Equikids expands to The Farm

A POPULAR horse-riding school for children has expanded to a new location with Equikids providing pony rides and tours at The Farm in Byron Bay.

The Farm brings in a number of visitors on weekends and includes a number of activities and educational programs on regenerative farming.

Equikids launched from humble beginnings in a grass field at Mullumbimby two years ago and more recently its home base at Lennox Head just eight months ago.

The group now runs more classes and programs with a sand arena, barn, showjumping paddocks and round yard.

Owner Megan Thomson had a vision to create affordable horse-riding experiences that is accessible to the community.

“We were looking into options of expansion when The Farm contacted us and it felt like the perfect move,” Ms Thomson said.

“We are still running our current classes at our home base on Ross Lane, but have added an additional herd into The Farm.

“Now we’re operating three days a week offering pony rides, farm tours and after school clubs.

“We are also hoping to expand into beach rides later in the year.”

Thomson is originally from England and was a professional showrider after leaving home at just 13 years old.

She was trained by an Olympic showjumper and rode for some of the best stables on top-quality horses in the country.

Thomson, 31, later met her husband Pete on a holiday in Byron Bay.

After the birth of her daughter Florrie in 2022, she wanted to start a business focused on children.

“I was so lucky to be brought up around horses and wanted to create an option for children to experience the magic from a young age,” she said.

“We run programs for children from three years old and now cater for a lot of adults, too.

“My childhood is full of memories from days at the stables and I love seeing the kids here experience that.

“We didn’t have much when we started, the Mullumbimby community were big supporters of us.

“To feel at home and accepted on the other side of the world is pretty special.”

After school sessions at The Farm have started on Thursdays with pony rides and horseback tours on the weekend.