Willow's Leap

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Willow's Leap

Nestled in the beautiful Wollombi Valley at the south end of the NSW Hunter Valley, we are an equest If you can bring any with you it is much appreciated!
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Nestled between the beautiful Hunter Valley and scenic Central Coast, Willow's Leap is an equestrian training facility within easy reach of both Sydney and Newcastle. Our team:-

Lyndel Taylor - Currently eventing at One Star level, Lyndel has been riding for 30 years and is in the process of finishing her EFA Level I Instructor training. Her love for riding and passion for cross country grew up f

rom dragging a succession of native ponies after her local Hunt in North Yorkshire; a little more 'Thelwell' than the elegant jumping you see from her today! The Hunt never caught the fox, but did catch Lyndel's interest! She is available by appointment for individual lessons and clinics (specialising in the cross country aspect but happy to teach beginners and novices at show jumping and dressage too), and also has a limited capacity to accept horses for training. She will travel locally if you would prefer your horse trained at home. Phil Janson - Behind most of our jump design, building and photography, Phil does what he is told. But he secretly enjoys it...
As well as making jumps for Willow's Leap, he has supplied portable jumps to Wollombi and Mount Sugarloaf Pony Clubs, as well as assisting Darryl Burgess from Boonoona Designs making fixed and portable jumps on site. He is available for jump advice, and if he can't help you build then will point you in the right direction. On site we have:
Cross Country training jumps ranging from Encourager to One Star
Showjump paddock
Grass dressage arena
Fully qualified emergency medical support at all times

We have limited water - whilst we will always provide some for your horses to drink, we do not have enough to offer wash bays at this time. Whilst we love dogs, bringing your own is strictly prohibited. If we already know them, we may be happy for you to bring your own instructor. However, due to our insurance they must be EFA (or similar) registered and insured. All our other normal rules still apply. We have regular clinics with other fabulous instructors too, such as Belinda Bailey, Level II coach educator and Emma Mason, 4* eventer and local superstar. Please make sure you 'like' the site and add to one of your 'interest lists' to continue to get updates, photos from out and about on the Eventing scene and clinic dates. If you see our truck, make sure you come and say hi!

10/06/2024

Looking for a fantastic weekend break, with your horsey mates, your horses, and some cross country lessons with great instruction?? Look no further- Willow’s Retreat is our guesthouse, and is a short walk from Willow’s Leap, along a private road with no traffic. Sleeping up to 6 people, it has 3 bedrooms (one queen bed, 2 doubles), and also a queen sized sofa bed. For your horses, there are 4 large, weekend yards, one small paddock suitable for 2 horses to share, and also one smaller yard.

We have a last minute vacancy for the 28th- 30th June! If you’re interested, round up your friends and message us. We’re offering this weekend for the bargain rate of $1500- that’s just $250 per rider, for a group of 6, and includes accommodation for people and horses, as well as 2 group xc lessons.

10/06/2024

09/06/2024

Last Friday, after a short illness, we had to say goodbye to beautiful Miss Magic. Initially bought as a $200 project pony, she quickly proved herself to be so much more. From green-broken to 2*, and kind enough to guide a nervous teenager through her first 80cm (and made XC fun for the first time), she was one in a million. We were bloody lucky to have her. Thank you to Rob from for all his care, right until the end. Sleep easy Miss Mac xx

05/06/2024

Sunday 16th June…. ODE practice day! Last few places available for our non competitive, training day. What’s the deal? Ride a dressage test and get it scored, with feedback. 2 rounds of show jumping , and then the opportunity to ride a full round of our cross country course. You ride all the bits by yourself, just like you would in a competition. If you have any issues, Lyndel is on hand to coach you through them, and help you and your horse be your best selves! A great way to make sure you are truly competition ready, or give your horse some non stressy exposure, these days are fun day out, and great way to gain experience! Aimed at the lower grades, heights 45-80 cm are available. $100 per horse, message us to book

27/05/2024

Ladies Day!!!
Saturday 15th June…. Only a couple of places left, so don’t delay- book in, today!
Arrive at 1000, for a leisurely coffee and cake, and catch up with the other riders. Then it’s a 2 hour xc session, followed by a chance to unwind with champagne and cheese, all in the serenity of our little valley, with like minded people. Just $100 to secure your place… message us, to book

27/05/2024

Nothing on, this Saturday? Join us for some xc lessons… Lyndel is coaching small groups over our course, this Saturday! Max group size 4, heights from 45cm through to 95cm. $90 per rider. Message us, to secure your place!

