounts available for Awesome Apprentices)

Skillbuilder Level 2 – Half-Day Session
Date: Wednesday 16 April
Session Time: 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Cost: $100 per rider

💙 NDIS Participants
Sessions for our regular NDIS riders will run on:
Monday 14 April
Thursday 17 April

🎯 Other Holiday Activities
🗓 On the Monday and Thursday of the first week of the holidays, we have limited availability for:
Private lessons
Custom group activities

🚫 Please note: These holidays we will only be open on Monday 14, Tuesday 15, Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17. We will be closed over Easter and the second week of the school holidays.

📧 Need More Info?
Please email: [email protected]
Subject line: HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

❌ Please do not send texts or Facebook messages – we can't track them properly.

💳 Bookings & Payments
All payments are made at the time of booking via Hopoti.

If you want to use an Active Kids Voucher (AKV), please email us first so we can set up the appropriate credit and process the voucher.
📌 Note: AKV bookings must be made by us on your behalf, as the $50 credit will not fully cover activity fees. Please send a snapshot of the AKV QR code to [email protected] and we’ll apply the credit to your child’s Hopoti account.

🐴 Horses on holidays after school holidays
Whitethorn Academy will close for the usual horse holiday in the week following the end of the school holidays.
📅 We’ll reopen for Term 2 from Monday 5 May 2025.
We’re currently working on the Term 2 timetable, and there may be some changes to lesson times. Please keep an eye on your inbox for updates during the break.
See you soon!
Toni and Team Whitethorn

Welcome Learner & Novice Riders!Learn to ride horses or enhance your skills safely in a fun environment at Whitethorn Academy.Our well-equipped facility is conveniently located at Maitland Vale, minutes north from Maitland CBD in the lower Hunter Valley of NSW.Building all-round horsemanship skills...

05/02/2025

We have just about finalised our Term 1 2025 lesson timetable. Please check out the sessions to make sure the days and times we have set up work for you.

If you need us to make any changes, please email [email protected] and let me know exactly what you would like to have changed.

If you can't see your name, send me an email and let me know what day/time you would like. Please note, we are not open on Wednesdays or Sundays.

See you all next week!
Cheers Toni

16/01/2025

Calling all little cowboys and cowgirls! We have some vacancies in our Little Tackers Pony Playgroups on Saturday morning 18/01/2025 (this coming Saturday).

An hour of fun on lovely well-mannered ponies, with an experienced human 'buddy' for each child. Music and games in a safe environment. No experience necessary. Fee: $50.

For more information, contact Toni on [email protected] or send a text to 0414 855 228.

16/01/2025

Message re Active Kids Vouchers from the NSW Government:

The next $50 Active and Creative Kids voucher is now available.
Any eligible families who didn't redeem their second voucher from 2024, can combine it with one of the new $50 vouchers. This will give them a total of $100 to put towards enrolling their child in your activities.

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Whitethorn Academy accepts AKVs as payment towards our activities. You will need to email a snapshot of the AKV so we can redeem it. It will be credited to your Hopoti account as a Stablecard, which can then be used when booking a session. Please note, if the session costs more than the value of the AKV credit, you will be invoiced to pay the remaining balance.

10/01/2025

Holiday activities start from Tuesday 14 January. Check Hopoti (www.hopoti.com/stable/WhitethornAcademy)
to see what exciting fun activities we have in store.

Need more info?
Send an email to [email protected]

Or text us on WhatsApp...

07/01/2025

Our very popular holiday activities timetable starts from next Monday 13 January 2025.

All bookings are open on Hopoti (www.hopoti.com/stable/WhitethornAcademy)

Some of the activities are open to people who are not Whitethorn students. But all bookings need to be made through Hopoti.

Here's what's happening...

Mondays, 13/1 and 20/1 and Thursdays, 16/1, 23/1 and 30/1

Special needs sessions for NDIS participants from 9:30 am.

Funrides and private lessons can be designed for you to be held between 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm.
Contact [email protected] to let us know what you are looking to do in the session. Make sure you give your phone number and convenient times that will suit you for us to ring and discuss the session. (Open to non-Whitethorn students)

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Tuesdays, 14/1, 21/1 and 28/1 (Open to non-Whitethorn students)
Holiday Horsefun™ morning session - 8:30 am to 12:00 pm - $100pp (including morning tea)
Holiday Horsefun™ afternoon session - 1:00 to 4:30pm - $100 (including afternoon tea)

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Wednesdays, 15/1 and 29/1
Skillbuilder Level 1 - 8:30 am to 12:00 pm - $100 pp (including morning tea)
Skillbuilder Level 2 - 1:00 to 4:30 pm - $100 pp (including afternoon tea)

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Friday, 17/1
Sporting and Mounted Games - 10:00 am to 3:00 pm - $80pp

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Saturday, 18/1
Little Tackers Pony Playgroup Session 1 - 10:00 to 11:00 am - $50pp (Open to non-Whitethorn students)

Little Tackers Pony Playgroup Session 2 - 11:30 am to 12:30 pm - $50pp (Open to non-Whitethorn students)

Ladies Lesson & Sundowner Session - Horse activity 4:00 to 6:30 pm, 'De-brief' 7:00 to 8:30 pm - $70pp (BYO sundowner supplies)

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Wednesday, 22/1
Musical Troop Drill and Formation Riding - 3:00 to 6:00 pm - $70pp. Suitable for riders who are competently riding independently and are able to rise trot around the arena without assistance.

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Friday, 24/1
Skillbuilder Level 1 - 8:30 am to 12:00 pm - $100pp (including morning tea)
Skillbuilder Level 3 - 1:00 to 4:30pm - $100pp (including afternoon tea).

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Saturday 25/1, Sunday 26/1, Monday 27/1
Closed for Australia Day long weekend

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Friday 31/1
Gridwork Clinic (to work on basic showjumping skills) 8:30 am to 12:00 pm - $100pp (includes morning tea). Suitable for Whitethorn riders who are riding independently and are able to canter around the arena without assistance.

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Saturday 1/2
Team Challenge - 9:00 am to 2:00 pm $75pp. Suitable for all skill levels. You will be allocated into a team to participate in several fun sporting events, competing with the other teams for prize ribbons. Bring along refreshments for the 'Apres Challenge' get-together.

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Any questions? Email [email protected] and put Holiday Enquiry in the subject line. We can't monitor Facebook or texts and we will be very busy with students, so may not be able to answer the phone. We will check emails regularly.

Happy Holidays!