Riding Lessons

At Crown Lodge Equestrian, we offer a variety of riding lessons that are tailored to suit the rider’s needs. All lessons are conducted within a friendly and encouraging atmosphere with the aim of “reaching your highest potential”. That’s our motto! Let’s have a look at what we offer:

Dressage lessons for either the competitive or the casual rider of any age. Whether you are already a dressage rider/competitor, or you simply wish to learn this discipline, Crown Lodge offers private or group lessons to all ages. Tuition is provided on your own horse and we customise each lesson to suit your needs whilst still following the classical dressage training scale.

Learn to ride a horse with a focus on safety and basic techniques. If you would like to learn the basics of riding, we offer a friendly and encouraging atmosphere in which to have lessons. We teach a variety of subjects in these lessons including communicating with your horse through “aids”, control of your horse, and rider balance.

Basic Jumping lessons for riders wishing to learn about, or improve in this area. The preparation leading up to the jump is often the most important part. In these lessons you will learn about controlling your horse’s rhythm, stride and straightness, as well as focusing on rider position.

Hourly or half hourly lessons, your place or ours! Our facilities are lovely at Crown Lodge Equestrian however we are also happy to travel to you.

Build your confidence within the friendly and relaxed atmosphere. All of our students comment on the encouragement and praise provided to them. Come and find out for yourself!

Also check out our Clinics and Courses page for other sessions that are on offer, for example:

• Improve your dressage test
• Freestyle (dressage to music)
• Horse Management
• Essential Oils for Horses

Our Facilities

Crown Lodge Equestrian is set on 10 acres at Upper Caboolture, located halfway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Our facilities include a full size sand dressage arena which is fully fenced for additional safety. We also have a sand round yard which is a perfect smaller area for beginners to commence their riding. There is plenty of off-street parking for floats, providing a secure environment in which to tack up your horse.

Meet the Instructor

Susan Marshall is the manager and chief instructor at Crown Lodge Equestrian. Susan holds an EA NCAS Level 1 coaching qualification specializing in dressage and has over 20 years experience in the training and competing of horses of all ages and breeds.

Susan also has many years experience as a dressage judge and has successfully designed and competed in freestyle (dressage to music) events. Some of Susan’s other qualifications include:

• Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment
• Blue Card holder
• Current First Aid certificate
• Horseridingcoach.com Assessor

“I have both a love of horses and a love of teaching so it made sense that I would combine the two. My passion is dressage although I also love teaching beginners to ride. It is my aim to create a positive and motivational environment for my students so that they may reach their highest potential.”

EA NCAS stands for Equestrian Australia National Coaching Accreditation Scheme. EA NCAS coaches are endorsed by the Equine Industry, the Sports Industry and the Federal Government. All EA NCAS coaches undergo training in safety and risk management, and their knowledge and teaching abilities are assessed by Coach Educators. Whilst completing this course, Susan trained under, and was assessed by, a Grand Prix dressage rider and judge, a Grand Prix showjumper, and an International eventing rider. The EA NCAS qualification allows Susan to teach throughout Australia and internationally. In order to qualify for yearly registration as an EA coach, Susan is required to maintain her knowledge and skills.

Did you know that Susan is a former member of the Queensland Mounted Police? As part of her role there, she conducted mounted patrols of local suburbs in order to detect crime, provided security at large events and participated in ceremonial duties such as the Governor’s Escort at the RNA show. “I enjoyed some great experiences throughout my time in the Mounted Police. What other job allows you to ride your horse on the beach at Surfers Paradise or through the Queen Street Mall?”

School Horses

Prices

The following prices relate to lessons on your own horse, conducted either at Crown Lodge Equestrian or anywhere within the Caboolture Shire. Additional charges may apply for lessons conducted in other areas.

Testimonials

Trina Quarman (Pictured below Rachel Quarman)

“Crown Lodge Equestrian centre is a wonderful place for my girls to learn to ride properly according to their ages and needs. We love how Susan caters to the individual needs of the girls and their horses, always bringing new things to help them improve in their riding. My eldest daughter Rachel is competing in dressage and getting so much out of the lessons, at present teaching her young horse lateral movements, collection and lengthening of stride.

My youngest daughter Kelly is learning to ride properly concentrating on her position and getting her pony more forward and responsive to her aids. Kelly has just started competing in dressage. The girls look forward to their weekly lessons and we find Susan is very flexible to squeeze us in sometimes at short notice. I have seen the girls improve greatly due to our lessons with Susan and have recommended her to many of my friends as a terrific instructor.”

Trina Quarman

Kelly Quarman

“Susan has helped me in many different ways! I have learnt many dressage tests with Susan and I have enjoyed them all. I have gotten a place in all my dressage tests thanks to Susan. She has been there to cheer me on which I have enjoyed. She has given me many tips and they all worked!

I am so happy that Susan is my instructor and I am glad she’s my instructor!

Thankyou Susan!” Kelly Quarman (9 years).

Sophie Gregory

"I have had a few lessons with different instructors but with Susan it just all fell into place. Now I actually look forward to my lessons and enjoy and feel motivated to do more dressage! She is positive, encouraging and helpful. I feel happy to ask silly questions and know I won’t be put down or judged.

Susan is open and has apparent humbleness, she speaks very well and is simple to understand. Being an already capable rider I felt Susan really listened to me and gave me a challenge. I’ve learnt more from Susan in an hour then I have done elsewhere. She is understanding of all horses, calm, kind and very knowledgeable.

Susan’s school horses are well educated but also very much alive and fun to ride. Susan is the best instructor and assessor I’ve ever had".

Sophie Gregory.

Vicky Lacey

"My horse Archie has a dominant nature so Susan gave me some great lessons in groundwork. She taught me basic and correct handling skills such as walk, halt, back up, stand and move over. I learnt how to give my horse clear signals using just enough pressure that was necessary and rewarding him by taking the pressure away. She also taught me how to lunge Archie to help bring him back into work. I was amazed by how well the groundwork transferred over to my ridden work. Archie began to see me as a strong but fair leader. His behaviour changed and he started treating me with respect. He is a much happier and relaxed horse now as I have learnt to communicate to him in a way he understands.

Susan has taught me that there is more to being a good horsewoman than just being able to ride. I would recommend if you are having behaviour problems with your own horse to contact Susan about lessons in groundwork. She is very experienced and she can teach valuable skills that are the foundations for a great relationship with your horse".

Vicky Lacey.