Ballodair Park Equestrian Centre

03/11/2026

So now, a little housekeeping follow up from the big competition last weekend.

For the most part, I am hugely appreciative to everyone who came and rode here. Yards and arenas were left clean and tidy which makes life so much easier for the crew in the days after a comp.

I will remind everyone, however, that we ask that you remove your horse's manure from the parking area before you leave. There's a fork and a bin right there, and it doesn't take a moment to clear it away. Unfortunately a handful of visitors didn't follow through on this request - and I really really don't want to have to start getting bossy out there on the day.

Speaking of driving, this is the big one. We had one particular competitor who chose to drive their car and float recklessly across the property, which resulted in a near-miss with a staff member. This is completely unacceptable. If you've been designated parking and prep on the racetrack side of Ballodair Park, then you are required to drive slowly and carefully across from the entry side. There is no excuse or reason that we'll accept for cars/floats/trucks to come barrelling over putting other people and horses at risk.

This is the first and final warning -- from this point on, anyone we catch driving unsafely on the property will be asked to leave immediately, and will no longer be welcome back. Remember this is a private venue, and house rules apply.

Thanks.

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01/11/2026

Also? Our boys have left the UK, inbound for Melbourne. Please hold a good thought for them as they fly half way around the world. I don't think about this bit, I lose my marbles worrying!

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01/11/2026

So, because I am a crazy person (what, are you saying you didn't notice????) some months ago I took up Vicki Chidgey's offer to buy her stunningly beautiful imported GRP mare Dancer, in foal to Christan Trainor's little rock star stallion Mr Hollywood. Fabulous on both sides of the family tree.

In the early hours of the morning Dancer dropped a gorgeous chestnut c**t. Ok, I wanted a bay boy, but I'll take half of the wish list!

Welcome to the world, Ballodair Park Merlyn, aka Mac. We're all madly in love with you!

All the thanks to team member midwife Skye, who took over foal watch duties. He's 2 weeks later than anticipated and Skye has been a total hero, staying on top of the job. Couldn't have made it without her. And also thanks to her fab mum Vicki, for all the advice and support.

31/10/2026

And that's a wrap for our very first dressage competition using the new competition arena and covered school, as well as the regular entry side arenas. Thanks to all the competitors and their supporters who made it a sell-out day. Even the grumpy weather couldn't dampen enthusiasm!

Great work from the Ballodair Park crew, and as always from Karen Lever, competition admin extraordinaire and her trusty right hand Graeme, and the 2 Gails, hostesses with the mostest.

Much appreciation to the judges, stewards and scribes for their time and expertise.

Just a reminder for our next comp at the end of November -- entries are now open so please get in quick. We had to turn people away this time, and we hate to disappoint. Once we get more of the facilities completed and online we'll be adding to the arena count so we can offer as many riders as possible the chance to chase qualifying scores and continue their dressage journey.

29/10/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FZBBjT7y9/

🌟LEONIE BRAMALL CLINIC IN SYDNEY

I’m very excited to announce that Leonie Bramall will be coming to Caroline Hooper Dressage at Ebenezer in Sydney from the 11-14th November.

The Friday and Saturday are already full
There are a few spots available on Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th

Lessons are $285

Leonie has been coming to QLD and Melbourne for many years and has been instrumental in the development of many of Australia’s top riders and trainers in producing horses from breaking in to Grand Prix and many have benefitted from training with her in Germany
It is very exciting that she will now be coming to Sydney several times a year so there will be great continuity
I personally have known and trained with and listened to and benefited from her knowledge since 2006 when I met her in NZ while I was living there.
She is one of the most skilled and passionate coaches and trainers you will meet and has featured in The Horse Magazine and numerous German publications.
If you google Horse Magazine/ Leonie Bramall you will find many articles.
A multiple-time Olympic and World Championship competitor herself, she has successfully trained over 50 horses to GP level and competed them successfully.
Leonie is a successful Eventing rider herself and offers much to the jumping disciplines as well.
She has also coached numerous riders to great success, including winning Olympic gold medals.
Don't miss this opportunity to join in on a friendly and supportive clinic.

Contact me for more info and to register your interest

0457200462
[email protected]
DM

29/10/2026

Never a dull moment around here, boys and girls!

Entries are now open for our November dressage competition. Like this month's comp it will be a single day event. We're saving the big guns for the end of the year, more on that in due course.

We'll also organise a few extra arena familiarisation days for people to practice on the new competition arena, which gets its first real life trial this coming Saturday.

Speaking of this Saturday's competition, I'll say thank you in advance to everyone who's entered and beg your patience since it's the first time we'll be operating both sides of the property at the same time. So you're all crash test dummies, and we couldn't do it without you!

Here's the November comp entry info:

Ballodair Park Riding Club - Saturday 28th November 2026. Dates: 28 Nov 2026. Venue: Ballodair Park Equestrian Centre. Country: Australia.

