The Stages Riding Program

Exclusive to NEQC, the Stages Riding Program is a structured and proven curriculum teaching correct techniques right from the very start. These skills can be used in all types of riding, throughout life, in any venue and in any country. NEQCs teachings are based around the German Principles of Riding, with an emphasis on safety, having a correct balanced seat, accurate aids and developing a partnership and understanding with the horse.

Each NEQC rider has their own ‘Rider’s Guide’ handbook, which sets out the stages from Stage 1, being complete beginner level, to Stage 7, being more advanced. In each stage, there is a list of skills to be completed and signed off by your coach, as well as theory questions, before you can move up to the next stage. This allows us to provide a personalised and thorough skills development program. We include horsemanship and ground skills in our program, such as grooming and tacking up the horse. To preview some of our lessons check out our YouTube.

Beginner riders start at Stage 1 of the program, with private lessons. Group lessons begin at Stage 2. Riders with experience are required to have an initial private assessment lesson, to see where their skills fit into our program. Once assessed, they can then ride in a group lesson appropriate to their level.

Private and group lessons are available on weekends, weekdays with some evening groups. We offer after school riding, school holiday programs and adult camps.

Competition

NEQC holds regular in house dressage and show jumping competitions, which riders of a certain stage can enter on the centre’s horses. There is an active competition club, who travel to away events in Vaulting, Dressage, Show Jumping and Eventing on NEQC horses. Our team has taken parts in events such as Wagga Horse Trials, Harden One Day Event and ACT Dressage Association competitions.

The club has also completed several successful international youth exchanges.

Horsemanship

Horsemanship is a key feature throughout our programs. Knowing what to expect with horses behaviour and how to manage ourselves around these beautiful, helpful but large animals is the key to being safe in your equestrian activities. Through our programs your understanding will increase as you progress.

In addition, NEQC runs a formal Horse management course. This runs for 10 weeks in the evenings and can lead to a Certificate with Equestrian Australia. We advertise at the Centre when these are being scheduled.

Junior Staff

If you are close to 12 or over, if you are interested in having fun and learning more about horses, if you can be available one day every weekend, then becoming a volunteer Junior Staff member could be for you!

It is a regular commitment every weekend 7.30am – 5:00pm either Saturday or Sunday. It also includes the chance to work with Poplar Corner Pony Rides.

You must be aged 12 or over, be in stage 3 of our riding program and be having regular riding lessons with us. You also must have a capacity to be very responsible, be diligent about safety, be able to apply yourself and work hard. It is very good training for the workforce and some of our Junior Staff go on to become Coaches. It is also lots of fun!

Junior rides

We cater for junior riders (under 6 years old) with our Junior Rider lessons. These are a great way to introduce younger children to riding before joining the stages program. Enjoy a private 30 minute led ride with a NEQC coach. Coaches will cover general riding and ground skills to encourage confidence and concentration in juniors.