Narre Warren North rider Julia Battams from the Balmoral Equestrian Centre is gearing up for an open day on 20 December. 25134
By Kelly Yates
HORSE enthusiasts will ride to a Narre Warren North equestrian centre to celebrate its open day.
The Balmoral Equestrian Centre will open its doors to the public from 11am on Saturday 20 December to mark 19 years of operating in the City of Casey, with a day of show-jumping demonstrations, pony rides, face painting and lectures.
Guests will also be treated to wine and cheese tasting, and other trade stands.
World-class rider and owner Julia Battams is expecting more than 500 people to attend.
Ms Battams, who has been running the property since 1989, said the open day gave the community a chance to experience the world of horse riding. “Horse riding is a healthy form of exercise that also teaches communication skills,” she said.
Ms Battams works more than 100 hours a week at the centre alongside seven other instructors, teaching riders aged from five to 78 basic riding skills and advanced-level dressage.
Ms Battams said she could see herself riding for the rest of her life. “It stays in your blood and you get hooked,” she said.
Children will receive a show bag at the open day and have the chance to win $550 worth of riding lessons. The free open day will run from 11am to 5pm.
Balmoral Equestrian Centre is at 299 Harkaway Road in Narre Warren North.
For more information, call 9796 9519 or visit www.balmoral.info