16/05/2024

It’s still a bit soggy, underfoot, so no group lessons available this weekend, as the parking areas are still too wet. We are, however, dry enough for private lessons!! Still available are Saturday 0900, and 1200, and Sunday 0900 and 1000.
Message us to book in

15/05/2024

Holiday with your horses AND enjoy this…

This year, it's been quite hard to see the stars. Obviously, because there have been a comet, a great meteor shower, auroras off the charts, etc. Yesterday, however, the clouds broke, and we headed up to the Retreat to have a look. Unfortunately, the main Milky Way galactic core was still rising (in the left of the picture) as the cloud returned, but all was not lost. So, we went spotlighting instead. Head over to our insta to see what we found this time...

01/05/2024

MAY DATES!!!!
Sat 11th May - XC clinic, small groups for xc lessons. Max 4/ group. $90

Sun 12th- Mothers Day. Sounds like an excellent excuse for a Ladies Day, to me. Coffee, Cake, Cool conversations, Cross Country, Cheese, Champagr, more cool conversations…. Numbers strictly limited, xc lesson with like minded people, emphasis on fun, confidence and supporting one another. $100 per rider

Sat 18th May- poles and caveletti, and xc lessons
Groups of 3, 90 minute morning session in arena, using poles and caveletti to practice correct approach and accuracy. Then back it up, in the afternoon, with a second session in the xc paddock. Limited to 6 riders total, $150 each for both lessons

Message us, to book in!

27/04/2024

26/04/2024

Clinic riders, for THIS SUNDAY, with Emma Mason!!!!
Please check your email, including your spam folders, as you need to complete your waiver! Times and property info also in the email!

You need to complete your waiver, BEFORE you get here!!!!

22/04/2024

Last 2 spots, for our clinic with Emma Mason, next Sunday (28th April!). Entries on nominate,
Closing soon!!

18/04/2024

Emma Mason clinic, at Willow’s Leap, Sunday 28th April.
We have just a few spots left, for our clinic with Emma! Entries are closing soon, so head over to nominate and secure your spot NOW! Link in comments

15/04/2024

Coming up, at Willow’s Leap, this month!
Sat 20th April- private lessons with Lyndel $80

Sun 21st April - Ladies Day. Very limited numbers, $100
Full description in comments (please read before booking/ inquiring!)

Sat 27th April- group lessons available with Kelli Shaw, privates with Lyndel

Sun 28th April- Cross country with top rider, Emma Mason! Entries on nominate

11/04/2024

For anyone who needs to hear it ….

The Next Horse

I don't often say a horse has a job yet the next horse that comes into our lives after the loss of another has a huge job that it is not even aware of

The task the next horse takes on is to heal a small piece of our heart that gets broken every time we say goodbye to a friend, yet often healing takes place without us or the horse even knowing it's just happening with no contract written between you and the horse

The tears will always fall for the last horse, the regrets, the what ifs, the if only we could have done differently, yet the smiles begin to reappear as the next horse makes its way into our hearts

The eyes of the horse is the window to their soul and the eyes of the next horse has a kindness and almost an old soul, we recognise something that brings us comfort

Owning a complex horse can emotionally drain you, everything is questioned, everything is analysed, everything is planned meticulously that when the next horse comes along, we often forget we may have never had the chance just to be in the moment, to be spontaneous, to say yes to things which we thought we would never do and even just have the moment to enjoy the gift they have given

We can often feel guilt that we may begin to enjoy this new journey for fear of letting down the last horses memory , yet we are experiencing new things that were never possible with the last horse so there should never be guilt as each horse brings a different journey we must take before we meet our next horse

We can still remember with fondness the memories of our last horse yet still enjoy the new experiences the next horse

As we come to the end of the journey with the last horse and new one begins with the next horse we must always never question the journey but accept these are the journeys we were destined to be on

For my client x

06/04/2024

Things your riding instructor wants you to know:
1. This sport is hard. You don't get to bypass the hard…..every good rider has gone through it. You make progress, then you don't, and then you make progress again. Your riding instructor can coach you through it, but they cannot make it easy.

