If you’re looking for a place to get into horse riding near Melbourne, Tandivale Equestrian Centre & Pony Club in Warrandyte is worth a visit. It’s been around since 1976, teaching people of all ages how to ride and care for horses. The centre has a real community feel, and there’s something for everyone—whether you’re a total beginner, a seasoned rider, or just want to spend time with horses. From regular lessons to school holiday camps, and even birthday parties, Tandivale has built a bit of a reputation for being welcoming and practical. It’s not just about riding; it’s about learning to look after horses and being part of a group that shares your interest.
Key Takeaways
- Tandivale Equestrian Centre & Pony Club has been running since 1976, making it one of Melbourne’s oldest riding schools.
- They offer a mix of group and private lessons, with options for both kids and adults, and cater to all skill levels.
- School holiday programs and camps at Tandivale are popular, giving kids a chance to ride, play games, and learn horse care.
- The centre has safe riding trails, dressage and jumping arenas, and cross-country courses for a range of riding experiences.
- You don’t need to own a horse to join in—Tandivale’s programs include options for riders without horses, with links to Pony Club Victoria.
History and Legacy of Tandivale Equestrian Centre & Pony Club
Tandivale Equestrian Centre & Pony Club has one of the richest horse riding histories in Melbourne. Established in 1976 out in Warrandyte, it has been a part of the local community for nearly five decades. What’s wild is that back then, horse riding wasn’t such a common pastime this close to the city, yet Tandivale built something special from the ground up. The centre sits 28km from the Melbourne CBD, spread over 18 peaceful acres—right at the edge of Warrandyte State Park. Over the years, locals and city folk alike have found their way out here to experience horse riding, fresh air, and, if the stories are to be believed, the occasional muddy boot.
Evolution of Riding Programs
Things haven’t stood still at Tandivale. What started as a handful of lessons and paddocks has grown into a busy hub of learning. Here’s what’s changed:
- Riding lessons for all ages—adults, kids, and everyone in between.
- Safe and enclosed facilities: think fully-lit dressage and show jumping arenas, plus cross-country courses.
- Unique programs like weekend sessions, Sunday rides, and school holiday activities.
It’s easy to see why so many families come back year after year. The programs don’t just teach people to ride; they show you how to look after a horse, what horse care means, and even how to muck out a stable (not glamorous, but real).
Commitment to Equestrian Education
Tandivale takes learning seriously, but not in a scary way. They’ve set up a competency recognition program so riders can earn certificates as they improve. The system is pretty straightforward:
| Area | What it Covers |
|---|---|
| Knowledge | Horse anatomy, tack, basic first aid, and nutrition |
| Practical | Catching, saddling, and bridling a horse |
| Riding | Steering, control, and riding to a consistent standard |
This isn’t just for the show—these skills mean that when someone graduates a Tandivale course, they actually know how to care for a horse by themselves. Parents, in particular, seem to get a real kick out of watching their kids learn their way around animal care.
Over all these years, Tandivale has meant more than horses and riding to Warrandyte—it’s been a meeting place for riders, a spot for families to relax, and sometimes, a starting point for lifelong friendships.
Riding Lessons and Skill Development at Tandivale Equestrian Centre & Pony Club
Group and Private Lesson Options
Tandivale makes horse riding accessible for everyone, with both group and private lessons throughout the week.
- Group lessons for juniors and adults happen midweek and Saturdays.
- Private sessions are held during the week, mainly for adults wanting one-on-one coaching.
- Classes cater for everyone: whether you’re completely new or have ridden before.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the lesson types and what you might expect:
| Lesson Type | Who It’s For | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Group Lessons | Kids & adults, all levels | Social, fun, focus on basics |
| Private Lessons | Adults mainly | Personal attention, skill focus |
With flexible schedules, the centre gives everyone a chance—working parents, busy kids, and even those with odd work hours—to experience proper horse riding lessons without much fuss.
Beginner-Friendly Instruction
Stepping into a new activity can feel daunting, but you don’t need experience to start at Tandivale.
- Classes start from the ground up, covering everything from sitting correctly in the saddle to steering and stopping safely.
- Absolute beginners are never rushed. There’s a real understanding that everyone learns at their own pace.
- Instructors give steady feedback, mixing encouragement with tips on how to improve.
Matching Horses to Riders
One of the things that stands out at Tandivale is how horses are paired with riders. No random guesswork here:
- Riders are assessed—your experience, how tall you are, and even if you’re nervous around animals.
