Horsemanship Retreat Programs With Kerewong Herd
Relaxing and Educational Horsemanship Retreat
Multi-day (2-5 days) horsemanship retreats tailored for passionate horse enthusiasts wanting a relaxing and inspiring equine learning experience. At Kerewong Horse Farm NSW, you’ll spend quality time with our much-loved Arabian and Brumby horses in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Every horsemanship retreat program is tailored to the participants' experience levels (from Novice to Advanced) and practices general horse handling, more advanced groundwork and horse riding.
The Mountain Trail Obstacle course is the main attraction of the Horsemanship Program. It gives so many different opportunities to develop and improve horse handling and horse riding skills in a purposeful and fun way.
Come and live with the Kerewong horses for a few days and discover your best way of being with these magnificent creatures.
Learn About the Fascinating World of Horses
Immerse yourself in the natural behaviour of horses and be inspired by the Kerewong Horse Herd.
Our Horsemanship Style is centred around building trust and mutual respect. Trust is achieved by being consistent, kind and predictable in your behaviour towards the horse and acknowledging the horses point of view. Mutual respect between horse and handler is a continuous 2-way communication process.
Understand Horse Psychology and Behavior: See things from the horse's perspective.
Enriching Experience: Enjoy being around horses and exploring various ways to help them be happier in their environment. Learn about horse management and/or care.
Hands-On Learning: Practical horse handling and training methods.
Personal Growth: Become a better horse person and develop leadership, partnership, trust, and communication skills.
Relaxation: Unwind in the natural Australian lush green landscapes of the Port Macquarie hinterland on the Mid North Coast of NSW.
Horsemanship Retreat Details
Flexible Program: Minimum stay 2 days/nights. Maximum Stay 5 days/nights. Tailored to suit your experience level and preference. Several modules to choose from.
Group Size: Minimum 2 Participants, Maximum 4 Participants (Single bookings welcome).
Horses: The Kerewong herd of Arabian horses and Australian Brumbies are the stars of the show. These intelligent and sensitive animals will offer a profound learning experience for retreat attendees.
Each horse has a unique personality. (Meet the horses here...)
Riding Ability: Minimum required level is Novice, but the program also offers a wonderful learning experience for Intermediate and Advanced horse riders and handlers. The program will be tailored to your experience level but it is not suitable for absolute beginners.
Maximum Rider Weight Limit: 75-80 kg. People over this weight limit are welcome to participate, without the horse riding activities.
Horse Farm Accommodation: Choose self-contained cabins or the main lodge, with self or full catering options. See Accommodation page for more details.
Expert Guidance: Your host Kathy, with a lifetime of horse wisdom, will guide you through this immersive experience at her home, Kerewong.
Facilities: Enjoy our 40 x 20 m outdoor riding arena, round yard, Mountain Trail Obstacle Course, paddocks, yards, and undercover open stable area. Explore forest trails in the adjoining State Forest (Intermediate + riders only). See Property & Horse Facilities page for more details.
Horsemanship Program Overview
The Horsemanship Retreat Program is made up of different modules and is customised to suit individual participants' needs, preferences and goals.
The following list of Modules can be used as a guideline.
Modules:
- Groundwork Exercises: Horse handling, leading with a halter or neck rope, moving a horse without tools, lunging, poles, free jumping and more.
- Arena Riding: Basic dressage or horsemanship exercises, riding in pairs, bareback riding, riding with neck rope and trail ride challenges (obstacles, jumps, opening gates).
- Horse Behaviour in the Paddock: Observing herd dynamics, communication, interaction, hierarchy, friendships and individual personalities to better understand natural horse behaviour when you are interacting with horses.
- Mountain Trail Obstacle Course: Led and/or ridden. A fantastic way to develop better horsemanship skills.
- "Alternative" Horse Riding and Training Fun: Clicker training, tricks, and liberty – a fun introduction to learning together and connecting with your horse.
- Practical Horse Care, Health, and Well-being: Hoof care, horse nutrition and feeding, horse keeping & management, managing natural horse health.
- 1-2 Hour Forest Trail Ride: Only for adult riders with intermediate and above riding level.
How to Book Horsemanship Retreat
Please send us a booking enquiry with some information about you, your horse experience, and your wish list for your Horsemanship Retreat to help us tailor the perfect program for you and / or your group.
We will respond to any questions you may have and send you a detailed information package and quote before confirming your booking with a deposit payment.
Scheduled Dates 2025:
- 21-24 August (3 days/nights) - Price: $1,800 fully catered per person
- Other dates or custom programs are possible on request for 2-4 participants.
Example 3-day/night Horsemanship Retreat Program
Remember, this is just a guideline. We can adjust the program to suit your (group) needs and goals.
Meals can be self-catered or fully/half-catered, based on your preference.
- Participants travel to Lorne by own car with arrival at Kerewong Lodge & Horse Riding Farm in mid-late afternoon. Check-in time from 3.30 pm onwards. Pick-up transfers for participants without own transport may be possible on request for additional fee.
- Settle into your room and take in the panoramic views from the verandah.
- Meet the Kerewong horse herds in their home pastures. Introduction to individual horses. Observe the horses in the herd.
- Informative session, discussion about the horse program and the different modules options.
- Dinner with host and co-participants.
- AM: Herd Observations, then get the horses from paddocks and start with groundwork exercises.
- PM: Introduction to the Obstacle Course.
- AM: Obstacle Course, led and/or ridden
- PM: Taking the horses for a walk on lead in the forest or to a neighbouring property and creek to connect with your horse and practice your groundwork skills.
- AM: Choose from any of the Modules or a forest trail ride depending on participants suitability.
- PM: Horse Herd Exercise. Participants say goodbye to the horses.
- Departure in the mid afternoon.
FAQs
Yes. You need to have some basic horse knowledge and experience being around horses and riding. The Horsemanship Retreat Program is open to novice to advanced riders, but is not suitable for complete beginners.
- Novice Riders: You’ll focus mainly on groundwork exercises as we don’t offer beginner or novice riding lessons at this stage.
- More Experienced Riders: The program will have groundwork and ridden sessions. Horse Riding will be mainly in the arena and obstacle course. Depending on your riding level, you will have the opportunity to ride our Kerewong horses out (off-property) on a forest trail ride.
It's all about making sure everyone can have a great, safe, and enriching experience based on their skill level.
Yes and no.
- Experienced Riders: Trail riding can be added to your program.
- Novice Riders: For safety reasons, we cannot take you on trail rides off property.
The current minimum age is 15 years. Participants aged 15-17 must be accompanied by an adult family member. We will re-assess the minimum age limit every year, so please inquire with us if your child is younger. This helps us understand the demand.
Yes. While the information on this page is about the Horsemanship Program with the Kerewong horses, it is possible to book the Horsemanship Modules as part of your BYO Horse Holiday Stay.
Solo travellers are certainly welcome. You can join other solo travellers on a scheduled program. Although the standard minimum group size is 2, there may be opportunities to book and enjoy a very personalised horse holiday program just for you (self-catered), so please contact us for options and price for private programs.