FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We often have rain during camps. We treat it as part of the life experience and slot in as many rides as we can as long as it is safe to do so. Camp life is a wonderful experience. It is not only about horse riding but also about developing character, independence and resilience, and of course making wonderful friends and having fun.
We are unable to offer a discount if we do not get all rides in. Our Leaders are looking after the children 24/7 and always have alternative fun if it is absolutely impossible to ride out.
NEVER RIDDEN – Total beginners. May have been on a pony lead but have never ridden independently.
BEGINNER – Little experience with horses. This rider knows how to ask the horse to move forward, turn and stop and can mount and walk off unassisted.
NOVICE – Basic experience with horses. A novice rider is able to rise to the trot.
INTERMEDIATE – The intermediate rider has taken lessons. Their seat is secure and they can canter.
ADVANCED – Advanced riders have several years intense riding instruction. They have competed successfully in recognised shows and are able to ride most horses.
We believe that children function best in an environment which has clearly-set boundaries and guidelines to follow. These boundaries and guidelines are explained to the children at the beginning of camp during the Welcome Talk. We stress the importance of these guidelines, why they are there and what happens if they are not adhered to. For example, if you run on the concrete and fall over you will hurt yourself, or if you run around the horses you might scare them and they may kick out. This means the campers know why a particular behaviour is not acceptable and will begin to think before they act, alter their behaviour and ultimately develop self-discipline.
Children are encouraged to follow expectations through positive reinforcement and redirection and staff are required to role model ideal behaviour at all times. Staff members are instructed to be firm but fair in their redirection, encouraging children to take responsibility for their own actions and the subsequent consequences.
We have a zero tolerance on bullying, swearing and refusing to following instruction. If a child presents with these behaviours, they will be brought into a meeting to investigate the reason for their behaviour and given a reminder that this particular behaviour is not acceptable. If it is something serious Kiah Park management will immediately contact the child’s parent/carer and ask them to communicate with the child to encourage them to correct their behaviour. If we do not see an improvement in the behaviour, the child will again be called into a meeting and told that if they do not comply they will be sent home. Thereafter if there is no improvement, the child’s parent/carer will be called to pick their child up.
The accommodation is bunkhouse style cabins and dormitory. Boys and girls are housed separately. We also separate the girls by age group so they are in a cabin with other girls their own age. The leaders sleep in the cabins with the children, they are female and hold their blue cards.
We supply your child’s riding helmet and riding boots are hired separately at $20 for the week.
Camp is for girls ages 6yrs – 17yrs and boys ages 6yrs – 12yr.
It is not a problem if your child does not have horse riding experience. On the day of arrival we start with arena riding ability assessments and horse allocation to suit ability. Your child will have arena lessons to start with and once they are able to control their horse and trot safely they will head out on the trails.
We separate the children into three girls’ cabins (arranged by age) and one boy’s cabin. Each cabin has at least one 18yr or older staff member who holds their blue card for working with children.
We are happy to arrange trail rides for a group of at least 12 people. Please phone us: 5486 6166 or email: [email protected] to discuss your options.
We do love a bit of a splash in the dam during hot weather, but the children do not go beyond knee-deep. All water activities are very carefully monitored, particularly children who are not confident swimmers. Sometimes we have a water-fight up near the cabins.
No, we don’t carry these facilities. Your payments can be made via internet transfer, cheque, money order or cash.
Yes, provided your records are less than one year old. We must also be notified of any changes.
We love early bookings! To avoid disappointment, it is best to make your booking as soon as the current school holidays are over.
Our supervising staff hold their blue cards to work with children and are experienced horse riders aged 17 years – late 20’s. We also have Helpers between the ages of 15 – 16 years assisting in the smooth operation of camp. Our head instructor together with Nick (owner) lead and oversee all activities, both are registered with Horse Safety Australia. Safety is a key focus at Kiah, and we strictly adhere to all current policies.
You are welcome to call your child on our phone 5486 6166 for a chat at dinner time, between 6.30 – 7.00pm. If you get the answering machine keep trying as it means the line is busy.
Yes! We can meet your child’s dietary requirements. The additional cost for a week for a gluten free diet is $80. Vegetarian and lactose free diets are $50.