This is a unique horse riding school on the outskirts of picturesque and historic Strathalbyn on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The Riding Patch has been facilitating equestrian pursuits for 14 years and has helped to create practical thinking riders across multiple disciplines.

The Riding Patch is host to the Open Gate Foundation.

Horse Safety Australia Inc is a national not for profit organisation committed to improving the safety record of horse activities in Australia.

Horse Safety Australia (HSA) has been the leader in Australia in setting safety standards for the broader horse industry for many years.

Certification through Horse Safety Australia includes:

•  Instructors (ALL TYPES of horse riding and horse handling: English/Western/Stock/Natural Horsemanship/ EAL etc.)
• Trail Guides
• Certification for those who teach horsemanship clinics

Therapeutic horsemanship is a unique partnership between riders, horses and certified instructors to enhance physical, emotional, social, cognitive, behavioral and educational skills in people of varying abilities.



Therapeutic riding engages the rider’s mind and body to promote increased self-esteem and confidence, as well as improve posture, balance, hand-eye coordination and muscle tone. Seniors, veterans, adults, teens, and children with physical, cognitive or emotional issues find strength, courage, and independence with the help of horses each year. Because the gait of a horse so closely mimics that of a human being, improvements in strength, muscle memory, and physical ability are often realized. Moreover, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to elevated trust, patience, joy, and self-worth.