Starting from humble beginnings

Horse Riding Lessons at Hawkez Haven

At Hawkez Haven, our lessons go beyond riding. We teach riders how to understand horses, care for them properly, and build real confidence both on the ground and in the saddle.

Every rider learns not just how to ride — but why things are done.

 Foundation Learning (Theory & Horsemanship)

Before and alongside riding, all riders are taught the core foundations of horse care and handling.

Horse Gear & Equipment

  • Names of all tack (saddle, bridle, reins,girth, etc.)

  • What each piece is used for

  • How to correctly fit and check gear

  • Understanding why correct gear matters for the horse’s comfort

Grooming & Care

  • Different grooming tools and their purpose

  • How to groom safely and correctly

  • Daily care routines

  • Recognizing changes in a horse’s condition

Horse Knowledge

  • Basic horse body parts and terminology

  • Reading body language and behavior

  • Understanding how horses think and react

  • Safe handling on the ground and in paddocks

Riding Skills

Once foundations are understood, riders develop:

  • Mounting and correct position

  • Balance and control

  • Steering and transitions

  • Confidence and communication with the horse

Our Approach

We believe strong riders are built from the ground up.

At Hawkez Haven, riders are encouraged to:

  • Take time to understand the horse first

  • Learn patience, timing, and consistency

  • Build trust and respect, not just control

This creates riders who are capable, confident, and aware.

Who Our Lessons Suit

  • Beginners starting from scratch

  • Children learning safe horse handling

  • Returning riders

  • Riders wanting deeper understanding, not just riding

  • Confidence build-up

Booking & Enquiries

Lessons are by appointment only.
Please contact us to arrange a time that suits or to book a lesson and find out more:

Contact us via website or social media - Hawkez Haven - Second Chances (FB) and arrange a time that suits

What Makes Us Different

Riders don’t just learn to ride, they learn to understand the horse beneath them.

Weekly Lesson Availability Layout

Weekdays

  • Morning Sessions: 9:00am – 12:00pm (by request)

  • After School: 3:30pm – 6:30pm

Weekends

  • Morning: 10:30am – 12:30pm

  • Afternoon: 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Session Types

  • Private Lessons (1-on-1)

  • Small Group Lessons (3max)

💛 Lesson Pricing

  • Children (15 years and under): $50 per hour

  • Riders (16 years and over): $70 per hour

  • Standard lesson: 1 hour per session

Lessons are run as one-on-one or small group sessions to ensure quality learning and safety.

Meet Your Lesson Horses

Every horse has their own personality, story, and role in helping riders learn and grow.

Our lesson horses are carefully selected to suit different riders, confidence levels, and learning styles. Each one teaches something unique, from patience and calmness to confidence and communication.

 Who You Might Meet

🖤 Khan “Bling Buster”

A bold, intelligent young gelding with a strong personality and a natural curiosity for the world around him. Khan is confident and expressive, and he enjoys interaction when approached calmly and respectfully.

💛 Kahu

Honest and expressive, Kahu teaches riders the importance of clear communication and consistency.

🧡 Pedro

Kind and steady, Pedro is perfect for building confidence and helping riders feel safe and supported.

💛 Haven

Calm but full of quiet sass, Haven brings balance and confidence to the herd (and keeps everyone in line!).

💛 Our Philosophy

We don’t just match riders to horses, we match them to learning experiences.

Every horse plays a role in helping riders develop:

  • Confidence

  • Awareness

  • Responsibility

  • Respect

Our horses are apart of our introduction program where riders learn confidence, awareness, and safe horse handling skills.

Our full horsemanship handbook is provided to enrolled riders to ensure safety, clarity, and a consistent learning experience. A list of some of what you'll receive in our printed & online book:

 

1. Welcome to Hawkez Haven

  • Who we are

  • What the rescue stands for

  • Our philosophy (patience, trust, understanding)

2. How Lessons Work

  • Lesson flow (ground → theory → riding)

  • What students can expect

3. Horsemanship Foundations

  • Grooming tools + use

  • Tack basics

  • Horse body parts

  • Safety awareness

4. Riding Progression System

  • Level 1 / 2 / 3 explained

  • What earns certification

5. What to Bring

  • Clothing, footwear, attitude, etc.

6. Behavior & Safety Expectations

  • Respect rules for horses + people

  • Zero pressure learning environment

7. Booking & Contact

  • How to book

  • Payment info

  • Cancellation rules