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About Us

Welcome to Eastside Riding Academy, where we support riders of all levels with comprehensive programs, casual lessons, and a passion for equestrian excellence. Located just 10 minutes from the heart of Sydney, our family-run academy offers a welcoming environment for everyone from beginners to experienced professionals.

Our History

Eastside Riding Academy was established in 1996 and has always been a family-owned and run business. In 2020, Eastside welcomed a new owner and family to its management – The Hall Family. 

Kirsten Loots, the owner and manager of Eastside Riding Academy, moved to Sydney from South Africa in early 2020 with her husband, Terence, and their four children: Nicholas, Kelly, Peter and Daniel. In South Africa, Kirsten and Terence own a busy riding school, Sun Valley Stables and Waterside Stud, where they breed sports horses and ponies. Kirsten is a qualified Level 2 coach and a veterinarian by profession but has always combined this with her passion for coaching and equestrian sport. Kirsten and her family have enjoyed the change to the vibrant city of Sydney.

We are very privileged to be able to ride and keep horses in the world-class Centennial Park facility, where one can experience the best of a first-world city and still enjoy the experience of horses in daily life. As a family, we have enjoyed discovering new and exciting equestrian competition venues, from Stonewall and the Hawkesberry, to Berry, Canberra and Coonabarabran. We have enjoyed forming new partnerships with wonderful horses and seeing the progress as those partnerships take shape. We are grateful for our Equestrian adventures and new friends in Australia. ​

Why Choose Us

At Eastside Riding Academy, we pride ourselves on offering some of the most enjoyable horse riding experiences Sydney has to offer. Our lessons are loved by locals, visitors, and regulars alike. We take pride in our expertise and the variety of services we provide. One of the things our riders appreciate the most is our availability; we’re open 7 days a week, making it easy to visit us at a time that suits your schedule.

Not only are we one of Sydney’s most reputable horse riding academies with years of knowledge and experience, but we also offer some of the fairest prices around. Our professional team and coaches are dedicated to helping you enjoy riding at your leisure, in a way that encourages your personal skill set while allowing you to connect with some of the most beautiful creatures on our planet.

What We Offer

We offer various packages designed to build bonds, foster friendships, and create unforgettable memories. All our horses and ponies are carefully trained by our team and have gentle, friendly dispositions for your peace of mind.

Choose Eastside Riding Academy for a comprehensive and flexible riding experience.

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