Our Story
Nestled on the scenic Malabar Headland in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, South East Equestrian Club offers a unique and welcoming equine experience for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Horses have been part of the Malabar landscape for over a century. In 2019, South East Equestrian Club officially opened its purpose-built facilities thanks to the dedication and vision of Donna Wright, who was determined to ensure horses remained an accessible and valued part of the local community.
Today, our not-for-profit equestrian centre provides far more than riding lessons. We offer a range of experiences including, groundwork and horsemanship education, equine-assisted experiences, photoshoots, and facility hire - creating a space where horses can connect with people in many meaningful ways.
Our experienced coaches and facilitators are passionate about helping individuals build confidence, awareness and practical skills - whether that’s developing independent horsemanship, overcoming nerves, strengthening leadership qualities, or simply spending time around well-trained, cared-for horses in a calm and supportive environment.
At South East Equestrian Club, you don’t just participate - you engage. Many of our sessions include hands-on horse care, groundwork and partnership-based learning. We believe understanding horses - not just interacting with them - creates confidence, responsibility and genuine connection.
More than a riding school, we are a space where horses remain part of everyday life on the Malabar Headland.
Meet Our Team
Abigail Fuggle
Manager & Coach
Donna Wright
Committee
Jami Tham
Coach
Alice Scotts
Coach
Elaine Galbraith
Coach
Lara D
Coach
Amber Ashby
Coach
Ella Yarrow
Coach
Peter K
Stable Hand
Catherine Young
Committee
Fatemeh A
Coach
Sophie Bird
Coach
Lessons & Equestrian Programs
Private Lesson
We offer lessons for all riders, from complete beginners through to experienced riders. Unlike a typical riding school, you will also learn essential horse handling skills such as grooming and saddling to help you become a self-sufficient rider. Once you are confident and established in your riding and position, lessons can include some jumping and sporting activities. Weight limit is 85kg.
Weekday price: $155
Weekend price: $180
Group Lesson
Group lessons are only available to pre-approved clients. These lessons consist of up to 4 riders of a similar level. To join a group lesson, riders need to be a signed-off level 1 rider and be confident and able to prepare their assigned horse for the lesson.
Weekday price: $110
Weekend price: $120
Horse Management / Ground Work (Weekday)
Our horse management lessons can be tailored to suit your interests. They are suitable for people who want to gain a greater understanding of the care and training of horses. Topics can include feeding, first aid, tack selection and fit, daily care, and more. If there is something in particular you want to learn, just ask.
Weekday price: $100
Weekend price: $110
Semi Private Lesson
This lesson is shared with one other rider of similar ability. To join a semi private, you will need to be signed off by one of our coaches.
Weekday price: $115
Weekend price: $125
Photo Shoots, Film
& TV
Our beautiful horses feature in a wide range of photo and video shoots, both at our breathtaking coastal property overlooking Maroubra Beach and at locations across Sydney.
We offer horse hire for all types of shoots - from major commercial campaigns to intimate
pre-wedding photography and everything in between. Every booking is quoted individually to suit your specific needs, and if required, we can recommend trusted photographers we’ve worked with before.
To discuss your vision and receive a tailored quote, please email us at malabarhorseriding@gmail.com.
Riding With Disabilities
We teach riders of varying physical and mental abilities, focusing on both groundwork and riding skills. Lessons are adjusted to each rider and can include grooming, saddling, and riding in the arena.
Preparing and handling horses helps build fine motor skills, core strength, and coordination. Through fun games and activities, we support memory and focus while boosting overall confidence.
For those who prefer not to ride, we offer horse management lessons that focus on horse care and training techniques from the ground.
To book: Please email us and one our of friendly team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Equine Assisted Therapy
Why horses?
Horses are highly intuitive, emotionally aware herd animals. During a session, they respond to our body language and emotional state, offering calm, non-judgemental feedback. In a natural outdoor setting, horses can help regulate the nervous system, build trust, and create a sense of safety that supports reflection and growth.
Who is Equine Assisted Therapy for?
Equine Assisted Therapy can support children, adolescents and adults experiencing a range of challenges, including:
- Anxiety, depression or trauma
- PTSD or ADHD
- Social and emotional challenges
- Eating disorders or addiction
Or anyone seeking an alternative to traditional room-based therapy
About our equine therapists
Benefits of Equine Assisted Therapy
- Improved social and relationship skills
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Emotional awareness and regulation
- Reduced stress and distress
- Better boundary setting
- Greater sense of happiness and meaningful connection
- Increased attention, problem solving and mindfulness
- Connection with nature and movement
Alison Tucker
Psychologist & Occupational Therapist – Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Alison is an independent practitioner who combines her backgrounds in psychology, occupational therapy and equine-assisted psychotherapy to offer a safe, professional and ethical service that helps people grow and heal.
For enquiries and to register your interest, please email: MalabarEAP@gmail.com
Lorna Saxbee
Clinical Counsellor & Equine Assisted Psychotherapist
Lorna Saxbee is an independent Clinical Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Equine Assisted Pyschotherapist who hires our facilities to offer Equine Assisted Therapy sessions.
For enquiries and to register your interest, please visit Lornas Website
Book Online
Please read this information before proceeding to book.
Before you book
- New clients can only book individual lessons (no group bookings).
- Group lessons are only available for pre-approved clients.
- To help keep lesson prices low, we do not have an office administrator, so all enquiries are handled online and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Bookings
- Bookings can only be made through our online portal.
- You will receive a confirmation email when your booking is accepted, including the gate entry code.
- Do not book a group lesson unless you have approval from your coach. Unapproved group booking requests will be declined.
Safety on our property
- No dogs are permitted on the property under any circumstances.
- Spectators must stay in the designated spectator area with shelter and seating.
- Spectators may not enter the breezeway where horses are stabled, or the space between the dressage and jump arenas.
- Please respect instructors and staff and follow any safety instructions given.
Thank you for your understanding – we look forward to meeting you!
Frequently Asked Questions
All availability is shown through our booking portal and slots can fill quickly. Cancellations do happen, so check back regularly for your preferred time and instructor. To help keep our lesson prices low, we don’t have an office administrator, so all enquiries are handled online and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Thank you for your understanding – we look forward to meeting you!
Do I need any horse riding experience?
No experience is necessary. We start all riders with basic skills on the ground and on the horse.
I already know how to tack up and ride. Do I still need to do the saddling?
Yes. All riders starting with us go over handling, grooming and tacking up in their first lesson so we can make sure you are safe and show you how we do things. If you are competent, in later lessons you can prepare your horse before the start of the lesson.
Can I do a group lesson as my first lesson?
No. All riders must do a private lesson before joining a group. This lets us make sure you can prepare the horse safely and assess your level for a suitable group.