Silversand Horsemanship Centre - Blanchetown, South Australia
The Silversand Horsemanship Centre, founded by Steve Halfpenny, is a premier destination for riders seeking to improve their skills and deepen their bond with their horses.
Riding and Training facilities:
Located in South Australia, this centre is dedicated to promoting the principles of Light Hands Equitation (LHE), a method that combines the best of traditional dressage with natural horsemanship techniques. At Silversand HC, riders of all levels can benefit from personalised instruction and a supportive learning environment. The centre offers a variety of programs, including hands-on clinics, immersive courses, and online training options, all designed to help you achieve a harmonious and effective partnership with your horse.
Main arena - This is where you’ll find us starting our clinics/private lessons and doing general training and riding in a fenced area with trees for shade.Â
Dressage arena - Our 40 x 20 sand arena is complete with dressage markers and shaded areas for our spectators.Â
Working equitation arena - A relatively new addition to our centre with all of the obstacles you might come across in a working equitation event. This area is also a sand arena, and a great place to begin heading out from the main arena and onto the trail.Â
Mountain trail - Our signature trail ride around the property which is sign posted with red arrows to ensure you are headed in the right direction. A speculator visual, especially on sunrise and sunset as you get the undulating view down towards Blanchetown. You’ll also be riding through the paintball course, past dry creek beds and through the scrub where you may see the local wildlife.Â
Mountain trail obstacles - Just past our camping area and amenities you’ll find the mountain trail obstacle course, filled will bridges, ramps, logs, streamers and more to keep you and your horse challenged and test your confidence and connection. Including two bridges, the Texas two step, Paul’s canyon, short serpentine stones, cross bucks, rocker, gate, adventures tyres and many more obstacles.Â
Liberty complex - Our newest addition to the centre is our liberty complex. A long term plan for us as we developed one of the bottom paddocks specifically for liberty training. With 4 round yards, fenced by a larger yard, and also inside the paddock fencing, you’ll know your horse is secure while you work through you connection without a lead rope.Â
Silversand Mountain Trail
Accommodation and amenities:Â
Camping and Caravans - We know that travelling with your home can be a big job, so to make it easier we have provided a number of vintage caravans for you to use during your stay. Our caravans have the basics like a bed to roll out your swag, power outlets and a fan to keep you cool. Of course if you have your own camper float or camping arrangements, we can provide you with a space near the facilities or further away for privacy.Â
Emu shed (remember to ask us about why its called this) - This is the centre hub, after all it's where we keep the coffee and food! We supply you with a communal fridge, stove, microwave, kettle, urn, tv and wifi. This dining area is where you’ll be able to plan your day and debrief over a dinner with your old and new friends. Outside you’ll find tables and chairs all around the property for you to relax, take in the surroundings and enjoy the peace and quiet.Â
Shower and toilets - 6 showers, 2 toilets and 2 basins are located in the amenities block, near all of the caravans and Emu Shed. For longer stays a washing machine and clothes line is available but please be mindful of our limited water.Â
For the horses:
Yards - We have 10 yards with electric fencing for your horse. Each yard has access to a tap for water filling and a bath or tub. Some yards have trees and others are quite large for groups where the horses may be stabled together.Â
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How to visit us:
Clinics - Horsemanship, dressage, working equitation, equestrian sports, trail riding, liberty and more! Check out the clinic dates on the website or facebook events.Â
5 day camps - Our newest and most popular event is our horsemanship camps. Stay for 5 days and take the time to learn and grow with your horse while you enjoy the perfect horse getaway.Â
Private bookings - Book the centre for your riding club or just a group of friends to come and stay with us. Access all of the facilities, book in a private or group lesson, these can be completely tailored to your needs.Â
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Other things to do while you’re here:
Wildlife watching - We are located right beside one of the best South Australian nature parks. Enjoy our beautiful native birds, kangaroos, emus and the hairy nosed wombats.
Star-gazing: Escape the light pollution of Adelaide, and enjoy the beautiful Australia night sky in this beautiful rural location. Watch the shooting stars and relax in this calming and peaceful area.
