The Riding Centre
Hout Bay
Equestrian activities including, lessons for riders of all ages and abilities, pony rides, vaulting, livery, leasing and birthday parties. Our aim is to provide a safe, friendly environment for all to enjoy horses.
About Us
Since 1986
We are a family run business based in the heart of Hout Bay.
The Riding Centre facilities include a barn type stable block with lovely paddocks, individual and group. The Centre has 2 jumping arenas, 2 dressage arenas, a lunging ring, a small cross country course in the forest and has easy access to outrides around the reed bed, beach and the dunes.
Check out our activities!
A unique experience
Stable Shop
The Riding Centre Stable Shop offers snacks, refreshments and delicious meals as well as a variety of basic tack and riding equipment. Everyone is welcome to pop in for a light meal or coffee and meet Hansie the goat , Henry the sheep, the pigs, the chickens, bunnies and the rest of the family. Our playground is open to all visitors.
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What we do
Activities
Riding Lessons
Riding lessons are suitable for all ages and abilities. All the various riding disciplines are incorporated into lessons such as showjumping, dressage, equitation, cross country and vaulting.
MORE ABOUT LESSONS
Riding Lessons
Groups are kept small with plenty of personal attention.
Great care is taken to ensure correct riding principles, respect and care for the horse in a safe and friendly environment.
The Riding Centre has produced a number of successful competitive riders in various disciplines and a huge number of people who learnt to ride at the Centre continue to ride competitively or socially and have an ingrained love of the horse.
Our schooling facilities include:
* 2 sand jumping arenas
* 2 sand dressage arenas
* Lunging Arena
* Cross Country course
* Easy access to safe outrides
Birthday Parties
The Riding Centre offers a choice of 2 spacious, rustic locations as a venue for your child’s birthday party.
MORE ABOUT PARTIES
Birthday Parties
We can provide you with various options from simply hiring the venue to decorate and utilize as you wish – to providing you with a variety of party planning ideas and services.
THE VENUE
The Garden Playground – a lovely grassy playground with plenty of swings, slides and equipment suitable for younger children as it is fenced in. There is a Bedouin Tent offering plenty of shade, tables, chairs etc and close to The Stable Shop
or
The Adventure Playground – a more adventurous play area with plenty of space, monkey ropes, tree house, balancing poles, cargo nets, climbing wall etc. The lovely big deck with a Bedouin tent is comfortable with plenty of tables, chairs, outdoor benches etc, gas braai and shelter if the weather is not 100%.
PARTY OPTIONS 9.30am to 1.00pm OR 2.00pm to 5.30pm
Option 1
Venue as is:
* Hire of the venue for either a morning or afternoon party
* Use of party area, tent and playground equipment
Option 2
Set up and Clean up – colour options
Venue hire (as above) including set up and décor of the party area including the following:
* Welcome board and décor balloons
* Bunting to decorate the trees and tent
* Table clothes, bowls, cups, paper plates, serviettes
* Glass wear (glasses and champagne glasses) and ice bucket for adult use
* Clear up after party – (please make sure that all flowers and décor are NOT TAKEN HOME)
All that is needed is your own snacks, drinks and cake.
The party will be set up 30 minutes prior to the start of the party and will be cleared away after the end of the party.
Option 3
Themed Set up and Clean up
Venue hire including:
Theme specific set up (themed plates, serviettes etc –(additional charge if more than 20 children) and clear up. (Option 1; 2 plus themed décor)
Available themes
* Cowboys and Cowgirls (straw bales, cowboy hats, harness, tack etc)
* My Little Pony (Straw bales, pony pictures, horse shoes, My Little Pony figurines)
* Pirates (swords, eye patches, Pirate hats etc)
* A Pony Party (straw bales, horsey décor, pony jumps, etc)
* Unicorns; Fairies (Unicorn ponies, fairies, décor, etc)
* Cars ( cars, track, fun décor)
* A soccer party ( a mini soccer field, some training and a game)
GAMES AND ENTERTAINMENT
All of the equipment for the games detailed below will be organized and set up before the party starts with parents to supervise. (Alternatively, please see details of our Party Supervisor options below).
* Horseshoe decorating
Each child receives a spray painted genuine horseshoe and has the opportunity to bedazzle and decorate their horseshoe with beads, glitter and assorted embellishments. A great time-filler and unique memorabilia to take home. All materials included.
* Treasure Hunt
We set up various Treasure Hunts depending on the age of the children. These vary from a hunt for younger children who collect goodies hidden around the party area to an adventurous supervised search for treasure along a trail through the beautiful forest and around the grounds. Exciting goodies and treasures provided to all children; prizes given to all participants who complete the Hunt.