- Each horse or pony has its own personality. Some are perfect for first-timers, others suit more confident riders.
- The match is revisited as your confidence and skill grow, making it safer and way more enjoyable.
- Horses and ponies used for lessons have been at Tandivale for years, so they’re used to different kinds of learners.
- It’s about making sure every ride feels comfortable, safe, and makes sense for your skill level.
In my experience, nothing builds confidence quicker than feeling you’re on the right horse for you—one that actually helps you learn, not just sit there with a white-knuckled grip!
School Holiday Programs and Camps for Young Riders
Tandivale’s school holiday experience is pretty hard to beat for kids (and busy parents in need of a break). If your children have been dreaming about horses, this is a hands-on holiday where they’ll meet friendly ponies, learn new skills, and come home with stories to tell. Whether your child is a total beginner or already confident around horses, there’s a program that fits.
Activities Offered During Holidays
- Horse and pony riding sessions suited to different ages and experience levels
- Fun games and group challenges on horseback
- Introduction to basic horse care and stable routines
- Time to create friendships and build confidence
- Outdoor play and snack breaks in a rural setting
The programs run Monday to Friday during school holidays, making them an easy fit with family schedules. For families looking for more outdoor options in central Victoria, you might be interested in other local horse riding and camping activities too.
Overnight Camp Experiences
If your child is between 8 and 13, the overnight camps are a pretty big adventure. There’s something special about staying the night at the stables, sharing stories with new friends, and falling asleep full of excitement for the next day’s ride. The kids get to:
- Help with feeding and brushing the horses each morning and evening
- Join in night-time games and activities
- Try both group and one-on-one riding lessons
- Sleepover in a safe and supervised farm environment
| Camp Feature | Day Programs | Overnight Camps |
|---|---|---|
| Riding Tuition | ✅ | ✅ |
| Horse Care Activities | ✅ | ✅ |
| Group Games | ✅ | ✅ |
| Evening Activities | ❌ | ✅ |
| Accommodation Included | ❌ | ✅ |
| Age Range | 5–13 years | 8–13 years |
Some of the best memories are made at camp – early mornings with the ponies, riding lessons, and campfire laughs. These camps aren’t just about riding, they’re about learning, independence, and making friends.
Catering for All Experience Levels
It doesn’t matter if your child has never ridden a horse before or if they’re already taking lessons — every program is adapted so everyone feels confident and included. Kids are grouped by age and ability, ensuring they learn at their own pace. What’s especially nice is seeing a shy first-timer turn into a horse-loving regular by the end of the week. It happens a lot.
- Classes are kept small to maximise supervision and learning
- Plenty of support for nervous beginners
- More advanced riders can take on extra challenges
Every session is led by instructors who know how to bring out the best in each young rider. It’s about building skills, but also having a really great time.
Comprehensive Horsemanship and Equine Learning
Learning about horses isn’t just about riding. At Tandivale Equestrian Centre & Pony Club, everyone spends time picking up horse care basics. Grooming, feeding, tacking up, and cleaning out the stables are all part of the routine. For many, helping out with these tasks builds confidence and a stronger bond with their favourite horses. It’s amazing to watch young riders figure out how to lead a horse safely or adjust a saddle just right – those skills really stick with you, especially when it’s something you use every week.
Key horse care tasks taught include:
- Brushing and grooming for coat health
- Feeding routines for different horses
- Saddling, bridling, and untacking
- Stable mucking and paddock checks
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
Horse learning here isn’t all about sitting in a classroom. Everyone gets involved and gets their hands dirty. Riders learn how horses think and behave through direct experiences—like leading, groundwork, and sometimes just hanging out in the paddock to read their body language. The best part is seeing those lightbulb moments when someone realises how much a horse communicates without saying a word.
- Structured horsemanship courses
- Supervised practice with real horses—not just theory
- Encouragement to ask questions, try things, and even make a few mistakes (because that’s how you really learn)
There’s a real sense of achievement when a rider learns to interpret a horse’s mood just by watching closely—this connection often becomes as rewarding as the riding itself.
Pathways to Pony Club Involvement
If you love horses but aren’t sure where to begin, Tandivale Equestrian Centre makes it easy to take the next step. Riders are guided onto pathways leading to Pony Club membership, with instructors supporting each person based on their goals and level—whether it’s jumping, dressage, or just making friends with others who love horses too. Joining the Pony Club means new opportunities for learning and fun, and plenty of ways to get more involved without needing to buy your own horse.
