BOOKINGS are now open for school holiday programs at the Silver City Riding Academy, offering Broken Hill kids an alternative to spending the break glued to phones, tablets, and computer games.
The Academy’s Cecilia Norley believes communing with horses and other animals is the perfect antidote to life in the internet century.
“Each child gets allocated their own pony and there’re all sorts of activities they do on the ponies, as well as art, craft, and drawing,” she said.
And don’t go thinking that just because it’s a riding academy, there are no chickens involved.
“We’ve got chickens,” Ms Norley boasted.
“About 30 chickens, actually. We’ve got a really great setup with the chickens – they eat out of the kids’ hands. The kids love it.
“I’ve grown up with animals all around, so it’s not a big deal for me. But some kids have their minds blown by that.”
Born and bred in Broken Hill, Ms Norley learned to ride at an early age, and now has generations of children who have benefited from her love of horses.
“I’ve ridden all my life,” she said.
“My children have ridden, and some are still currently competing.
“My grandson competes. So, it’s a bit of a family thing. We’ve had students of the Academy who have gone on to compete, too.”
Established in 2015, the Silver City Riding Academy is insured for all ages and has a large selection of horses for beginners through to advanced.
Even oldies are welcome.
Ms Norley believes horse riding to be not only fun and adventurous but also potentially character-building.
“Horses are just like people,” she said.
“Just as you get drawn to certain people, humans get drawn to their horses, and horses are drawn to them.
“Not necessarily every horse works out for someone. Each horse is different, and each human is different.
“It’s really important to find your horse. If you can connect with the horse, you can achieve anything with that horse. And once you understand horses, it’s so much more worthwhile.”
For bookings at the Silver City Riding Academy, contact Cecilia Norley on 0422 054 828.
