Business · Companies · 19 hrs ago
Townsville riding school to close after 50 years
Jenny and Lew Haines are closing Ranchlands Equestrian Centre in Townsville, Queensland, after running the riding school for 50 years.
Its final riding lessons will be held at the end of the month, as the couple retire.
Jenny Haines says she taught thousands of people to ride, including students whose children and grandchildren later came to the school.
Ranchlands also hosted an equine-assisted learning program where veterans spent time with horses on the ground, without riding.
The experience changed Haines’s view of horses and showed her that the school offered more than riding lessons.
Former students and teachers say the school and its lessons had a lasting place in their lives.
The Haines plan to travel around Australia in a caravan after the school closes.
Jenny Haines is closing Ranchlands Equestrian Centre in Townsville after running the riding school for 50 years.
The school’s final riding lessons are scheduled for the end of the month.
Haines and her husband, Lew, plan to travel around Australia in a caravan after retiring.
Haines estimates she has taught thousands of people to ride, including students from second- and third-generation families.
The school also hosted equine-assisted learning sessions for veterans, which changed Haines’s perspective on horses.
- Who
- Jenny and Lew Haines are retiring and closing Ranchlands Equestrian Centre.
- What
- The Townsville riding school is ending its lessons after 50 years.
- When
- The final lessons are scheduled for the end of the month. The article was published on November 7, 2026.
- Where
- Ranchlands Equestrian Centre in Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
- Why
- The Haines have decided to retire.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Jenny Haines began running Ranchlands riding school.
Brenda Tanner brought a five-day equine-assisted learning program for veterans to Ranchlands.
The community responded in a way the couple had not anticipated.
Ranchlands is scheduled to hold its final riding lessons.
- Years operating
- 50
- Location
- Townsville, Queensland
- Owner
- Jenny Haines
- Final lessons
- End of the month
- Students taught
- Thousands, according to Haines’s estimate
What people are saying
This has been a whole lifestyle
I was devastated. It's a big part of our world
After 20 minutes, every single client had bonded with a horse