* Obstacle course
An obstacle course is set up through the playground making use of barrels, tyres, jumps, swing ropes etc so that all children can participate and enjoy it with their friends. On completion each child receives a personalized rosette to take home.
* Jumping Castle
* Pony Rides.
2 or 4 ponies led for 30 mins.
Ponies are led by Riding Centre Staff and parents to supervise children, allocate helmets and help onto ponies.
CATERING
Party Packs cellophane bag and/or party box.
Each party pack to include for e.g. chips, fizzer, lollipop, sweets as well as some fun goodies relevant to the age group. For e.g bouncy balls, slinky’s, stickers, hair clips etc.
Full catering for children and adults. Our party menu is attached and has a variety of savory and sweet options.
Sandwich platters, mini hot dogs, stunning birthday cakes etc.
For party catering, email stableshop@theridingcentre.com
ADDITIONAL PARTY SERVICES
Party supervisor – our party supervisor can join you for the afternoon and guide and help supervise the children, co ordinate the activities and make sure that your party runs smoothly.
All parties are personalized and activities can be tailor-made to your budget and preferences.
Please e-mail Kim at parties@theridingcentre.com
or call 083 2828 366 to arrange a time when we can discuss your child’s birthday party and don’t hesitate to give me a call if you require further info.
The Date for your party will be confirmed on receipt of the deposit and Booking Form.
R1000 deposit required to secure your booking.
Bank Account Details:
Riding Centre Events, Nedbank, Hout Bay,
Acc no 1034932721
Pony Rides
Treat the young ones to a fun ride with full supervision.
The Riding Centre offers pony rides all children 11 years and under.
MORE ABOUT PONY RIDES
Pony Rides
All pony rides for 11 yrs & under
Monday | 14.30 – 15.45
Tuesday to Saturday | 9.30 – 10.45 & 14.30 – 15.45
Closed on Sundays .
Details: Ponies must be led by an adult at all times and stay on the lead rein.
Ponies to only walk and riders must wear a riding hat (available at the stables).
Please book your pony ride at the stables shop when you arrive.
Pony Play
Pony Play runs in conjunction with the termly lesson structure, and is a perfect introduction to riding for younger children.
MORE ABOUT PONY PLAY
Pony Play
Pony Play sessions include grooming, crafts and getting to know ponies as well as learning the basics of riding (all on the lead rein at the walk), picnic rides, games etc.
Holiday Camps
The Riding Centre is the place to be during school holidays with plenty of exciting activities for all ages and riding abilities.
MORE ABOUT HOLIDAY CAMPS
Holiday Camps
The programme for each holiday is handed out at the stables and is available on our Facebook and Instagram before the school holidays are due to start.
* Leasing of school horses
* Holiday Club for the younger riders
* Full and Half Day Riding Courses and Camp outs
SUMMER CAMP
Every summer holiday the Riding Centre runs a summer camp children come and camp out at the stables for 4 days, 3 nights and have an action packed week which includes riding, mountain biking, swimming, surfing, games on the beach, sand boarding etc as well as team games, camping fun and loads more.
Even if your child has never ridden before summer camp is for everyone.
Please check out our Facebook page for regular updates on when the various camps will be.
Livery
Our livery includes – all feed, bedding, stabling and paddocks with plenty of supervision by our knowledgeable and caring staff.
MORE ABOUT LIVERY
Livery
Our barn type stable building has lovely airy brick stables which makes it a perfect home for happy horses. We also have outdoor stables for horses who prefer to sleep outdoors.
The facilities include a tack room with a locker per horse, feed rooms, wash bay as well as plenty of grass and sand paddocks. We provide individual and group paddocks.
We have 4 arenas, two dressage and two jumping as well as a few cross country jumps and access to outrides on the Dunes and the Beach.
We offer qualified instructors for lessons in all disciplines and show assistance.
Leasing
There are various leasing options available at the Riding Centre and care is taken to find the best match of horse and rider.
MORE ABOUT LEASING
Leasing
Some of the school horses are available for leasing during the weekends and a number of the livery horses are also available for private leasing.
Vaulting
Vaulting has been part of the Riding Centre for more than 20 years. Lots of South African Champions have been produced over the years at the Hout Bay Riding Centre and plenty of medals have been collected.
MORE ABOUT VAULTING
Vaulting
Equestrian Vaulting is a competitive discipline and often described as gymnastics to music on the back of a moving horse. It requires good physical condition from the vaulter and a harmonious relationship with the horse to make it work. Even though vaulting is its own discipline, it is also good for riders as it improves fitness levels and their seat drastically.