Some typical steps you might take:
- Attend regular horsemanship sessions to build skills.
- Try out entry-level group-based activities to develop confidence around horses and other riders.
- Move onto structured Pony Club programs, with help from Tandivale’s encouraging team.
The journey is different for everyone, but the focus stays on skills, safety, and finding joy in working with horses.
Celebrate Special Occasions at Tandivale Equestrian Centre & Pony Club
Horses and ponies bring a whole new spark to birthdays and family gatherings. At Tandivale, getting out of the city for a special event feels easy—there are big open spaces, undercover areas, and, of course, horses everywhere you look. Hosting a celebration here turns any occasion into something a bit more memorable.
Birthday Parties for All Ages
It doesn’t matter if your child is a tiny pony-lover or you’ve got ten teenagers looking for an adventure—Tandivale adapts birthday parties to suit. Here’s how it usually goes:
- Small groups: Each child is matched with their own calm pony for the party, with mini-riding lessons and both mounted and unmounted pony games.
- Larger groups (10+): Each child gets a short, safe led pony ride and joins in team games off the horse.
- Everyone gets a ribbon and the birthday child leaves with a little gift.
- All parties have access to picnic tables under cover, a fireplace for winter, and a BBQ setup for classic Aussie sausages.
If you love the idea of a birthday that doesn’t involve chaos at home, it’s a winner.
Customised Group Experiences
Tandivale isn’t just for birthdays or kids. They’ll help set up team-building days, family reunions, or even those unusual catch-ups where not everyone knows each other yet. Options can include:
- Group riding lessons for absolute beginners
- Fun ‘horsemanship challenges’ (think mucking out competitions and tack cleaning)
- Shared use of the undercover event area
Here’s a quick look at what’s available:
| Group Size | Riding Options | Facilities Included |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 6 people | Individual pony, games | BBQ, undercover area, picnic |
| 7-15 people | Shared rides, team activities | Kitchen, fireplace, outdoor tables |
| 16+ people | Rostered rides, ground games | Large undercover and outdoor space |
Facilities for Gatherings and Picnics
Planning food is easy at Tandivale. You get access to basic kitchen bits—fridge, microwave—plus a BBQ for sausages and burgers. There’s room for big family picnics, with tables under cover so you’re safe from the weather. The open paddocks make it easy for kids to run around (while grown-ups can actually relax).
Spending a few hours at Tandivale for a birthday or event feels a bit like heading to a country fair—you can unwind, the kids are kept busy, and it’s the sort of day that everyone ends up talking about for weeks afterward.
Exploring Warrandyte’s Riding Trails and Facilities
Horse riding at Tandivale Equestrian Centre is really about getting out among the trees and breathing in the bush. Set across 18 acres and backing onto Warrandyte State Park, this place isn’t just paddocks—it actually gives riders the chance to enjoy some of the best horse-friendly tracks around. If you like the idea of mixing a riding lesson with a proper ramble through quiet Australian bush, this centre just makes sense.
Safe Trails Through State Park
Riders head out onto marked and checked trails that weave through Warrandyte’s bushland. Safety is a big deal here—everyone gets guidance, and rides stick to tracks with the right surface and plenty of room.
- Familiarisation session before heading out for beginners
- Trail guides keep groups small and manageable
- Routes adjusted to suit both the weather and riding level
Riding through these trails, you get those snippets of bird calls and a real sense of space. No traffic, no noise—just the sound of hooves and eucalyptus leaves underfoot.
Dressage and Show Jumping Arenas
Tandivale isn’t only about bush rides. Two dressage arenas and a show jumping area let riders practise their skills, rain or shine. Plenty of lessons happen here, but skilled riders also get free time to ride at their own pace.
Arena Features:
| Arena | Surface | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Dressage 1 | Sand/Loam | Group lessons, practice |
| Dressage 2 | Grass | Pony Club sessions |
| Show Jumping | Mixed Fill | Jumps, drills |
- Dedicated viewing spots for families
- Well-tended grounds to keep horses steady and riders confident
- Bookable time slots for one-on-one coaching
Cross Country Riding Opportunities
Got a bit of courage? Cross country jumps and logs scattered through parts of the property give thrill-seekers and Pony Club riders something to tackle. Nothing too extreme here; it’s more about fun and challenge than serious competitions.
