𝐄𝐏 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞 | 𝐉𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 - 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬

Tucked away in the foothills of Western Australia, Jarrahdale Equestrian Centre has become much more than a riding school. It’s a place where people reconnect with horses, rebuild confidence, form friendships and often rediscover a part of themselves they thought they’d left behind years ago.

Behind the centre is a deeply personal story.

Owner Salli Galvin grew up on a sheep and wheat farm where horses were simply part of everyday life. But when she was just eight years old, her father took his own life, and horses quickly became something far greater than a hobby for the family.

“My mum knew very little about horses,” Salli explained, “but she could see how good they were for us and encouraged us to keep riding.”

That experience shaped the entire philosophy behind Jarrahdale Equestrian. Horses weren’t just about competition or sport — they became a source of comfort, confidence and grounding during an incredibly difficult time.

Today, that same belief flows through every lesson, clinic and trail ride run at the centre.

Spread across 150 hectares in the beautiful Jarrahdale foothills, the property offers something many people are craving — a chance to slow down, switch off from everyday stress and simply enjoy being outdoors around horses. Whether someone arrives as a complete beginner, a nervous adult returning after decades away from riding, or an experienced rider wanting to try something new, the goal is always the same: to create a relaxed, welcoming and supportive environment.

And perhaps one of the most unique parts of the centre is how they are introducing new people to polocrosse.

For Salli, polocrosse has always been close to her heart. Having proudly represented Australia herself, she has seen firsthand the confidence, teamwork and horsemanship the sport develops in riders. But she also understands that to outsiders, polocrosse can sometimes look intimidating.

That’s exactly why Jarrahdale Equestrian Centre approaches it differently.

Rather than throwing people straight into the deep end, the centre introduces riders to the sport in a relaxed, beginner-friendly way. Riders start with horse safety, handling and basic riding skills before gradually being introduced to the racquet and ball. Often, riders are simply given the opportunity to “have a little go” at the end of a lesson — enough to experience the fun side of the sport without pressure.

“We want people to feel comfortable and enjoy themselves,” Salli said. “Polocrosse keeps people engaged, helps build confidence and creates a stronger connection with the horse.”

It’s an approach that seems to be working.

One thing Jarrahdale Equestrian sees regularly is adults returning to horses after years — sometimes decades — away from riding. Many arrive nervous, unsure if they’re too old, too unfit or simply “too out of practice” to start again.

But once they’re matched with one of the centre’s calm, reliable Australian Stock Horses and guided by patient instructors, those nerves slowly begin to disappear.

“A lot of adults think they’ve missed their chance,” Salli explained. “But horses don’t care about your age or experience level.”

Stories like riders returning after 30 years away — or trying polocrosse for the very first time in their 50s — have become some of the most rewarding moments for the centre. They are proof that horses and polocrosse aren’t reserved only for elite riders or young competitors. They’re for anyone willing to give it a go.

And much of that confidence-building comes down to the horses themselves.

School horses like Dolly play an enormous role in shaping someone’s first experience. With calm temperaments and patient natures, these horses help nervous riders settle, breathe and trust themselves again.

“For a lot of beginners, confidence comes down to having the right horse underneath them,” Salli said. “Some of the biggest milestones happen on horses like Dolly — whether it’s a first trot, overcoming fear or simply feeling comfortable in the saddle again.”

But it’s not just the riding that makes people return.

Jarrahdale Equestrian has built a strong sense of community around the horses. BBQs, themed clinic days, social events and simply spending time together after lessons have become a huge part of the atmosphere. Riders who may never have crossed paths otherwise end up forming friendships through a shared love of horses and polocrosse.

“Horses naturally bring people together,” Salli explained. “When people feel relaxed and included, their confidence grows naturally both on and off the horse.”

And that may be one of the most important parts of all.

At a time when many sports are searching for ways to encourage new participants, Jarrahdale Equestrian is quietly proving that making people feel welcome matters just as much as teaching skills.

Because sometimes all it takes is one calm horse, one supportive lesson and one encouraging environment to completely change someone’s confidence.

Looking ahead, the centre hopes to continue growing its beginner-friendly polocrosse opportunities and community events, helping even more people discover horses in a way that feels approachable and enjoyable.

And for anyone sitting on the fence about trying horses later in life?

Salli’s advice is simple:

“Just give it a go. Most people leave wondering why they didn’t start sooner.”