Kimberley School of Horsemanship

Robyn Tredwell, Director of Birdwood Downs and noted Kimberley horseman Bud Crockett cofounded the Kimberley School of Horsemanship to share the challenges and experiences of keeping and riding horses with the community.

The School has a roundyard and a rodeo arena to train horses and students. The horses are trained by our own horsemen and suit riders of all proficiencies.

Riding lessons

We give riding lessons to individuals and groups of maximum four students. The minimum age is 6 years. Beginner lessons begin on the ground with familiarizing students with the horse, catching horse, leading, tethering, grooming, saddling and bridling, safety, returning to paddock. Lessons move on to mounting, balance, seat, stop, start, reining, and feeding. Third stage is riding at a walk, trot, canter, and gallop.

Training in the proper care of equipment is part of the lessons and is considered an integral part of horsemanship and riding lessons.

Students are encouraged to progress at their natural pace. Lesson frequency is normally once or twice a week depending on the needs of the students, and are of 1 hour duration.

For groups of up to 12 students it is possible to book a riding camp of several days. Camps include riding lessons, horsemanship skills around the barn, bush walks, barbeques, overnight fun and games. For the more advanced riders medicals, nutrition, tack mending and fabrication of leatherwork is included in the program.

Trail rides

The school offers trail rides through the beautiful paddocks and country of Birdwood Downs. For novices and inexperienced riders we offer one hour treks. For more experienced riders there are treks of several hours which include exploring a section of an historic cattle trail, and over striking grassland vistas, marshlands and timbered fossil dunes.

Breeding program

We have a breeding program for Quarab horses. The young horses are trained by our own horsemen. Some of the young horses are added to our herd while others are sold.