EDUCATION PROGRAM
“No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle� - Winston Churchill
Fresh air, gentle horses, great facilities, attentive staff in a safe, supportive and healthy environment. Gunnamatta Trail Rides has provided incredible experiences for school students, and special interest groups for years. Whilst there are a variety of activities your group could participate in, we believe none would be as rewarding or memorable as riding with us. Participants in our programs learn skills and gain knowledge about horsemanship, riding and proper equine care. We at Gunnamatta Trail Rides feel education through practice is education for life. With over 30 years in business, we thrive on delivering an incredible experience - from the initial inquiry to the time they pat their horse goodbye. Our Vision Gunnamatta Trail Rides aims to create the ultimate lifetime experience and learning foundation for all current and future horse enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Our Mission Through our everyday activities, recruitment practices, business processes and customer service orientation we strive to achieve our vision. Importantly: • Your safety is ‘Gunnamatta’ • Your experience is ‘Gunnamatta’ • Your memory is ‘Gunnamatta Trail Rides’
Our Facilities Gunnamatta Trail Rides is on 80 acres situated an easy one hour drive south of Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula. Our property contains sheltered bays, several stable complexes, holding pens, equipment and feed storage sheds, saddle / tack room, wash bays, grazing paddocks and a corporate meeting room which we use for the theory component of our programs. Gunnamatta Trail Rides also boasts two large, fully enclosed sand arenas, were the majority of the practical components in the programs are undertaken. The arena surfaces have been professionally prepared and is regularly maintained to ensure optimal experience for both horse and rider.
Our Safety Culture We have established best practice safety protocols and standards to ensure that we provide the most memorable experiences. Outdoor classrooms and working with animals is not always plain sailing, but as an organisation we have established and are committed to a ‘zero target’ safety culture - that’s zero accidents, and zero complaints. • Helmets are supplied on-site and individually fitted to each rider • Personal riding equipment brought from home is subject to inspection and approval by staff (helmets must meet current Australian Standards and be in good condition) • Clothes / shoes must be appropriate to ride in • All equipment is regularly inspected • Initial lessons take place in an enclosed and controlled environment • Staff are required to have a current First Aid and Working with Children check • Smoke, alcohol & drug free environment
Our unique environment allows it’s students the opportunity to experience an amazing amount of personal growth. Overcoming new challenges and gaining confidence in this very different kind of classroom provides skills they can apply in every day life. For some, the programs present situations that are very confronting, but it’s the experience of working through these initial uncertainties that make interacting with these amazing animals so rewarding. The connection made between rider and horse can be incredibly powerful, and just like most relationships it relies on mutual trust and effective communication.
All of our programs have been developed to align with the national standards of equine education and have a clear outline of the skills and competencies that will be addressed. If required we can also incorporate progress evaluations throughout the program, but this is an optional feature. All students will receive recognition on completion of their program, and those who excel in their learning application, horsemanship skill or personal development will receive special acknowledgment. Participants learn the basics of how to handle, care for and ride horses, but perhaps more importantly they acquire life experience, and can learn about themselves.
All participants will learn the basics of horsemanship from the ground to the saddle. Whilst covering a wide range of competencies, our programs have a focus on providing this education in a fun and positive way. Each student is matched with one of our 70 horses for the duration based on previous riding experience and confidence level. We ensure every participant receives individual attention and instruction from our staff so they can safely complete each component before confidently progressing to the next. There are 3 programs available, each offering a different range of horsemanship education.
PROGRAM 1 : Introduction Understanding the basics Learn the basic aspects of being around horses and understand their behaviors & anatomy. In addition, topics also include safe handling techniques and riding safely in this great introduction to horse riding.
PROGRAM 2 : Beginner Developing skills Advance from the Introduction Program and learn more about you and your horse. Connection and balance form great foundations of riding in this program.
PROGRAM 3 : Intermediate Advancing horsemanship Take your knowledge to a new level where you will increase your ability to not only connect, ride and understand your horse but teach your horse too.
PROGRAMS COMPONENTS
1
2
3
1 Days
2-3 Days
4-5 Days
Safety Matters Ground Control - Introduction Ground Control - Beginner Level Relationship Building With Horses - Introduction Relationship Building With Horses - Beginner Level Relationship Building With Horses - Intermediate Level Horsemanship Tack Lesson Grooming Horse Identification Horse Care & Welfare Riding Lessons Riding Lessons - Introduction Riding Lessons - Beginner Level Riding Lessons - Intermediate Level Feed up Trail Ride - Beginner Level Trail Ride - Intermediate Level Arena Games - Beginner Level Arena Games - Intermediate Level
Our Unique Offering Gunnamatta Trail Rides has the experience and facilities to provide our participants with something truly unique.
For more information about our Education Program, please contact our friendly staff who will be happy to assist with your enquiry.
We extend this invitation to your school or organisation with the belief it will enrich the lives of your pupils or team-members.
03 5988 6755 | info@gunnamatta.com.au We look forward to working with you to create a genuinely amazing life experience.
“Gunnamatta Trail Rides aims to create the ultimate life time experience and learning foundation for all current and future horse enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.� - Directors Gunnamatta Trail Rides
03 5988 6755
info@gunnamatta.com.au
www.facebook.com/Gunna3939
Cnr Truemans Rd & Sandy Rd Fingal (Rye) VIC 3939 www.gunnamatta.com.au