28/10/2026

🐴💚 TWO EXCITING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AT BALLODAIR PARK RIDING CLUB! 💚🐴
Ready to improve your riding, develop your skills and strengthen your partnership with your horse? We've got two fantastic training opportunities coming up, and we'd love to see you there! 🏇✨
Join us for a day of learning on November 1st with Greg Smith for flatwork or Peter Turner for intermediate cross-country!
📅 Date: Sunday, 1 November 2026
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🌿 1. GREG SMITH – FLATWORK TRAINING DAY
Looking to refine your flatwork and take your riding to the next level?
This is your opportunity to work one-on-one with Greg Smith, an experienced international equestrian rider and dressage trainer. Enjoy a dedicated private lesson focused on your riding goals, improving your technique and developing a better partnership with your horse.
📌 Lesson Details
🐴 Discipline: Flatwork
👤 Format: Private, one rider per lesson
⏱️ Duration: 1 hour
💰 Price: $135 per rider
🕘 Available Ride Times
• 9:00 am
• 10:00 am
• 11:00 am
• 1:00 pm
• 2:00 pm
• 3:00 pm
✨ BONUS: Free use of a day yard and wash bay for the applicable day!
🔗 BOOK WITH GREG HERE:
https://nominate.com.au/EquestDN/Event.aspx...
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🌿 2. PETER TURNER – INTERMEDIATE CROSS-COUNTRY TRAINING DAY
Ready to build your confidence on the cross-country course?
Join Peter Turner for an intermediate cross-country training session designed to help you refine your technique, develop your confidence and improve your partnership with your horse.
With a maximum of four riders per group, you'll benefit from small-group coaching while learning alongside fellow riders.
📌 Lesson Details
🐴 Discipline: Cross-country
🏇 Rider level: Intermediate
👥 Maximum of 4 riders per group
⏱️ Duration: 1 hour
💰 Price: $50 per rider
🕘 Available Ride Times
• 9:00 am
• 10:00 am
• 11:00 am
• 1:00 pm
• 2:00 pm
• 3:00 pm
✨ BONUS: Free use of a day yard and wash bay for the applicable day!
🔗 BOOK WITH PETER HERE:
https://nominate.com.au/EquestDN/Event.aspx...
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📣 IMPORTANT INFORMATION – PLEASE READ
✅ Bookings are essential, and places are limited.
✅ All prices include GST. A small processing fee applies at checkout.
✅ Entries close at MIDDAY, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29TH.
✅ Your gate code will be supplied once payment has been received.
✅ If you have not completed a waiver and medical history form within the past 12 months, these will be emailed to you after booking and must be completed before your ride.
🐴 Horse & Property Rules
• Day yards must be left clean and tidy, with all manure cleaned up.
• Horses must be walked from the yards to the arenas and designated riding areas.
• Horses may only be tacked up in a day yard.
• No dogs are permitted on the property, even on lead.
⚠️ Cancellations & Refunds
• No refunds will be issued unless the club cancels the event.
• If you are unable to attend, you are responsible for finding another rider to take your place.
• No-shows will not be refunded.
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🐎 LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE – BOOK NOW! 🐎
Whether you're looking to fine-tune your flatwork with Greg Smith or build your cross-country confidence with Peter Turner, these are fantastic opportunities to get out, learn something new and work towards your riding goals.
We look forward to welcoming you to Ballodair Park Riding Club for a great day of riding, learning and fun! 💚
We can't wait to see you there!

21/10/2026

Well! It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks! I thought this was supposed to be the Year of the Fire Horse, not the Year of the Bucking Bronco!!!!

After some last minute shenanigans at Dubai Airport, Lyndal touched down safely in Sydney and is now back in the swing of Ballodair Park life. She's met her two new rides, gorgeous girls Favourite and Lolly, and will be deciding on the third Spice Girl in a couple of weeks. All while counting down the hours (as we all are!) for the UK boys to make it home. They're currently in UK quarantine at Newmarket, enjoying a break and working on the pudge. Bless them.

In other news, we've had a wonderful stream of riders coming in to check out the new competition arena, which debuts in our October comp. So far so good there, the feedback has been encouraging. Completion day crawls ever closer.

Huge congrats to all the riders who contested the national dressage championships down at Boneo. Kudos to the winners and place getters, there was some really lovely work on display. Special shout out to the organising team, they did themselves and the sport proud.

There are other new developments here, we'll announce as we can.

In the meantime, happy riding! Hope to see you soon.

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15/10/2026

📣 **SAVE THE DATE! BRETT PARBERY IS RETURNING TO BALLODAIR PARK!** 🐴✨

We’re excited to announce that **Brett Parbery** will be returning to **Ballodair Park Equestrian Centre** on **November 6th, 7th & 8th** to conduct dressage lessons!

🇦🇺 **About Brett Parbery**

Brett is one of Australia’s leading dressage riders, coaches and trainers, with an outstanding record in international competition. He has represented Australia at two World Equestrian Games, achieved a top-10 individual result at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, and won multiple Australian Dressage Championships, including four Australian Grand Prix Championship titles. Brett is passionate about helping riders and horses reach their full potential through effective, horse-friendly training. 🏆🐎

💰 **Lesson Cost:** $250.00 per lesson (including GST)

📩 **INTERESTED IN RIDING?**

Please email Kyra at [email protected] o register your interest.

Once you’ve emailed Kyra, she will add you to the waiting list and contact you with payment details when ride times become available.

Spaces are limited, so get in touch to express your interest!

We look forward to welcoming Brett back to Ballodair Park for three fantastic days of dressage education! 🤩

📅 **November 6th, 7th & 8th**
📍 Ballodair Park Equestrian Centre

11/10/2026

From all of us here at Ballodair Park, to everyone gearing up to contest the National Dressage Championships down at Boneo: good luck! Have a fabulous time! Safe travels if you're doing the long haul to get there. And a special pip pip to the NSW riders who are representing the State in the teams challenge.

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