Welcome to the academy of holistic horse riding
Conveniently located just 45 minutes from both Brisbane CBD and the Gold Coast, Equestrian Spirit welcomes riders of all levels—whether you're brand new to horses or a seasoned rider chasing big goals.
From horse-crazy kids (ages 7 and up) to adults finally able to live their lifelong dream, we’ve got the right horse and program for you. Whether you're learning the basics, returning after time away, or ready to join our show team, we meet you where you're at—and help you grow from there.
Learning to ride with us is more than just lessons—it’s a safe, supportive foundation for your journey into horse ownership and beyond. You’ll ride educated schoolmasters who know how to look after their riders while gaining skills in dressage, show jumping, horsemanship, and equine communication. We’re here to build your confidence, your skillset, and your connection—every step of the way.
Come on A tour of our facilities
and meet the ponies!!
Meet the team!
Our mission
Hi, I’m Katie – head coach and founder of Equestrian Spirit.
My riding career began at age seven and my love of horses has only deepened over the past 30 years. I started teaching and training 20 years ago right here at this school. Over the years I’ve taught a diverse range of students from never ridden before to advanced competitors and intro coaches. The one thing that keeps calling me back to the riding school is the community built around our passion for horses and the equestrian lifestyle.
In my younger years, I competed successfully in dressage, show jumping, and eventing at a state level. Over time, riding became less about ribbons and more about collaborating with the horses to share their lessons.
When I started the school I knew I wanted to work with horses that want to be ridden. As a result we focus on the horse’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. We focus our work with the horses on connection, congruence and communication.
At Equestrian Spirit, our mission is to empower riders with a connection-based approach to training—where learning to ride a horse also means learning to communicate with one.
Horses aren’t machines. We teach lessons that honor the horse as a sentient being, focusing on balance of the horse and rider combination cuing for communication and connection. Our students learn not just self carriage and an independent seat —across walk, trot, canter, jumping, and open paddock riding—but also compassionate leadership, emotional agility, nervous system regulation and communication.
As an EA qualified coach, naturopath, and Buteyko breathing practitioner, I bring a holistic lens to lessons. Through breathwork and subtle energetic cues, riders can create a calmer, more connected experience for both horse and human.
If you're seeking more than just "push-the-buttons" riding, if you're ready to build a soulful, skillful partnership, come explore our lessons.
Sarah Gallagher
Chief Digital Operations Manager
Sarah has worked with me for over 7 years both as a student and in a support capacity at Equestrian Spirit - particularly, looking after the online courses and digital content.
Crazy cat lady, eccentric equine enthusiast, and veterinary technician make up Sarah’s qualifications, and she fell in love with the Holistic Handling methodology that the school follows after seeing transformations in her own horses and the bond of riding.
You might see Sarah at the school sometimes, but mostly she will be behind the scenes, helping students with the technical hiccups that sometimes happen with online trainings, and helping me when the computer says no…
Meet the equine team
ANGEL
Phoenix is a sensitive, versatile schoolmaster who supports riders from beginner to advanced. He’s a fun step up from Angel, with a bouncier trot and a lighter response to aids—perfect for refining communication and building confidence. He works well with all our students from 7 through to 70 looking after you if you’re a newby but also has a solid work ethic for more experienced riders to learn the more technical skills of dressage and show jumping.
Educated to Novice dressage and confidently jumping 70cm, Phoenix helps riders learn more technical skills like walk-canter transitions, leg yields, rein back, shoulder-in, and half-pass. He’s calm and steady for new riders but steps up for experienced students, making him a valuable and responsive teacher.
Phoenix is a perfect gentlemen with very little vices. He works sweetly and positively with all our students. He’s super well mannered and hard working. He does a great job of looking after our students and as such works a little slower for our beginners and builds forwardness as the students gain confidence. He’s a great horse to learn how to ask for more on and then learn how to balance and ride the more he gives.
Hunter
Hunter is our sweet, sensitive boy who loves his job working with his riders. He excels in his role starting complete beginners, training elementary to advanced riders and confidently jumping 60 - 70 cm. As riders advance we are able to hone their skills and in particular their sensitivity and communication with their hands.
Hunter is a great teacher for the visual of tension holding and inviting relaxation into his body. Hunter does a great job of teaching riders the deeper skills of being a more experienced equestrian. He is educated through to novice dressage and is working on periods of collection and shoulder in offering the foundations of elementary to the riders who are ready to learn.
Hunter also loves his clicker training games showing students how well and easily horses can learn. With his playful, sensitive temperament he is a crowd favourite and the king of cuddles.
Rabbit
Angel is one of our favourite beginner horses to use for our youths. Being a little on the slower, less bouncy side she’s a great starting point for the children and small adults to learn to ride on and get their balance and independent seat. She has a lovely smooth trot and canter creating a positive, safe and fun interaction for new riders.
She is educated to prelim dressage, training in novice and an enthusiastic jumper easily jumping 50 - 70cm. She can also be a nippy little games pony given the motivation is right. This makes her a brilliant all rounder for our students to gain confidence on in introductory levels for competing.
She has a beautiful sweet nature that is perfectly balanced with a hint of sass which results in our students absolutely falling in love with her but also learning skills in leadership and assertiveness. Our schoolies identify when the students a ready for the added challenge and Angel is no exception. If she knows our students are ready to work harder she challenges them with being on the slower, lazy side unless until they learn about picking their energy up and applying effort. This makes her the ideal safe pony to learn the right level of assertiveness to convince her to work but also how to back off and reward her for effort.
Phoenix
Rabbit is a sensitive, steady school horse ideal for riders with an independent seat and for adult learners. He’s also a great choice for larger children or adults learning to canter, as his pace is calm and manageable.
Trained to Prelim dressage and low-level show jumping, Rabbit helps riders refine their technique—especially in developing contact and riding with feel, thanks to his soft mouth and responsiveness. His bouncier movement encourages a strong lower leg and body control.
A true people-pleaser, Rabbit thrives on thoughtful, clear communication. When rider and horse are in sync, he works beautifully—making him a rewarding partner for those ready to level up their skills.
