By Todd McDonald
Head coach and proprietor
Dalson Park Indoor Equestrian Centre

If you’re researching horse riding in Brisbane or the Gold Coast, you’ll know you have choices. But you may wonder why you’d go for a particular equestrian centre in Brisbane over another seemingly similar Gold Coast equestrian centre. Well, it’s about separating an ordinary centre from a good centre. And then, knowing what lifts a great centre above them all.

I’d like to share some of the features you should expect to find in any of the world’s great riding schools. (Of course, Dalson Park Indoor Equestrian Centre is considered one of south-east Queensland’s premier equestrian centres, so we’re confident we’re the great centre in question!)

But here are some of the most important questions to ask in the ’great centre’ puzzle:

Experience and reputation

When an equestrian centre has many decades of experience, it shows it’s been providing a safe and nurturing environment, year after year. It’s a business after all, and a business can’t survive without lots of loyal customers (students) who also tell their friends about their wonderful experiences.

So, always ask: How long has the equestrian centre been operating?

FYI: Dalson’s been around 40 years. That’s longer than any other riding school in Brisbane or the Gold Coast. We have many students who started out as beginners in pre-school and are still with us as advanced adult riders, or who have brought their children back for lessons.  

Horse riding lesson types and coaches

You may be learning to ride a a horse at 40 or have a child who wants to ride a pony. Maybe you’re an accomplished rider already and want expert tuition. It’s important that your equestrian centre offers a choice of private lessons and group classes at a range of convenient times. It’s also vital there are plenty of experienced coaches so you know you’re getting the right instructions, and find the right personality fit too. Also, a great centre will have coaches who specialise in kids’ training and understand the nuances of how children learn best.

So, always ask: What horse- riding lessons do you have and may I meet my coach first?

FYI: Dalson has private, small-group and group classes for all ages, run by experienced coaches – and we’re open 6 days a week. Our coaches have more than 120 years’ combined experience as instructors. We also have specialist children’s coaches and we take students from 4 years up.

Talk to the people at the centre

There are also plenty of other features to consider before you make your decision. So, you should always be able to talk to the owners and coaches before you commit, and to have a look around the facilities as well.

So, always ask: Can we chat?

FYI: Of course you can! And we love a chat.  Please phone, email or make an appointment to drop in and check us out. We’re right between Brisbane and the Gold Coast at Slacks Creek – easy to get to from either direction.