Accredited riding instructor
Yvon
Yvon started riding horses when she was 8 years old. For everything that had to do with horses she loved, read every horse magazine, read and collected the little horse statue collectables.
By the time she was 15 she got her own horse and broke him in herself, and trained him up to advanced dressage. She taught him the flying changes and passage. And sold him on as a school master when her 3 year old Stallion (v. Gribaldi) was ready to break in.
At 16 years old she had her first horsey job on an international jumping stable.
She has competed for over 15 years in Dressage in Holland and Australia up till including the advanced dressage. Horses for her work got sold by the time they reached that level. At home she trained on Inter I/II level. She has worked on different Grand-Prix Dressage Stables in Holland and Australia, and trained at a young age in Germany.
Yvon has a Dutch Coach All-round Equestrian level 2 diploma and her EA Level 1 Dressage Coach. Blue Card and first aid with cpr. She can instruct all levels up to Advanced dressage and low level Jumping.
She is great with boosting confidence and helping people achieve their goals and dreams, and or overcome their fears.
She has a huge amount of experience with problem and difficult to train horses and successfully educated them to be the best riding horses.
Yvon’s approach is soft, friendly and encouraging.
Meet the Horses
Caiden
Caiden is an 7-year-old registered Welsh B pony gelding from 12’2 hands and he is born and bred in Cairns by Anne Mills.
The Mills ponies are known for being well bred kids’ ponies. He is the clown of the ponies and always loves a treat.
Just like Spirit, he doesn’t like to go to fast and because of his super smooth trot and lazy attitude he is a real confidence builder! Yvon has done lessons with him for over 3 years now on different locations, and he has taught so many kids how to ride already!
Spirit
Spirit is an 8-year-old registered Welsh B palomino pony gelding and he is an absolute sweetheart!
He measures 11’3 hands and he loves little kids and all the attention that comes with the riding school. He is a small pony and a real little gentleman! He doesn’t like to go fast and is happy to plod around while the littlies are learning how to ride.
Spirit came from Sydney, and he has done pony club events, jumping and National Championships.
He is a real ‘been there, done that’ kind’a pony!
Dexter
Dexter is an 11-year-old Percheron cross gelding from 15’1 hands. He is an ex-trail riding horse from Cairns. Yvon bought him last year in August with more horses from the same business.
He is the friendly plodder who is the most laziest from the whole riding school horses team! He is a super friendly and a very food orientated horse. He loves a good cuddle and is a real people pleaser!
He is kind, reliable and trustworthy, steady in his rhythm and not quickly fussed by rhythm mistakes from the rider. This is what makes him a beautiful beginner’s horse!
Smokey
Smokey is an 8-year-old Appaloosa cross gelding – 14’1 hands. Smokey is also an ex-trail riding horse from Cairns. And Smokey is a real princess! He has got beautiful long mane that is quite rare for an Appaloosa, as they normally have poor quality main and tail.
Smokey is a very sweet and sensitive boy. He has a very steady trot and he is an very honest horse. He is a great horse for teaching students how to be kind, soft and friendly with their aids as he is a little bit more sensitive. He requires a steady hand and lower leg, and that’s why he is used off the lunge line by more experienced riders.
Tina
Tina is an 8 year old Australian riding pony and she’s about 13,1 hh high.
she has a very cheeky and spunky personality and is very willing, she is really forward under saddle and she loves to jump!
Because she is so forward, she is a great pony for the more experienced riders.
Elvis
Elvis is a 4-year-old Welsh pony, from 12hh high and he has been with us for a little while now.
He has had the best education and that makes him a great kid’s pony!
Yvon picked him up on the same trip as tina, who was called Teeka then. because the name Elvis really suits him, Yvon didn’t change his name, but named Teeka to Tina as we all know who Elvis (Presley) and Tina (turner) are.
He is best friends with Spirit, and they often do a lesson together, so Spirit can teach him the ropes how to be a perfect kid’s pony.
Crystal (Sonrisa):
Crystal is a 9-year-old purebred Andalusian mare from 15hh high. she was bred by Christogracia in Tarzali and is a real asset to our riding school!!
she is an absolute sweetheart that has a huge love for food! she has more whoa than go and that makes her the perfect kids pony!
She loves a little jump every now and then!
Our Journey
May 2020
When it all began….
Yvon took a chance and posted in a group called Tablelands Unite offering horse-riding lessons with her two horses Khush and Monty.
She received over 110 comments, and even more likes and shares on the post – an amazing start.
June /July 2020
They made the news!
Yvon offered dressage lessons in Innisfail and the Cassowary Coast Independent News picked up the story.
This was shortly followed by an article in The Cairns Post.
It’s all in the name..
They’ve been known by a couple of names, but they’ve now found the perfect fit.
July 2020
Blue Gum Riding School
With a quickly growing business, Yvon decided she needed a name and logo to help spread the word. They were located on Blue Gum Road in Carrington, inspiration for their name.
July 2021
Meraki Equestrian Centre
Just one short year into business, Yvon was looking for a new property to base her growing business. They moved to East Barron and rebranded to the aptly named Meraki Equestrian Centre.
Meraki = To Do Something With Love, Passion and a Lot of Soul.
January 2022
NDIS Program
With the additional space Meraki were able to increase the riding lesson program to also cater to NDIS clients. The Therapeutic Horseback Riding and Equine Facilitated Learning quickly became popular.
Meraki have been able to cater to community members of all abilities, they welcome enquiries from anybody wanting to give horse riding a go.
March 2022
The introduction of an online booking system!
Yvon was spending way too much time on the phone, and answering messages at all times of the day and into the night, and when she was needed in the stables. It was time to introduce online bookings.
The booking system allows riders to book their lessons in when it suits them. With an account login, riders can also manage future bookings and use their Gift Vouchers as they wish.
April 2022
They’ve been having so much fun!
The school holiday program has been running since 2020, and has grown in popularity.
In 2022 they introduced an overnight camping option which had an overwhelming response.
November 2022
A Grand Opening
To celebrate the construction of the new purpose built indoor arena Meraki Equestrian Centre decided to invite anyone and everyone for a night of fun.
A resounding success with over 250 people in attendance, including an official opening by Mayor Toppin, Mareeba. They had riding displays, free pony rides, lucky door prizes, lots of food and music.
