No horse? No worries! Several friendly equines call this Murrumbateman riding club home, and they’re always happy to show new students the ropes. Photo: Capturvate Media, Dark Horse Creative.
Ask any equestrian and they’ll tell you, probably quite passionately, that there’s nothing like the bond between horse and rider.
It’s a partnership forged by mutual trust, which is no small thing when you’re dealing with literal leaps of faith.
Long-time horse rider and primary school teacher Anna Kitchin knows this bond well. She practically grew up on horseback, and her love for all things equine only grew in adulthood.
Now with a family of her own, Anna is thrilled to bring a new kind of equestrian club to horse-lovers in the Canberra region.
Set on a stunning 50-acre property in Murrumbateman, Taman Kuda Club (TKC) combines Anna’s lifelong passion for horses and love of teaching with a powerful sense of community.
TKC programs range from first-time foundations all the way to competition coaching, and whether visitors are nine or 90, everyone is welcome.
The school exists to bridge the gap between foundational riding skills and long-term horse ownership.
“Running a club like this is a bit of a dream,” Anna says.
“I wanted to start something authentic for the whole community to enjoy, built around a shared passion for horses and people.
“We have seven school horses and ponies at the moment who are all dearly loved, and if I’m honest, quite spoiled.”
Spoiled indeed! The club’s four-legged family members enjoy regular massages and body work, top-quality nutrition, cushy lodgings, and of course, plenty of treats.
One of TKC’s first school horses, Blue is a fan favourite. The 12-year-old mare has taught dozens of students how to ride and is a key part of the club’s disability program. Photo: Taman Kuda Club.
Beginner riders learn how to safely handle, groom, tack up, lead, and lunge a horse long before they get in the saddle. Coaches also cover horse behaviour, anatomy, and husbandry skills such as nutrition and hoof care.
“Building a relationship with your horse or pony starts on the ground,” Anna says.
“Many schools will fetch, groom, and tack horses up before students arrive, but we teach you how to do it yourself. These foundational skills are really important, especially if you want to care for a horse of your own someday.”
When it’s time to mount up, students are taught one-on-one or in small groups with no more than three riders.
The team encourages adults who grew up riding to get back in the saddle and also works with a number of parents as they enter the horse world with kids in tow.
Fiona is one such rider.
“I only started learning to ride so I could help my six-year-old if she ever wanted to own a horse, but TKC has shown me it’s okay to do something purely for yourself, too,” Fiona says.
“What started as lessons for my daughter has become a passion for me as well, and the joy it has brought into our lives is immeasurable.”
Seasoned club members can take their learning even further with equine training, first aid, and advanced skills in dressage, handling, and show jumping.
“We’re looking to create a TKC competition team in the near future,” Anna says.
“Riding at a competition level takes a lot of prep and dedication, but it’s one of the best ways to bond with your horse.
“One benefit of being in a small-scale club is our ability to tailor your training. We mainly focus on show jumping and dressage, but if you want to compete in western pleasure or campdrafting, we can absolutely help you do that.”
Anna has even started working on a cross-country course, which will introduce an exciting new discipline perfect for more adventurous riders.
It doesn’t matter if you’re into competitions or just ride for fun. People go horse-mad for all sorts of reasons, and according to Anna, it’s a pretty awesome bug to catch.
“Horse riding is a great way to stay fit and spend time outdoors, and forging a bond with your horse is a beautiful experience,” she says.
“Our horse and pony family brings so much joy to our lives. These are incredibly loving animals; they teach us how to be brave, resilient, empathetic, and patient.
“I can’t wait to see what the future will bring for us, them, and the community they’ve helped flourish.”
Taman Kuda Club is located at 365 Bushs Lane, Murrumbateman. To find out more, visit Taman Kuda Club.
