Choosing a riding school is about more than finding somewhere to get in the saddle. It is about finding the right horses, the right coaches and an environment where you can feel confident, supported and inspired to develop your riding.
At Papillon Riding Stables, we have been doing exactly that for more than 30 years.
Established in 1994, Papillon is the longest-established riding school at Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre. While much has changed over those three decades, our commitment to quality horses, thoughtful instruction and genuine horsemanship has remained at the heart of everything we do.
Papillon has proudly called Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre home since 1994.
Founded by Sigrid Schaerf, Papillon was built on a philosophy of developing harmony, communication and understanding between horse and rider. Following Sigrid’s passing in 2026, her legacy continues through the riding school she created, the horses and riders she influenced and the team who proudly carry her philosophy forward today.
When you ride with Papillon, you become part of a community and history that has been developing riders in Centennial Parklands for more than three decades.
We believe a great riding experience begins with the right partnership.
Our horses and ponies are carefully selected, educated and cared for, and we take the time to match riders with horses suited to their experience, confidence, ability and riding goals.
As riders progress, those partnerships can evolve too. Our diverse team of horses allows riders to experience different personalities, movements and ways of going, helping them become more adaptable, capable and confident in the saddle.
Because learning to ride isn't simply about learning the movements — it is about learning to understand the horse beneath you.
Great coaching is personal.
Our experienced coaches take the time to understand each rider and what they want to achieve. Wherever possible, riders are matched with a coach suited to their experience, personality and goals, creating consistency and allowing a genuine coach-and-rider relationship to develop.
Whether you are taking your very first lesson, rebuilding confidence after time away from riding or looking to refine more advanced skills, your lessons are designed around you.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning to ride.
Our private lessons provide dedicated one-on-one tuition, allowing your coach to focus entirely on your riding, position, confidence and progression.
We want our riders to understand not only what they are being asked to do, but why — developing thoughtful, independent riders with a strong foundation in horsemanship.
Progress looks different for every rider, and we are here to help you progress at a pace that is right for you.
Our horses are at the centre of Papillon.
Their health, happiness and wellbeing guide the decisions we make, from their workload and training to rider matching and everyday care.
We believe happy, well-cared-for and appropriately educated horses create better experiences for everyone. Respect for the horse is something we want every Papillon rider to develop from the moment they arrive.
There are few places in the world where you can experience horses quite like this.
Located within the beautiful Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre, Papillon offers the unique opportunity to ride just minutes from Sydney's CBD while surrounded by one of the city's most iconic green spaces.
For our regular riders, it becomes a little piece of the country in the middle of Sydney. For visitors, it is an opportunity to experience the city from an entirely different perspective.
Papillon welcomes riders across a range of ages, abilities and experience levels.
From first-time riders and children discovering horses, to adults returning to the saddle and experienced riders wanting to continue developing their skills, our team works to create an experience suited to the individual.
Our services include private riding lessons, children's riding programs, school holiday experiences, Centennial Park rides and other tailored riding opportunities.
Not sure which option is right for you? Our team is always happy to help.
For us, riding has never been about simply getting on a horse.
It is about developing confidence, skill, feel and understanding. It is about learning to communicate with another living being, celebrating the small improvements and building relationships with horses that can stay with you for a lifetime.
That philosophy began with Sigrid in 1994.
More than 30 years later, it remains at the heart of Papillon today.
Beautifully educated horses. Experienced coaches. Personalised instruction. Genuine horsemanship.
Come and discover the Papillon difference.
