Friday Paddock Adventures at The Outlook Riding Academy
Ditch the screens and join the herd. Getting boots dirty and spirits high.
Looking for a memorable, outdoor experience for the whole family? Check out The Outlook Riding Academy in Terrigal: it's a family-run equestrian centre that offers far more than just horse riding. From pony painting, grooming, and feeding to trail rides, pony parties and hobby-horse riding, they offer a heap of equine fun at their stunning 18-acre property.
And, new this year, they've introduced Friday Paddock Adventures.
These Friday morning sessions are all about swapping screens for sunshine and helping kids build confidence through nature play and horsemanship. Designed for children aged 3–12 years, they’re less a traditional riding lesson and more a child-led paddock adventure – a hands-on outdoor experience created to feel like a little sanctuary for young explorers.
Kids will enjoy bush walks, animal spotting, team challenges, paddock exploring and genuine horse connection – both on the ground and in the saddle.
Parents, you can drop n go or stay and join the community - and each week you can decide based on your needs (and energy levels).
Perfect for nature-loving families, preschoolers craving more outdoor time and homeschoolers looking for meaningful connection and learning experiences.
Sessions run every Friday from 10am–12pm throughout May and June – enquire now.
The Outlook Riding Academy's Friday Paddock Adventures
Who it is for: Local families, nature explorers, and homeschoolers with children aged 3 to 12 years.
When: Every Friday morning, 10am–12pm (Running throughout May and June).
Location: The Outlook Riding Academy, Gate 2, 256 Scenic Highway, Terrigal.
Pricing: $100 per child (Single sessions). Sibling discounts available ($270 for 3 kids | $330 for 4 kids). No lock-in contracts; parents can book week to week.
Contact: Phone Sam and Lucy on 0427 189 678.
To learn more and to book, click the link below or scroll down to learn more about the Outlook Riding Academy and their many offerings.
Why Central Coast families love The Outlook Riding Academy
What really sets The Outlook apart is their professionalism and enthusiasm for sharing their love for horses. They have an expert team of professional instructors and a well-schooled family of ponies and horses that range in age and size, so that people of all riding levels feel at ease. They cater to everyone – from complete beginners to experienced riders. And for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, there's also the option to simply spend time in the paddock, to bond with their horses and learn about these beautiful animals.
School Holiday Horse Riding Day Camps at The Outlook Riding Academy, Terrigal
Have a child who loves all things horses? Or a kid who would love to become more confident around these beautiful animals? Get them to the Outlook Riding Academy at Terrigal these school holidays.
Outlook Riding Academy does private horse riding lessons (for people aged 2-102), as well as school holiday camps. The paddocks, stables and rainforest tracks across this stunning 18-acre property provide the perfect space for your child to work on their riding skills as well as enjoy some special equine bonding through grooming, plaiting, handling and tacking up their horse.
No previous horse riding experience is required to attend an Outlook Riding Academy holiday camp. In fact, all levels are welcome – from complete beginners to saddle superstars.
The day starts with games and icebreakers before heading to the stables to learn about horse anatomy and care. The kids will learn and help to get the horses groomed, plaited and tacked up. This is a favourite aspect of the camp for many of the children who love the pats and bonding time they get with their horse.
It's then time to ride. At this point the kids will be split into groups (based on riding level and age), so beginners have time to get comfortable and confident in the saddle, while intermediate riders have the opportunity to practice jumping, sporting events and flatwork.
Birthday parties with The Outlook Riding Academy, Terrigal
Got a child who'd just love to meet a 'real life' unicorn? Or a horse-obsessed teen? Book a Pony Party with The Outlook Riding Academy in Terrigal to give them the party of their dreams!
The birthday child and their party guests will be spoilt with equine-themed fun – tailored to the age and abilities of the group:
- Horse riding, obstacle courses and horseback games.
- Horse grooming or pony decorating with bows, ribbons, plaits and ‘horse-safe’ paint.
- Birthday cake decorating with lollies plus a piñata.
- For teens (aged 12 to 18 years) there's further choice too, with show jumping, dressage, horsemanship skills, or a trail ride offered (skill dependent) as well as plaiting a mane and tail for show presentation, learning to bandage the horse’s legs, or learning how to crack a stock whip.
