Queensland Equestrian Centre Closes After Five Decades

After operating for five decades under a single owner, the Ranchlands Equestrian Centre in Queensland is preparing to close its gates at the end of the month. Instructor and owner Jenny Haines has taught thousands of students how to ride horses since establishing the school, losing count of the exact total over the years. The institution is recognized as Queensland's longest-running riding school under one owner.

The school's longevity has spanned multiple generations of local families. Ms Haines noted that the academy has instructed dozens of second-generation students and reached approximately the eighth third-generation student. Describing the milestone, she expressed that the connections formed over the decades were exceptionally meaningful.

When Ms Haines and her husband, Lew, announced their retirement, the local community reaction surpassed their initial expectations. Following the conclusion of the final riding lessons at the end of the month, the couple plans to embark on a caravan trip to travel around Australia. Meanwhile, the facility's horses are scheduled to be rehomed with previous students.

A notable shift in perspective occurred about a decade ago when Brenda Tanner approached the property to host a five-day equine-assisted learning program for veterans. Initially skeptical, Ms Haines agreed to provide the venue and animals despite doubting the proposal's premise that horses could actively select participants.

Observing the sessions from a hidden vantage point behind a tree, Ms Haines changed her mind as she watched the interactions unfold in the arena. She acknowledged that the process demonstrated how the animals naturally chose the individuals they worked with during the program.