Welcome Learner & Novice Riders!
Learn to ride horses or enhance your skills safely in a fun environment at Whitethorn Academy, conveniently located minutes from Maitland CBD.
Come one, come all! Adult beginners a speciality! We also cater for students with disabilities.
We offer lessons and lovely well-trained and well-mannered horses to suit beginners and novices of all ages. Our lessons are carefully designed. Even first timers quickly learn the basics of independent riding, through games on horseback, balancing exercises and special confidence building activities. As skill and confidence levels grow, we gradually introduce more challenges, so students develop a deep sense of personal achievement, pride and confidence, which transfer positively into other areas of their lives. Students also learn basic horse care and safe handling - invaluable experience if you’re thinking about acquiring a horse of your own.
Our facilities are first class!
Olympic-size fully lit undercover sand arena
Round yard
Several outside lesson areas, including an arena under lights
Friendly for disabled visitors - wheelchair access bathroom, designated disabled carpark

Wonderful staff - we can provide qualified coaches with experience in a wide range of equestrian disciplines - show riding, dressage, showjumping, eventing, sporting, time trials, Australian Stock Horse disciplines, western disciplines and we offer specialist clinics from time to time in horsemanship, working equitation, polocrosse and campdrafting skills.

How about the best kids' party ever? We have consistently rated in the top 10 children's party places in the Hunter Valley. We also offer special corporate development days, sensational holiday activities, family fun rides and the opportunity to have a casual relaxed ride around our lovely 100 acre property.

You will love Whitethorn Academy!