PLACES TO RIDE

 

Tihoi Adventure Farm

3000 acres of tracks and trails.
$30 per horse
Download flyer here

 

 

Brooklands Park

$20 per day 
metaled forestry tracks, with good hill climbs
Ph: Carolyn McCrea 07 825 411 or leave message with the time and day you would like to ride. 
There will be someone available to give directions.
Website: www.brooklandspark
Email: info@brooklandspark.co.nz
5980B Waingaro Road, NGARUAWAHIA

 

Ocean Beach - Raglan

Approx 3-4km of West Coast Beach.
There is room to park trucks and floats at the old Surf Club.

 

Little Valley Farm

67 Douch Road, Ohaupo
Cross country and show jumps, indoor arena
$20 ground fee

 

 

Bridle Paths

There are currently no bridle paths for equestrian riders under the Waikato District Council or the Hamilton City Council.
As traffic increases, even on country roads, and as drivers continue to become less tolerant and thoughtful of horses and ponies on the roads, the need for these paths is increasing.  If you have any suggestions as to where these public acessways for horses could be located please either write to the editor or directly to the Councils.  Let's consider the future of our sport and begin planning ahead.  If we don't, the next generation will have to pay private business' to ride in the Waikato countryside. 

 

In the meantime, if you know of any great places to ride in the Waikato please contact us and we will post them on this site.

 

In Auckland district it seems as if they are more proactive about including bridle paths and allowing equestrians into their parks.   This Paper, "Recreational Horse Riding in the Auckland Region" was recently put out to the public.  It's purpose was to present the findings of  consultation and research to date and to seek feedback to ensure this was an accurate record of the issues and options that the horse riding community believe to be important. Once feedback has been received, consideration will be given to the suggestions and if and how these can be addressed. A report will be taken to Council outlining the project findings and recommending an improvement plan.

The paper also includes (page 8) a current list of public parks and reserves that allow recreational riding.  On page 9 is a list of other publically accessible horse riding opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highlights from the Open Day

           

Miniture horses are fast becoming a popular breed that can compete in showing, harness and even jumping. Full of character and personality, they make great pets. The Waikato Miniture Horse Club was at the Open Day to share these pocket sized ponies with the public.

    waikatominiaturehorseclub@hotmail.com

    

Professional horseman and Parelli instructor Russell Higgins stole the show with a beautiful demonstration of natural horsemanship at the highest level. 
http://russellhiggins.instructor.parelli.com

   

A fast and furious polo demonstration was also a popular item.  Waikato polo clubs are all keen to welcome new members to this exciting sport and it was great to see the lady riders holding their own against the male riders.

Mexican riding instructor Porfirio Flores (below) showed the public what to expect from a typical riding school lesson.
Lessons are available at the Waikato Centre Riding School and Porfirio is available for individual lessons with owner riders.
Click here for more information on how to learn to ride.

The Waikato Western Riding Club gave an informative display for all wanting to know more about Western Riding.
Three horses were put through their paces to show just what can be achieved with western training methods.  The crowd was able to ask questions and lets hope we see some new entrants to this exciting sport.

 

 

Below:  The trusty steed "Kahu" keeps a steady line as his knight demonstrates skill-at-arms with The Rings
This is considered an important exercise for people learning to joust as it develops accuracy and control with the long spear

Below: Volunteers tack up their wooden horses and arranged their armour to joust with pool noodles.

 

Other features of the day were a fancy dress competition and raffles.  Many thanks to our sponsors who provided such geat prizes.