2. You're going to ride horses you don't want to ride. If you're teachable, you will learn from every horse you ride. Each horse in the barn can teach you if you let them. IF YOU LET THEM. Which leads me to…

3. You MUST be teachable to succeed in this sport. You must be teachable to succeed at anything, but that is another conversation. Being teachable often means going back to basics time and time and time again. If you find basics boring, then your not looking at them as an opportunity to learn. Which brings me to…..

4. This sport is a COMMITMENT. Read that, then read it again. Every sport is a commitment, but in this sport your teammate weighs 1200 lbs and speaks a different language. Good riders don't get good by riding every once in awhile….they improve because they make riding a priority and give themsevles opportunity to practice.

5. EVERY RIDE IS AN OPPORTUNITY. Even the walk ones. Even the hard ones. Every. Single. Ride. Remember when you just wished someone would lead you around on a horse? Find the happiness in just being able to RIDE. If you make every ride about what your AREN'T doing, you take the fun out of the experience for yourself, your horse, and your instructor. Just enjoy the process. Which brings me to...

6. Riding should be fun. It is work. and work isn't always fun.....but if you (or your rider) are consistently choosing other activities or find yourself not looking forward to lessons, it's time to take a break. The horses already know you don't want to be here, and you set yourself up for failure if you are already dreading the lesson before you get here.

7. You'll learn more about horses from the ground than you ever will while riding. That's why ground lessons are important, too. If you're skipping ground lessons (or the part of your lesson that takes place on the ground), you're missing out on the most important parts of the lesson. You spend far more time on the ground with horses than you do in the saddle.

8. Ask questions and communicate. If you're wondering why your coach is having you ride a particular horse or do an exercise, ask them. Then listen to their answer and refer to #3 above.

9. We are human beings. We make decisions (some of them life and death ones) every day. We balance learning for students with workloads for horses and carry the bulk of this business on our shoulders. A little courtesy goes a long way.

Of all the sports your child will try through their school years, riding is one of 3 that they may continue regularly as adults (golf and skiing are the others). People who coach riding spend the better part of their free time and much of their disposable income trying to improve their own riding and caring for the horses who help teach your child. They love this sport and teaching others…..but they all have their limits. Not all good riders are good coaches, but all good coaches will tell you that the process to get good is not an easy one.

*thank you to whoever wrote this! Not my words, but certainly a shared sentiment!

04/04/2024

Want to ride cross country, like a pro? Book a spot in our next clinic, with top eventer Emma Mason, and learn some skills to help you on your way! Having competed at the highest level of the sport, and a member of the high performance squad, for many years, Emma is an extremely accomplished and talented rider. She’s also an excellent coach, with a massive amount of knowledge to impart!! Join us on Sunday 28th April, for small group XC lessons.
Entries open NOW, on nominate- link in the comments. Entry numbers will be limited, so book now to secure your spot!

31/03/2024

Long weekends are for family, friends, fun and horses!!!! Happy Easter, everyone- we hope you’ve all had a great break!
New dates coming VERY soon…. Including a clinic with the fabulous Emma Mason on Sunday 28th April….

20/03/2024

We see a lot of horses, and a whole lot of different gear. One thing none of our horses have? A tight nose band. Well done, pony club!

Do you use gear on your horse because he needs it or just because it looks good?
It is something to think about, because if it is something you can do without, your horse might be more comfortable and even perform better.

Take nosebands. Your horse will be a lot happier if he can yawn, cough and chew while wearing a noseband – such as a cavesson (top right pic) – or no noseband at all, which is permitted at PC events.

Nosebands which have a strap passing under the bit and around the horse’s chin like those in the photos (left) are used by some riders to stabilise the bit in the horse’s mouth, or prevent the horse crossing its jaw or putting its tongue over the bit.
It also means you are applying constant pressure to his nose and mouth, which means the horse never gets a reward (remember negative reinforcement, where taking away pressure rewards the horse?)

As well, tight nosebands can affect a horse’s breathing, especially if they sit low. They can also press on soft parts of the horse’s nose and mouth, cause nerve damage and even affect a horse psychologically if he cannot soften and relax his jaw.

A tight noseband can cover up bad riding. If you discount sharp teeth and other mouth issues, and strong bits (a topic for another day), whatever the horse is doing with its mouth is a symptom of how it is being ridden by the rider. Talk to your Pony Club coach if you are having control problems with your horse.