- Jumps set at beginner through to intermediate levels
- Sections designed to teach balance, control, and timing
- Great space for holiday sessions and Pony Club events
Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been at it for years, the range of facilities at Tandivale means you can always try something new without feeling out of your depth.
Riders Without Horses: Inclusion and Opportunity
Horse riding feels out of reach for a lot of people, especially if you don’t own a horse. That’s something you notice pretty quickly at most clubs, but not here. Tandivale Equestrian Centre & Pony Club gets it—owning a horse is expensive, and not everyone can. Instead, they’ve built a community for riders who want to learn, connect with horses, and become part of the scene, no matter their situation.
Integration with Pony Club Victoria
The club works closely with Pony Club Victoria, making it easier for anyone to join. This opens doors for beginners, returning riders, or folks who just want to see what this whole horse thing is about. Monthly activities and regular riding days give everyone a taste. Best bit? You aren’t judged for not having gear or an animal.
Transitioning to Ownership
Let’s say you catch the bug and start dreaming about having your own horse. There’s actually a clear path for that at Tandivale:
- Start by joining riding groups or casual lessons.
- Get involved in stable management programs – great way to learn before any big commitments.
- Chat with more experienced members to find out where to look when you’re ready to buy or lease.
- Try short “adopt-a-horse” style schemes or part loans.
People are surprisingly open about giving advice or sharing their stories. No one expects you to buy a horse overnight. The slow build means fewer mistakes, a lot less stress, and way more support.
Building Community Among Riders
There’s a big social side at Tandivale. Even if you’re not a rider yet, you’ll find something in common with others. Here’s what usually brings people together at the club:
- Group BBQs or picnics after riding
- Hands-on workshops on weekend mornings
- Team events, where no one actually needs to own a horse at first
| Activity Type | Frequency | Who Can Join? |
|---|---|---|
| Group Lessons | Weekly | Ages 5+, all levels |
| Horse Care Days | Monthly | New & returning |
| Social Gatherings | Quarterly | Entire club |
Sometimes, just showing up and mucking around the stables is more rewarding than you’d think. You swap a few stories, learn some tricks, and build those friendships that keep you coming back each weekend.
You don’t need a horse to feel like you belong at Tandivale. That’s honestly half the magic. The whole place centres around getting people into the saddle, whatever their experience—or their wallet—looks like.
Wrapping Up Your Tandivale Experience
So, that’s the lowdown on Tandivale Equestrian Centre & Pony Club in Warrandyte. Whether you’re a total beginner or you’ve been around horses for years, there’s something here for everyone. The place has been running since the 70s, so they really know what they’re doing. You can join a group lesson, book a private one, or even just come along for a trail ride through the bush. Kids love the school holiday programs and birthday parties, and honestly, the adults seem to have just as much fun. The staff are friendly, the horses are calm, and you’ll pick up heaps about riding and looking after horses. If you’re keen to give horse riding a go or want to get back in the saddle, Tandivale’s worth checking out. Who knows, you might end up loving it as much as the regulars do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any horse riding experience to join lessons at Tandivale?
No, you don’t need any riding experience to start lessons at Tandivale Equestrian Centre. The instructors are used to teaching beginners and will help you learn everything from the basics.
What age do children need to be to join the school holiday program?
Children need to be at least 6 years old to join the school holiday program. There’s no riding experience needed, and everyone gets to learn how to groom, saddle, and ride a pony.
Can adults take riding lessons at Tandivale?
Yes, adults can take both private and group riding lessons at Tandivale. The centre offers lessons for all ages and skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced riders.
What happens if I don’t have my own horse?
You don’t need your own horse to ride at Tandivale. The centre has many gentle horses and ponies that are matched to riders based on their ability. There’s also a special Riders Without Horses program for people who want to get involved without owning a horse.
What facilities are available for birthday parties or group events?
Tandivale has areas for picnics, a BBQ, kitchen facilities, and undercover spaces with a fireplace. They can host birthday parties and group events, and all ages are welcome. Activities can be tailored to suit the group’s needs.
Are there safe riding trails and arenas at Tandivale?
Yes, Tandivale has safe trails that go through the Warrandyte State Park, as well as dressage and show jumping arenas. There are also cross-country jumps for those who want to try something more challenging.
