Who we are and What we do...

At Riverland Equestrian Centre we believe in the best deal for the horse.
We believe in training and learning, we believe in cooperation and fun, we believe in trust and putting the problems of everyday life aside when we work with our horses.
We like to think we are creating a place where people can come and learn and share ideas.
It isn't important to us what type of riding you do or want to do or what you ride, the important things are; how you treat your horse and how you treat the humans around you.   

Vicki Oliver
Owner / Manager

Riding since the age of 7 and horse mad from 2 years old, Vicki has over 40 years experience with riding, training, breeding and instructing.  She is an accredited Horse Safe Australia Senior Instructor and Trail Guide. 
Beginning as a horseless youngster at the local pony club and becoming a horse owner at 10 years old, Vicki moved through the ranks gaining accreditation as a pony club instructor at the age of 16.  Lucky enough to have met and been inspired by the late great Tom Roberts, and been coached by Robbie Murray, Vicki developed a passion for training young horses.  Vicki continues starting her own horses and those of other peoples.  Her recent influence in this area has been the world acclaimed Wayne Banney from whom Vicki has learnt a great deal.
Other notable Coaches that Vicki has had in her journey have been; Barrie and Sarita Stratton, former Olympic Coach; Clements Dierks and world ranked Rider Brett Parbary.  Grand Prix Rider Heather Currie has also contributed to Vicki's rider education along with World Cup Show Jumper Jono Farrington.
Vicki's knowledge base also spans breeding and horse husbandry.  As a school leaver and for many years after that Vicki worked closely with renowned breeder Louis Thring of Waveney Stud, and is often heard citing something she learned from him in relation to a breeding or foal management questions.  At the tender age of 16 years, Vicki was fortunate to be riding National level Arabian Stallions at top class shows for Louis.  She went on to win at Royal level and National Championships under saddle on her Waveney bred Arabian Pony Stallion 'Rosskari' who she trained to Prix St Georges and thus developed her passion for Dressage.
An enquiring mind and interest in all around her led naturally to involvement in committees and event organisation for Vicki.  Sitting initially on the state management committee for the Stud Saddle Pony Society and later on the Dressage Council of SA, Vicki gained experience in the running of large competitions and organisation of large 'clubs'.  Later as President of the Dressage Club of Reynella, Vicki was involved in the development of and successful running of some of the first Indoor Dressage competitions in SA. 
As an Official EA Dressage Judge Vicki was involved in Club, Regional and State competitions for many years as well officiating in the breed ring as an ASSPS and Pinto Judge.  She continues to volunteer her time to Coach for Pony Club and Riding Clubs, as well as to assist at shows in whatever capacity she can.
A firm but fair Coach, Vicki has trained riders from raw beginner right through to State and National Rider Squad level.  A love of all things equine has led to Vicki having an interest in equestrian sports ranging from Dressage to Rodeo and Natural Horsemanship to the Haute E'cole. 
Vicki enjoys working with riders of all ages and particularly enjoys breeding and the training of young horses. 
"Seeing riders I coach, riding horses I have bred, is the most wonderful of feelings!"' 
Vicki is always available to have a friendly chat or assist where she can!

Nikki Henwood
Right Hand Woman

Nikki has been an integral part of the team since the Riding Academy opened in 2009.  She is a very hard working and loyal young lady who does her fair share and more.
A happy smile is always on Nikki’s face and she brings an infectious sense of fun with her.  Nikki has a feel and compassion for the horse’s way beyond her 21 years, and can be relied upon to treat the horses with great care.
 
A word from Nikki:
I have been riding at the Riverland Riding Academy since October 2009.  
Over these 10 years I have ridden a number of different horses. Some were well-trained school horses, some were younger horses that I have helped train and many have been older educated horses that have needed to get their fitness up.  Riding different horses has given me experience that I was able to use and practice on my own pony, and now can put to use with the horses I ride for others. 
I also have been lucky enough to have done a number of different clinics to improve on my dressage and jumping!  In addition to this, I have also done many natural horsemanship clinics, which has helped me to understand the horses mind and what they are capable of achieving with lots of practice and training.  
My role is to help in the care of the horses and to ride or work horses if their owners are unable to ride their own horse due to sickness, injury or holidays!
A major achievement for me was competing at the Clare Gymkhana and representing Loxton High School in 2012.  I was lucky enough to win Champion rider and pony even though my pony was very misbehaved.  I still smile and feel proud of managing to win a championship in such circumstances.
I am proud of being part of Riverland Riding Academy because everyone helps each other whether they are asked to or not.  I also am grateful to have the chance to meet so many great people that I’m happy to call my friend.
Nikki currently rides Thiacan Chiquita, a sweet young mare by Hatero de pb (Andulasian) x Thiacan Meli (Welsh B).  Nikki has trained Chica from her first leading lessons right through to starting her under saddle - they have a super relationship and the future is very bright for them!!

Claire Zeppel
Sponsored Rider

Claire started riding as a 6-year-old and began her competition career in the hacking ring on her pony Regal Illusion, competing successfully at many Agricultural shows and the Royal Adelaide Show. In 2007 Claire commenced regular flat work lessons with Vicki on her Galloway, Just Rewards, introducing her to dressage. By 2009 Claire and Just Rewards were accepted onto the Victorian Young Rider Dressage Squad exposing her to regular instruction form some of the country’s top instructors, riders and judges and her love for dressage really grew. Claire and Just Rewards competed in consecutive years at the Victorian Young Rider Dressage Championships. A highlight was winning 5th at the 2010 National Young Rider Championship. In 2011 Claire purchased Jayay Grand Justice a 17.2hh Arabian Warmblood who she competed to Elementary. To continue her dressage future Claire saw the opportunity to purchase a foal that Vicki had bred. Thiacan Der Von Waltz is by the Dimaggio import Der Von Wedel. Der Von Waltz is now competing at Novice level with a view to beginning Elementary work soon.
In 2016 Claire purchased another of Vicki's young horses, a gorgeous gelding by Voices W out of Thiacan Der Von Wanda - the youngster is Thiacan Verismo (aka Archie) Claire is extremely excited by this quality young horse and is looking forward to having him under saddle in  2020!
Claire is a busy practicing Podiatrist and enjoys a busy professional career.
She competes regularly and is an active member of the horse community.