Landscape from an overgrown paddock to a thriving equestrian facility. The property was named Thornton Park after the Shaw family's ancestral home in England.
Since its establishment, Thornton Park has been the heart of equestrian activities in the Romsey area. The Romsey School of Equitation, formerly known as Naibara Equitation, was started in 1979 by Lady Merinda Shaw during her gap year. With the encouragement of a renowned Arab photographer, Pat Slater, Merinda began accepting local teaching requests and saw great success in Victoria's show circuit.
In 1980, Merinda travelled to England and became an accredited British Horse Society instructor. She studied under various experts in the field, including the show hack specialists at Pinnocks Wood and the Crabbet Park Equitation Centre, where she also qualified as a dressage judge. In 1984, Merinda launched Naibara Equitation and worked out of Valley Park Stud, providing a range of services such as breaking in young stock, on-site and off-site lessons, and stable management.
Today, the Romsey School of Equitation continues to operate out of Thornton Park, offering a range of services to horse enthusiasts. The school is situated just 5 minutes west of the Romsey township, making it easily accessible for riders in the area. The school specialises in horse riding lessons, catering to riders of all levels of experience. Private, shared, and class lessons are available, with options for both weekly and weekend sessions.
For those looking for a peaceful and scenic horse riding experience, the Romsey/Kerrie/Hesket area provides the ideal setting. Quiet and low-traffic natural bush roads, along with sweeping views of the countryside, offer a picturesque backdrop for solo or group horse rides. The Romsey School of Equitation has hacking options available for riders who wish to explore these beautiful trails.
Additionally, the school offers full livery services for horse owners, including stabling, feeding three times a day, daily exercise in an outdoor sand school, and grooming with a low horse-to-groom ratio. Horse owners can feel confident that their beloved equines are well-cared for and receive the best possible care and attention.
The Romsey School of Equitation is conveniently located close to other equestrian facilities, including the Lancefield Pony Club, Lancefield Equestrian Group, and Riddell's Creek Pony Club. Riders have easy access to these neighbouring clubs, further expanding their opportunities for training and participation in equestrian events.
To get in touch with the Romsey School of Equitation, interested individuals can contact them directly through their phone number, +61 354 295 344, or via email at thorntonparkromsey@gmail. Com. Appointments are required for all inquiries related to lessons, hacking, and livery, ensuring that each client receives personalised attention and service.
With a rich history dating back to 1969 and a passion for horses passed down through generations, the Romsey School of Equitation is a horse haven in the Macedon Ranges. Lady Merinda Shaw and her dedicated team strive to provide a professional and caring approach to teaching and horse care, creating a welcoming environment for horse lovers of all backgrounds. Whether experienced or just starting out, everyone is invited to join the Romsey School of Equitation and embark on a remarkable equestrian journey.