The Outlook hosts one- and two-hour birthday parties. They provide all the necessary horse-riding equipment (including saddles, bridles and helmets) plus chairs, tables and dress ups for the kids. They'll even erect all the decorations, so the adults can simply arrive and sit back and relax.
Horse riding lessons, trail rides and saddle club at The Outlook Riding Academy, Terrigal
We know lots of businesses claim to cater to all ages and abilities, but The Outlook Riding Academy is one that truly does. As well as experiential trail rides and picnic afternoons, they also offer classes: some focus on riding skills, some on groundwork while others aim to increase confidence. Please check their website for all options as they're often adding new experiences, too.
Here's a taste of what's on offer:
Private horse riding lessons: When you do a horse riding lesson with The Outlook Riding Academy you'll experience far more than a simple lead pony ride.
Their horses and ponies are suitable for all levels (from beginners to advanced) and each rider will be given an instructor (we know of other lead pony places that don't provide instructors as part of their experiences, which doesn't sit very comfortably with us).
The 60-minute lesson involves grooming, tacking up and riding time, and the horseback element will be adjusted according to the rider's preferences and needs – think trail rides, dressage drills, showjumping practice, or mounted games. Beginner and first-time riders will be led on their horse or pony.
Pony rides for tiny tots as young as 3! These private classes focus on teaching essential skills such as safety, grooming, and horsemanship while teaching balance, control, and confidence in young riders.
Trail rides: Saddle up and enjoy a trail ride through the rainforest and paddocks of this 18-acre property. This is a perfect experience for family, friends or even work colleagues.
An introduction to Ponies – Pat, Feed & Paint a Pony: If your child is curious about horses but not quite ready for riding, Outlook's "Pat, Feed & Paint a Pony" experience is the perfect introduction. It's a fantastic way for kids to learn about these magnificent animals in a safe and supportive environment. Activities include meeting the horses, brushing, painting hooves, feeding treats, learning horse parts, and enjoying horse games on foot.
Liberty training: Learn how to work with horses without the use of ropes or reins. This approach fosters a deep bond and understanding between horse and rider, as it emphasises mutual trust, communication, and cooperation.
Group Lesson for Experienced Riders: The Outlook offers group lessons for up to six people. After-school group sessions: Tuesday -Thursday 4pm - 5pm. Adults group sessions: Wednesday 8am. All ages / mixed group sessions: Saturday 10am. All riders must have completed 1 private lesson to be assessed and qualify for group lessons, as just one instructor takes this class.
Plus, they also do Equine Assisted Services & Riding Without Barriers (for people who self-manage their NDIS funding), groundwork lessons and hobby horse riding.
Who runs The Outlook Riding Academy, Terrigal
Sarndie (best known as Sam) is the director of The Outlook Riding Academy. She's also a mother to four kids, eight horses, twelve sheep, four chooks, three alpacas and two cats!
The Remond family has had horses for more than 40 years, and Sam established The Outlook Riding Academy as a boutique equestrian centre to share her love for horses with others.
Sam and her children have all participated in pony club, State and National competitions, polocrosse, eventing and Royal shows across Australia.
Sam’s professional qualifications include a Bachelor of Education and Certification in Applied Behavioural Analysis. She has experience in teaching children, adolescents and adults in public and private schools, TAFE, university and online. She is an instructor with Pony Club Australia and holds membership with the Australian Horse Riding Centres Association (AHCR). Sam and The Outlook Riding Academy instructors hold current AHRC NCAS Level 1 instructing for lessons.
The Outlook Riding Academy
Where: The Outlook Riding Academy, Gate 2, 256 Scenic Highway, Terrigal.
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-6pm | Saturday 8am-1pm | Sunday Closed.
Contact: Phone Sam and Lucy on 0427 189 678.
The Outlook Riding Academy's Facebook page
The Outlook Riding Academy's Instagram page
The Outlook Riding Academy's Website
Written By: KATIE STOKES
Founder & Editor
After working in print and online media for more than a decade, Katie launched Playing in Puddles in 2017. A mum of three young boys and local of the Central Coast, Katie loves discovering and sharing all that’s happening in our region.