NOTE:
* Nosebands not fitted properly would not pass a gear check - but make sure you know what to do at home too.
* Positive and negative reinforcement are covered in the PCA Certificate Manuals as part of the principles of equitation science.
* If you think your lower noseband strap is not too tight – why use it at all?
* As with any gear change, including removing gear, it’s a good idea to check with your Pony Club coach, and check the National Gear Rules for what’s allowed (sometimes it is discipline-specific) and how to fit it.
https://ponyclubaustralia.com.au/sports/national-gear-rules/

18/03/2024

We’ve had a few people asking us, when our next clinic date is…. And we’re really hoping we can give you an answer, really soon. However, we’ve had to take a little break recently. Lyndel hasn’t been very well, and has needed some time off. She should be back in action soon, but until then, we’re glad that we have so many lovely clients and friends checking in. And bringing us beautiful flowers and cakes- it makes all the difference. Thanks for your patience, kindness and understanding. And see you all soon!!
Edited to add- apologies for worrying you all! Whilst it has been a rotten couple of months, she should be absolutely fine in a few weeks, and no, it’s not horse related!

26/02/2024

Another practice ODE done and dusted .leap - 3 phases in one day, with opportunity for instant feedback and support without elimination! Full photos being uploaded to our geosnapshot now; link in bio, or contact us directly! Would you and your horse benefit from training like this with us?

21/02/2024

Sunday ODE day!!! We’ve been working hard , in between thunderstorms, to get ready!!
Arrive 0900, for course walks. You will need to be here, for this part!
Dressage will start approx 10.00
I’ll send you all more info tonight!

07/02/2024

This Saturday (10th Feb), is Ladies Day! And w e have a couple of places available! Join us, for a relaxed day of coffee (Suspension Coffee), cake,(Trading Post Laguna) CrossCountry and then champagne(Tambourlaine Organic Wines) and cheese…. All with awesome company, lots of laughs and conversations, as well as lots of jumping and riding with instruction. Just $100 per rider, and includes everything!
Message us, to join the fun!!

04/02/2024

ODE Practice Day Feb 25th- FULL

If you’d like to join the wait list, please message us- we can often slot you in at the last minute!

For those already booked, and wondering what dressage test to learn (No callers allowed!!), it will be the EvA Eventing dressage tests A 2020, which can be found on Equestrian Australia’s webpage
EvA 45 & 60 Ev Test A 2020
EvA 80 Ev Test A 2020

Our March date is Sunday 17th March- we still have a few spots left, so message us if you want one!

02/02/2024

ODE practice day for Feb 25th ALMOST FULL

If you’re interested in attending, message us, to book in now- only a couple of spots left
If you want more info- check our page. Our last post has the details (and I’m not writing them out again!)

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+61249988623

Website

http://www.willowsleap.com.au/, https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/860689989190729033?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_i

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Videos

It’s hay time @willows.leap , and all hands on deck to unload. Thanks Mark, for delivering into the night to avoid the rain! Not Phil’s first choice after work, but so good seeing a full shed… #equestrian #horses #horsesofinstagram #pony #poniesofinstagram #haygirl #hungryhorses #horsegirls

JUNE DATES!!! Sat 1st June- xc clinic. Max 4 riders/ group $90 Sun 2nd June- ODE practice day. Ride a dressage test, 2 rounds of show jumping, and ride the cross country course. It’s a great way to make sure, that you and your horse are ready for a real event! Must have attended xc training/ lesson here beforehand. $100 Sat 15th June- Ladies Day $100 Sun 16th June- ODE practice day $100 #crosscountryjumping #equestrianlife #huntervalley #eventing #equestrianlifestyle #eventinghorse #eventingrider #equestrian #eventinglife #huntervalleyriders #horses #horsetraining #eventinghorses

Curiosity in horses normally means destruction that Phil has to fix. However, this morning, whilst building new jumps for the weekend’s clinics @willows.leap it proved useful… #horses #equestrian #xc #riding #horseriding #eventing #pony #horsesofinstagram #poniesofinstagram #visitwollombi

