JOLONG PARK EVENTS

Jolong Park puts on a number of events each year that are open to the public. Please see our upcoming events below.

LADIES WEEKEND

SEPTEMBER23-24 2023

Are you up for a fun horsey weekend with likeminded women?

You can either bring your own horse or use a riding school horse (we have horses suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced riders).

1) Bring your own horse and camp in your float

2) Bring your own horse and stay in a room in the Clubhouse

3) Hire a riding school horse and stay in a room in the Clubhouse

LIMITED AVAILABILITY – FIRST IN FIRST SERVED

This event is open to women 18 years and over.

Please express your interest with the option you are after to info@jolongpark.com.au

Come and join us September 23-24 2023 at Jolong Park.

Package includes:

-1 semi private dressage lesson with Dirk Dijkstra

-1 semi private poles lesson with Bridgette Van Sprung

-Equestrian Pilates Session Saturday afternoon

-Catered breakfast and lunch in our clubhouse Saturday

-Catered Dinner (food and beverages) in our Clubhouse Saturday evening

PLEASE EMAIL INFO@JOLONGPARK.COM.AU TO BOOK

Meet Our Coaches

DIRK DIJKSTRA - DRESSAGE

Dirk Dijkstra is a Grand Prix Rider, Level 3 General Instructor, Coach, Coach educator and accessor, Breeder, Trainer and former A level Judge and Warmblood colt classifier.

Dirk Dijkstra is a domestically competing international Grand Prix rider with over 40 years of experience. He has been coaching since the age of 16 in the Netherlands where he grew up and he obtained his Dutch Basic Coaching License before coming to Australia in 1982, then going on to become a fully accredited EA Level 3 Coach. He currently competes on his imported Dutch Warmblood stallion AEA Metallic as well as Royalito owned by Viv Lipshut. Metallic was trained by Dirk right through to Grand Prix and this hands-on training and competition experience continues to be an invaluable source when he is coaching and mentoring students.

Dirk heads up Jolong Park and spends much of his day coaching clients of all levels, from young riders at Interschool level right through to Grand Prix. Dirk is one of the only coaches in Australia who both competes at the highest level as well as coaches. His coaching system parallels the way he rides, based on the Dutch system inspired by Anky and Sjef Van Grunsven, who were is early inspiration. His coaching is structured towards the modern type of horse that is being bred now rather than the classic type which no linger really exists.

Dirk is an incredible coach and amongst his very busy schedule running Jolong Park, riding horses and competing, his students always come first. Dirk is incredibly humble and always helps his students not only with their riding but with their confidence as well. He also assists students with the management of their horse to ensure they reach their very best. He is passionate about his role as coach but believes in keeping things very simple. The journey to Grand Prix is a long one and he believes that students need to understand that patience, discipline, perseverance, dedication and commitment are five of the most important ingredients.

Bridgette Van Sprang - Poles

Bridgette is an FEI Dressage rider and NCAS coach, who began her riding career as an 8 year old with a love for show jumping. As a child, Bridgette attended PCAV, competing across all disciplines before being selected for the Victorian Jump Squad, which she continued into her early 20s. In her mid 20s, Bridgette transitioned to Dressage after receiving an incredible opportunity to train with 6-time Olympic Australian rider, Mary Hanna. Having worked and ridden in Europe, Bridgette now works as a full time Coach, helping her clients achieve their riding goals, while bringing her own and her client’s young horses along on their competition journeys.

Dressage Over Poles ™

Bridgette’s passion for equine rehabilitation came about following a traumatic and almost fatal paddock accident of her beloved horse Gallifrey in 2013, which led her to learn how to rehabilitate her horse though pole exercises. With the help of her vets, show jumping coach/mentor Adam Wootten and equine body work practitioners, Bridgette was able to successfully rehab her mare back to competition fitness within 4 months. This same mare now competes at small tour FEI.

This experience sparked in Bridgette an enduring interest in cross training horses for recovery and wellbeing without jumping. She has gone on to absorb hours of knowledge from accredited senior coaches, books and tapping into exercises developed by globally recognised horse trainers on YouTube. Translating her learning into a range of exercises to strengthen both horse and Rider, Bridgette developed her popular program, Dressage Over Poles™, targeting horses who need support in using their bodies to the best of their ability, gaining strength and suppleness, and for riders to develop their own greater sense of feel for a movement or gait.