Australian Baroque Riding Academy - ABRA

17/10/2026

21/08/2026

✨ WE’RE IN THE FINAL ROUND! ✨

I’m incredibly excited (and maybe just a little bit nervous!) to share that Australian Baroque Riding Academy has made it through to the FINAL ROUND of the Telstra Best of Business Awards before the winners are announced. 🏆

After reaching the top 1% of Australian businesses in last year’s awards, we were nominated again this year — because our academy in regional South Australia has continued to grow into something I could never have imagined when this journey began.

ABRA was built on a belief that equestrian education could be different.

That we could combine brain science, evidence-based learning, French Classical Dressage, horse welfare and genuine connection to create better experiences for both horses and people.

What started here in our grass paddock arena has grown into programs, education and ideas reaching well beyond, and having that work recognised on a national stage means more to me than I can adequately put into words.

There is one round left.

Then the winners are announced. 😳

Whatever happens from here, I am enormously proud of what ABRA has become and incredibly grateful to every student, family, horse, supporter and person who has believed in what we are building.

But…

We’ve come this far.

We may as well go and win. 🏆😂

Wish us luck. 🤞🐴

14/08/2026

🎉 BIG NEWS FOR ABRA FAMILIES! 🐴

We are very excited to announce that Australian Baroque Riding Academy is now an approved Sports Vouchers Plus provider!

Eligible South Australian children from Reception to Year 9 can access 2 × $100 Sports Vouchers each calendar year — meaning up to $200 per child towards eligible costs.

And now you can use them at ABRA! 💙🐴

For families already riding with us, or those who have been thinking about getting their child involved with horses, this is a fantastic opportunity to make participation more affordable.

📩 Talk to us about using your Sports Vouchers at ABRA.

For more information about the Sports Vouchers Plus program, visit the official Sports Vouchers website.

17/07/2026

Whilst I have been unwell I have started writing music with the help of SUNO- every word is my own but I got help with composition and vocals. Please listen and share widely as our Brumbies deserve a voice and well- I seem to have song writing skills and video creation skills I didn’t realize I had.

I made this song to express my emotions surrounding the NSW aerial ...

12/06/2026

As a horsewoman and someone who educates others on horsemanship and welfare, I am completely saddened that in 2026 the Australian Government are aerial culling our brumbies. Please help our horses and sign this petition. We are getting a lot of traction and I am really hoping there is an injunction or the government halt the culling.
Stand with us and raise your voice- the more international pressure we get the better! Stand up for these amazing animals.

Stop the barbaric cruelty!

04/06/2026

Most riders spend years learning how to influence the horse’s body.

But very few are taught how to observe their own nervous system.

This is a problem, because horses are incredibly sensitive to emotional and physical tension. A rider who is anxious, distracted, shut down, overthinking or bracing may unintentionally create confusion or stress in the horse.

At ABRA, I use the Muse neurofeedback headband as part of a deeper approach to rider education.

Muse provides real-time feedback during calm and focus training. Depending on the model, Muse uses EEG-based neurofeedback and can also track breath, heart and body biofeedback during sessions.

For horse people, this can support:

Calmer riding under pressure

Better self-awareness before getting on

Improved focus during lessons or competition

A clearer connection between breath, body and mind

Greater awareness of how our state affects the horse
safer, more thoughtful horsemanship

This is not about perfection. It is about learning to notice what state we are in before our horse has to tell us.

By using my link in the comments you can access 15% off the rrp and get your own muse device so you can use it at home between sessions or even out at competitions.

23/05/2026

Catching the uncatchable horse part 2

I got a message asking me to help catch a horse and of course I said YES!! The owner wanted me to take my time which is amazing and I am so appreciative to her for allowing me to work my magic in my own time. I have recorded every part of the process from day one to present. This is day 2- stay tuned and you’ll get to see the entire process.

If what you see inspires you then reach out. I am here to teach and serve the community in any way I can.

I got a message asking me to help catch a horse and of course I sai...

23/05/2026

I got a message asking me to help catch a horse and of course I said YES!! The owner wanted me to take my time which is amazing and I am so appreciative to her for allowing me to work my magic in my own time. I have recorded every part of the process from day one to present. Stay tuned for the next few videos as you’ll see his whole demeanor towards me change.

I got a message asking me to help catch a horse and of course I said YES!! The owner wanted me to take my time which is amazing and I am so appreciative to h...

04/05/2026

✨ Our New Service Charter is Here ✨

We are excited to introduce our updated Service Charter at Australian Baroque Riding Academy, designed to support every rider, from beginner to advanced.

Our services now cover everything from first contact to riding, liberty, brain training and clinics. Each offering has been carefully thought out and structured to develop true connection, balance, and understanding between horse and rider.

This is more than lessons. It’s a complete pathway grounded in French Classical Dressage and modern insight.

This is not your average riding school. We are in the business of creating lifelong experiences that will stay with you forever.

If you live out of state or overseas that's no problem with today's modern technology. Our founder Marie Matter will gladly connect with you online.

📍 Glenburnie, near Mount Gambier, South Australia
Email- [email protected]

25/04/2026

Taking pre orders for ABRA merchandise.
Polo tops $50
Jodphurs $50
Books $5

Term 2 will look a little different at ABRA. I will only be offering Saturday group lessons fortnightly. From 17 May 2026.

There will be price increases commencing from 1 July 2026. So stay tuned as these will roll out from Term 3 onwards.

I have cancelled the school holiday program for the foreseeable future. In its place will be a winter 2 day camp for my regular students. We will sleep out under the stars. Or in the arena if it’s bad weather. So excited for this next part of the journey.

Now that I am credentialed with the Foundation for the Equestrian Arts. My focus moving forward will be French Classical Dressage and sharing my knowledge in easier to access ways. I hope to be able to travel interstate to get exposure to more students so if you own a facility or would like to have me come out please message. I am also happy to do online consultations and lessons.