We have regular competitions at the Riding Center with judges flying in from all over the country. We have for many years been the most successful club in the Western Cape and are very proud of this achievement.
It takes a very special kind of horse to become a vaulting horse; good character and temperament being essential. We are blessed with our gentle giant Clynelish Swordsman, also called Mini, who has carried many kids safely and always reliable through training and competitions. Boston is our second vaulting horse and is a good, reliable horse who carries our vaulters like a champ. Not to forget all of our retired vaulting horses, who are now enjoying their time off on the farms.
If you are keen to come join our vaulting lessons, you are welcome to try out and see if you would like to give it a go. We offer vaulting lessons twice a week and have beginner and advanced groups.
Join Us
Upcoming Events
New events will be announced soon
Please keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for regular updates on shows and events.
Meet
The Team
Kim Wallace
I started riding at 8yrs old on a really cheeky pony (who my Mom bought for R50) called Selene who we kept on the most beautiful farm, Strawberry Hill, just outside George.
Riding, loving and looking after our horses and taking part in plenty of riding activities was a huge part of my upbringing. We rode out in the mountains around the farm, played polo x, rode in gymkhana’s, Paper Chase as well as all of the regular equestrian disciplines – all the on the same horse or pony!
I became more competitive in show jumping and eventing as I grew older with Eventing being my definite favourite. I represented both Eastern Cape and the Western Province on a number of occasions with my highlight being winning the Sappi Eventing Champs on my wonderful Eldoret.
Riding and introducing the love of horses has been my passion since I started the riding school at The George Riding Club when I finished school. Riding correctly, safely and having fun is incredibly important to me and it gives me huge joy knowing that the Riding Centre has been and continues to be a special place for so many children and adults.
Lara Wallace
I am Lara. My mom Kim started the Riding Centre before I was born so I have been fortunate enough to be riding my entire life.
As a child rider I had a pony called Maltara and he loved to be cheeky and challenge me on a daily basis. As a junior, I rode Swordsman, a Clydesdale cross thoroughbred who is also our vaulting horse and a Thoroughbred called Saratoga. We went on to represent the equitation team, show jumping and vaulting teams.
I am currently studying my Equine studies through an Australian University as well as working at the Centre.
My passion is teaching children to ride and I love seeing the joy horses bring them.
Megan Jane Hart
Hi am Megan, my first ever riding lesson was a birthday present from my Aunt’s for my 6th Birthday at the Riding Centre and from that day I was hooked.
I eventually persuaded my parents to get me my own pony. My second pony was bought off the farm but by the end of our career together we had represented Western Province in Equiation, Showjumping, Dressage and Eventing in 2004/5/6/7.
In Juniors I was fortunate enough to get the ride on a few different horses, on which I competed successfully and again represented the Western Cape in Equitation and Showjumping. My biggest achievement was winning 2008 South African Equiation Championship and in 2009 coming 2nd in the Phillip Smith Invitational Memorial show.
I have been working at the riding centre for seven years, and the goal I have for my clients is for them to appreciate their equine partner as a team mate and for them to acknowledge that sportmanship comes before rosettes.
Katie Griffiths
Hi I am Katie. I have been riding for over 25 years, and have competed in Showjumping, Eventing and a little bit of Dressage.
I orginally studied a National Diploma in equine management at Merrist Wood College in the UK. I completed National Vocational Qaulifications level 1 and 2 and British Horse Society Level 1, 2, 3 and AI.
I have teaching for over 18 years in the UK, Dubai and here in South Africa.
Gordon Duncan
Hi I am Gordon Duncan.
I learnt to ride as a child and have ridden for most of my life. My wife is able to ride and both of my children learned to ride at a very young age.
As a family we rode, and I therefore decided to take my knowledge further and to qualify as a Riding Instructor. I did the course in 1999 and qualified as a SANEF Level 1 instructor. I have taught various ages, levels and abilities at the Riding Centre since that time.
I find it very satisfying to see that many of the pupils I have taught continue to ride, either leasing or buying their own horses and riding competitively or recreationally.
I also qualified as a Vaulting Judge and was very involved with vaulting for a number of years.
get in Touch
Contact Us
Phone & Email
021 790 5286 (Riding Centre)
info@theridingcentre.com
Address
Main Road (next to HB International School)
Hout Bay 7806
Google Maps Directions
Open Hours
Monday:
13.30 – 17.15
Tuesday to Friday:
08.30 – 17.15
Saturday:
08.15 – 16.00
Sunday: Closed
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