Australian Jackaroo Jillaroo School

This programme offers you the opportunity to become an Australian cowgirl or cowboy! You will be taught the fine art of farming using traditional Jackaroo and Jillaroo techniques. You will experience 5 or 11 jam-packed days of fun and through taking part in this unique opportunity, you will discover skills you never knew you had!

Minimum Age Limit
Under 18’s usually accepted depending on riding level and whether they are accompanied by a parent/guardian. Maximum age is dependant upon potential participant’ s health.

The Jillaroo/Jackaroo School
You will learn the some great skills on this course and time will be taken to familiarise and train you with the details of the Jackaroo profession!

All levels of rider are welcome, from complete beginner to advanced – your skills will be taken into account throughout the course. The sorts of things you can expect to learn and take part in during your experience are:

Four of the most important aspects of any outback farm are the horses, cattle, sheep and dogs;

Horses
Riders of all standards are catered for and the properties are home to over 30 beautiful Australian stock horses so you’re sure to find one perfect for you. Once we have helped match you to a horse that suits you and your riding experience he will become your exclusive mount for the duration of your stay. You will gain some practical experience in shoeing, advice on grooming and tips for improving your riding technique. For beginners you will be shown how to put a bridle and saddle on so both you and the horse are comfortable for your journey, they will also teach you how to ride.

All horses are treated with respect and trust; the ranch operates a natural horsemanship policy. There’s more to the ranch than just riding horses, from time to time everyone just needs to cool down. Why not take them for a swim! This is not as easy as it sounds once the horse gets slippery! You will have brilliant fun trying to stay on!

Cattle
During your stay you will have the opportunity to try your hand at milking the cattle! After a brief lesson the competition to gather the most milk becomes fierce!

You can learn the traditional methods of throwing a calf and holding it securely while castration, branding or tagging is being performed. Whilst this is necessary to the running of the ranch, it is also great fun to take part in, try your best not to get thrown by the calf instead!

Sheep
Once the sheep have been rounded up you will learn how to draft, drench and shear them in true Jackaroo, jillaroo style. Learn the process of wigging and crutching, followed by how to muster them back to their own paddock!

Dogs
You will be amazed at the skill of the ranch’s working dogs and their natural instinct for herding and hunting. You will learn how the Australian Bushmen have trained them to control the ranch, putting their speed and agility to excellent use.

Programme Support
The Jackaroo school is run by a true Aussie – so your experience will be fun, friendly and relaxed. You will have ample opportunity to ask as many questions as you like allowing you to learn loads, as well as feel happy and confident in your new surroundings! In addition, you also have access to a 24-hour emergency contact number so that you can reach one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.

Accommodation and meals
Sleeping quarters are in bunkhouses on the property. All evenings are spent around the campfire with open-air camp oven cooked meals.

If you have any further enquires, please do not hesitate to contact the Australia team at the Real Gap office on 01892 516164