Nothing on, this Saturday? Join us for a cross country clinic! Small groups to make sure every one gets plenty of riding time. $90 per horse, heights 45-95cm Also upcoming…. Ladies Day! Or CCCCCC….. coffee and cake on arrival (kindly sponsored by Suspension Espresso and Trading Post Lagunat then a group cross country session, with the emphasis firmly on fun, with a supportive group of riders. Follow it up with a glass of champagne, and a cheese plate, and chat about the day! Strictly limited numbers. $100 per rider. Sunday 26th November and Sunday 10th Dec #horses #horsesofinstagram #eventinghorses #eventingrider #crosscountryhorse #crosscountryjumping #equestrian #equestrianlife #horsetraining #horseriding #champagne #cheese #cake #coffee #suspensionespresso #tradingpostlaguna #huntervalley

How good does it feel to have food sorted for your tribe for the next couple of months? #horses #horsesofinstagram #ponies #poniesofinstagram #newhay #countrylife #countrycrossfit #nogymnoproblem

Want your weekend to look like this? A cosy house to stay in, spacious, grassy yards for your horses, friends, and xc lessons…. Our off- grid guest house, Willow Retreat, is the perfect antidote to the hustle of daily life. Check in, and check out from your stress. Contact us, for availability #horsesofinstagram #holidayswithhorses #crosscountryhorse #equestrian #eventinghorse #eventinglife #huntervalley #ecofriendlyhome #relax #naturelover

New dates for October! Lessons available throughout the holidays. When it is hot, all lessons are morning only, to maintain horse comfort. Saturday 7th Oct- morning lessons available Sunday 8th Oct- small group xc clinic $90 each Sat 14th Oct- weather permitting, lessons available in the afternoon Fri 27th-Sun 28th Oct- Round up your friends, and book our eco - friendly Retreat for the best weekend away! Comfortably sleeps 4-6 (max 8), and safe, spacious weekend yards for your horses. And you can have xc lessons both Saturday and Sunday!!! Contact us to book… or discuss other dates #equestrian #eventing #eventinglife #eventinghorse #eventingrider #CrossCountryHorse #crosscountryriding #crosscountryjumping #horses #horsesofinstagram #futureeventer #futureeventhorse

Want your weekend, to look like this? Book our beautiful, eco- friendly house, Willow’s Retreat, and let us create your very own cross country weekend! Spacious weekend yards, for your horses, cross country lessons, comfortable accommodation, beautiful surroundings and friendly neighbours! Contact us to book!

Holidays are almost upon us! Lessons are available on the following dates- please contact us to book in! Wednesday 5th July Thursday 6th July Friday 7th July Monday 10th July Tuesday 11th July Wednesday 12th July Thursday 13th July Don’t forget; we also have a couple of lovely horses that can be used in lessons, if you don’t have your own!

UPDATED!!! As of 1st April… Sat 8th April- XC clinic, heights from 45-95cm. Groups of 4, $80. Places filling up- 3 left Sun 9th April- ladies day. A low pressure, fun group aimed at building confidence and supportive riding. Max 6 riders, includes coffee before and nibbles and bubbles after xc. $80 Mon 10th April- ODE practice day CANCELLED Fri 14th April- XC clinic, 45-95cm, groups of 4. $80, filling up- 4 places left Sat 15th April- ODE practice day. Ride a dressage test, jump a couple of show jump courses and complete a full xc course. $80 4 Places left Fri 21st- XC clinic, 45-95cm, groups of 4, $80 Filling up- 4 places left To book, message us with the date you are interested in! #horses #eventinglife #eventinghorse #equestrian #CrossCountryHorse

No plans for the weekend?? We have 2 places left at 45 or 60cm, for our ODE practice day this Saturday, 21st January. A non competitive day, where you can make sure you can actually put all the Eventing phases into action…. Ride a dressage test (which is scored and get feedback), do 2 rounds of show jumping, and ride a full xc course, with extra time to school any sticky bits with help from our coach. These days are super fun, and aimed at horses and riders who have had some xc experience already. If you’d like to join the fun, message us to grab these last spots. $80 each

2 years, in the paddock, and we have one giant giraffe back in work… not too shabby, for his first ride back! #horse #horsesofinstagram #eventing #dressage #horsetrainer

Anyone for show jumping? At least Tilly is having fun. In case you hadn’t guessed, all lessons are off for the foreseeable future. But, at least all of us are safe and dry. Hope you’re all coping too! #floods #equestrian #horses #dogsofinstagram