IT'S best known for murals, sculptures and art classes, but Yarra Balba Art Studio at Mandalong is now also home to Yara Balba Stables and an innovative learn-to-ride program for young horse lovers.
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Yara Balba offers Ready Set Trot - a fun program for children who want to give horse sports a try.
"Through a series of structured sessions which include group games and mounted activities, young people learn about horses and equestrian sport, learning basic horse skills and all-important horse safety along the way," Margrete Erling, of Yara Balba Stables said.
The first eight-week program will start next Wednesday, October 22.
Each of the eight sessions runs for two hours from 4.30pm.
"We're excited to be one of the first in Australia to offer Ready Set Trot, a program which will get more young people learning about and enjoying all the great aspects of the horse world," Ms Erling said.
"This is a great activity for young people who love horses but don't own a horse of their own and want to try equestrian as a sport.
"Children who complete Ready Set Trot will be invited to keep involved in equestrian sport by joining the local pony or equestrian club."
Ms Erling has been involved with horses all her life. She's been a pony club instructor for many years and holds a National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) qualification.
She described Yara Balba Stables as "a boutique riding centre", with five gentle horses ranging from a shetland pony to a 16.5-hand horse which will be used in the program.
Ready Set Trot is a collaboration between Equestrian Australia and Pony Club Australia, and is funded by the Australian Sports Commission.
Cost of the program is $350, payable in instalments.
■ Register at readysettrot.com