These are examples of what we do.

• Get your horse/pony ready for the lesson/ride
  
  

  Be involved in pre and post care of the horse/pony. This may include catching, grooming, saddling, feeding as well as putting them back in the paddock. 

• Leading your horse/pony safely
  
  

  The objective is to ensure that the rider is confident and safe to prevent injuries to both The Horse and the rider.  We do this by using the lead rope, halter, various parts of their bodies such as mane, tail, a leg or at liberty.

   

• Prepare our horse/pony for riding
  
  

  All of the lessons include an element of groundwork or ground games.  The goal is to build a confident, connected, listening, learning horse and rider. 

  Here is Lucky and his rider playing with an umbrella whilst standing next to a tarpauline.   

• Riding basics
  
  

  After the ground games we explore the ridden elements learning to use our body language without the need to rely on our reins or legs.  Basics include start, stop, reverse/back up and turning.  

• Advanced basic
  
  

  We continue to build the confidence of the rider through practising the basics, ensuring confident riding position in preparation for rising trot (posting).  Continuing our partnership philosophy, we endeavour to emphasise these skills through games and connection.

   

• Intermediate
  
  

  The main goal is to continue to work on the balance point whilst the animal is moving at walk, trot and canter; only progressing to the next level when the rider is comfortable.  There are opportunity’s to ride bareback and to learn the skill of jumping.

   

• Advanced
  
  

  We continue to build on the previous levels in jumping and start to incorporate dressage movements.  There are opportunities to use a bridle if the skill of the rider has soft hands and respects the horses mouth as well as partake in local competitions and events. 

• Liberty
  
  

  This is the ultimate test of relationship between horse and human on the ground and on their backs.  We take the partnership to the next level by trust, respect and importantly using less equipment to connect with the horse.

   

• Road rides
  
  

  An option we provide is to participate in road rides around the local area, once the introductory lesson has been completed.  This is a chance for riders to improve their skills and practice riding in a more open environment.

• See the view of the Southern Alps and Lake Ellesmere from the top of The Port Hills
  
  

  Journey to the Hills is a 2 day event wihch is split into an introductory day and a day in the Port Hills.  We start off at our base.getting to know the horses in differing situations and then experience a full day trek on day 2.  This experience is for all levels.

• Sponsorship
  
  

  We give people the option to deepen their connection and partnership by offering sponsorship with their favourite four legged friend.  It gives people the sense of owning their own horse/pony but without the full responsibilty of ownership and the day to day care.  For more information please head to the drop down menu under The options page.