Benkalda Horse and Rider

17/06/2026

17/06/2026

We cannot think of very many facilities that offer what Benkalda Horse and Rider does. 3 acres of obstacles, arena, round yard, clinics, competitions, play dates, coaching sessions all delivered with support and guidance. Camping facilities (gas BBQs, toilet/shower/holding yards/horse water). We always insist on groundwork first and this has turned many a potential disaster into an experience of connection, trust and confidence between horse and rider. Fun days available for clubs, private groups, birthday groups, Xmas break up, end of year awards day...you name it, we've probably hosted it. We offer a meet up area if you want to arrange a group saddle fit, chiro, vet work. Dr Louise Cosgrove, Inline Equine, KISS, SF Saddle Solutions are just a few who have met their clients here in a group to use the arena and holding yards. If you've enjoyed our company please like and share. Like all small businesses we rely on our riders to spread the word. If for any reason you would not recommend us, then please DM and we will take your feedback on board.

16/06/2026

Ever the optimists we are scheduling a play date for Saturday 27th June. Depending on where you are travelling from you can bring your float or your Ark. We will have some of the obstacles set up which will be included in the next Benkalda Challenge on 26th July. We will also be hosting another play date on Sunday 12th July.

12/06/2026

Unfortunately our Play Date tomorrow has been cancelled. A couple more heavy showers today have just made it impossible to go ahead. We will schedule another date for end of June and more play dates in July...if it ever stops raining. Have a great weekend everyone.

06/06/2026

For those of you who wonder what we do at Benkalda....a little bit of this and a little bit of that. And a whole lot of fun.

06/06/2026

How do we measure success? How do we measure connection and trust and confidence? How do we measure the sheer joy of being in tune with our horse? It's different for all of us. Some excel in the arena, some at eventing, some love nothing more than to plod around in their own backyard. Sometimes we do a ride and we only focus on the things that could have been better instead of the things that actually were amazing. Today my lovely partners in horse crime joined Champ and me for a ride in the magnificent Wamuran forestry. We love to explore and they were happy to try a trail I'd ridden about two years ago. Heavy rain and forestry closures have meant we can't always access our favourite trails. We found the trail but it was overgrown. The entry was very narrow, less than a metre wide but on we went. We found the trail and Champ and I could make it out but then at one point it disappeared. I asked Champ to find the trail and he stopped, looked around and then walked on. 10 minutes later we were on the main trail back to the railway. My friends were full of positives...this is lovely. The horses are enjoying different grasses to nibble on. I'm with a horse who is listening to me instead of being anxious. We are always asking our horse to trust us. More importantly, we should learn to trust them. Happy trails everyone.