Oops! Sorry!!


This site doesn't support Internet Explorer. Please use a modern browser like Chrome, Firefox or Edge.

Dressage Horse-Riding Holidays

Macclesfield, Victoria, Australia

Holiday Packages:

Silver

3 Day - 2 Night

Our 3-day dressage holiday involves an escape into the Yarra Ranges to enjoy our lovely location and the wonderful services we provide. 

All packages can be tailored to individual needs.

Gold

5 Day - 4 Night

Our 5-day dressage holiday involves, 3 days of dressage lessons and indulging in our fine meals and local treats. 

All packages can be tailored to individual needs.

Platinum

Race Horses

7 Day - 6 Night

Our 7-day equine holidays, involves 5 days of dressage lessons, luxury meals and local experiences.

All packages can be tailored to individual needs.

Silver Package

Escape to the Yarra Ranges and enjoy our wonderful location and services.

Friday

Arrive and Explore the Property

Enjoy your first Horse-Riding lesson (if you have scheduled one)

 Eat in or head out to a local restaurant

Gold Package

Leanne will teach you the correct tools on how to school your horse with technique and kindness to achieve a trusting bond and beautiful movements. Her previous competition experience as a Grand Prix rider enables her to deliver her lessons from a position of wealth and knowledge, this combined with her Classical learnings is priceless.

This holiday package also includes some liberty sessions with Australian horseman, Jason McInnes. We will introduce you to the wonder of connection with your equine partner. The skills you use during these lessons will guide you in your approach to horses for the rest of your life, forming bonds using trust exercises with your horse.

Monday

Arrive and Explore the Property

Enjoy your first Horse-Riding lesson (if you have scheduled one)

 Eat in or head out to a local restaurant

Platinum Package

This holiday package also includes some liberty sessions with Australian horseman, Jason McInnes. We will introduce you to the wonder of connection with your equine partner. The skills you use during these lessons will guide you in your approach to horses for the rest of your life, forming bonds using trust exercises with your horse.

Leanne will teach you the correct tools on how to school your horse with technique and kindness to achieve a trusting bond and beautiful movements. Her previous competition experience as a Grand Prix rider enables her to deliver her lessons from a position of wealth and knowledge, this combined with her Classical learnings is priceless.

Each full day during your stay will include a visit to one of our amazing local attractions, carefully thought out with delicious meals and riding lessons. We hope to wow you with our beautiful area and wonderful horses. This is the holiday you need for a truly indulgent and educational equine retreat.

Sunday

Arrive and Explore the Property

Enjoy your first Horse-Riding lesson (if you have scheduled one)

 Eat in or head out to a local restaurant

Our Instructors:

Leanne Williams

Leanne stands among a select group of Licensed Level 1 School of Légèreté (Lightness) instructors in Australia. Furthermore, she holds the esteemed titles of an Equestrian Australia Level 3 Dressage Coach and Level 1 General Coach. Leanne has a long-standing commitment to showcasing the elegance of Classical Dressage in modern competition and she has successfully competed with a diverse range of horses bred on her own premises, from Novice to Grand Prix levels. With this expertise, Leanne eagerly imparts her extensive knowledge and experiences to others and guides them in educating their horses with clarity and respect.

Jason McInnes

During the initial two decades of Jason's educational journey, he had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed figures in the field of natural horsemanship, notably Buck Brannaman, Pat Parelli, and John Lyons. This invaluable experience enabled him to formulate a comprehensive equine training system that places utmost importance on preserving the intrinsic worth of horses. His methodology encompasses Liberty work, which fosters a profound connection between horse and handler, subsequently progressing to groundwork focused on balance and energy, culminating in the refinement of ridden exercises. It is this progression that propelled him towards his current pursuit at the School of Légèreté, where he is further honing his skills to impart the finishing touches that epitomize the overall elegance of a well-trained mount.

Teachings

Philippe Karl and his renowned institution, known as the 'Ecole de Légèreté' or School of Lightness, embody a profound philosophy of equine education rooted in the wisdom of the old masters. The guiding principles of this school advocate for a delicate application of aids by riders and handlers, promoting a harmonious partnership with the horse that elicits a responsive and graceful appearance. By imparting a comprehensive understanding of the foundational principles, the School of Lightness enables equestrians to attain the pinnacle of dressage ability.

The teaching shows how training is organised into very small steps which are built upon one another, with earlier steps revisited when something isn’t working. This meticulous methodology generates heightened motivation, enhanced aesthetic appeal, and unparalleled expression in the equine partner. Notably, all school horses undergo training following the principles of the School of Lightness, making them suitable for riders of all skill levels.

Facilities

Our exceptional facilities encompass an expansive, Olympic-sized covered arena measuring 60 meters by 40 meters, as well as a more intimate outdoor arena measuring 18 meters by 35 meters, which provides an ideal setting for personalized training sessions, allowing individuals to enjoy the delightful Australian weather.

Our equine residents are accommodated in spacious paddocks, complemented by two separate stable blocks. One block is dedicated to Avoca Park's own horses, while the other block consists of two stables exclusively reserved for agistee and guest horses. Additionally, we offer a designated float carpark, a roundyard, and a weaning yard, ensuring that Avoca Park caters comprehensively to all equestrian requirements.

Our horses live in paddocks, but we do have 2 blocks of stables. One for Avoca Park’s horses and one for guest’s horses. Our fantastic equestrian facilities include an Olympic sized covered arena (60m x 40m) and a more intimate sized outdoor arena (18m x 35m) perfect for one-on-one training while enjoying the Australian weather.

Riding Sessions

During the booking process there will be a comprehensive discussion to determine the desired outcomes of our guests’ stay. Once the riding skills have been evaluated, Leanne will diligently craft a personalized program tailored to assist riders in achieving their specific objectives.

Our esteemed instructors, renowned for their exceptional abilities, offer a variety of riding lesson options, including semi-private/group or private sessions, available daily.

Group classes are conducted strategically, either when deemed advantageous for the riders or when riders come in pairs or groups. These group lessons are thoughtfully designed to align with the individual goals of each participant, mirroring the approach taken in individual lessons. Despite being part of a group, each rider receives personalized attention and experiences individualized instruction throughout the program.

Group classes are conducted when it is beneficial for the riders or if riders come in pairs or groups. Group lessons are tailored to the goals of each rider just as with an individual lesson. Even though a rider is part of a group, each rider is still treated as an individual and will experience individual instruction during the program.

The topics that can/will be covered are:

  • Cavesson Work

  • In-Hand Work

  • Ridden Work

  • Liberty Training

  • Horsemanship Groundwork

  • Trail Rides

  • FOLLOW US