Royals Equestrian Centre

Recognising the rich rural heritage of the RNA and its proud history since the late 19th century of connecting people from rural and urban communities and understanding the objectives of the RNA redevelopment to create a vibrant urban community, REC and its directors, Joshua Smith and Damian Todd, have established the Royals Equestrian Centre in the precinct of the Brisbane Showgrounds bounded by Gregory Terrace, Brooke Streets and O’Connell Terrace.

REC has commenced establishing the broader Royals Equestrian Centre, which incorporates the Royals Riding School, Royals Equestrian (through which equestrian events will be conducted), Royals Horse and Pony Club and, as an ancillary aspect of the business, Royals Feed.

The activities of Royals Equestrian and the Royals Horse and Pony Club are conducted on the Main Arena, subject to its availability.

Given its fringe CBD location, the Royals Equestrian Centre provides a unique opportunity for residents of Brisbane to participate in horse riding and equestrian events without having to travel to the outskirts of Brisbane and beyond. It is an enviable feature of the RNA Complex, which distinguishes it from other CBD and fringe CBD community and residential developments.

The proximity of the RNA Complex to the CBD provides corporations with a convenient alternative to traditional client functions and workers with enjoyable sport and fitness options that promote healthy living.

The directors of REC are highly experienced and skilled riders, having each ridden from a very early age. Their lessons cater for children and adult riders across the range of experience and skills. From time to time specialist coaches are engaged to provide coaching and training to experienced riders.

In addition to technical skills, riding lessons focus on safety, discipline and responsibility that are important features of horsemanship, particularly for children. The importance of developing a meaningful sense of connection between riders and horses are emphasised as they work together through non-verbal communication. Many of those techniques are recognised to promote improved communication skills in general life, particularly for teenagers.

Recognising the significant benefits of horse therapy, REC will offer specialised lessons for disabled riders. As part of its corporate social responsibility program Royals will provide dedicated riding lessons for returned soldiers suffering from Post Traumatic Stress and youth facing challenges.

The health and safety of humans is of paramount importance to REC and its directors, followed in the same breath by the health and safety of the horses.

Although riders are encouraged to use their own helmet and boots, a range of sizes in each will be available to use at no extra charge.

Riders, particularly children, are taught the discipline and responsibility that are integral to good horsemanship and ownership of horses. In addition to technical riding skills, they are taught how to safely interact with and care for horses so they develop a genuine love and respect for the animals and sport. Any mistreatment of Royals horses will not be tolerated.

Provisions to protect against the spread of Hendra Virus, including arrangements for each horse to be checked to ensure it has been vaccinated with full immunity against the disease prior to being allowed onto the RNA Complex. Any horse that cannot establish proper vaccination will not be permitted on the RNA Complex. Those arrangements will also apply to any third party wishing to ride his or her horse as part of any equestrian events conducted by Royals.