Harmony With Horses

Taihape, New Zealand – Great location - show map

Season: 1st November-31st May

Riding Ability: Beginner-Advanced

A half-day adventure, refining your horsemanship skills and building connection with your horse before riding out into the picturesque countryside around River Valley.

Duration: Half Day

$215

PER PERSON

Start time

9.00 AM / 1:00 PM Daily

Before booking a ride we recommend you check your riding ability using our guide below:

Beginner – reasonably confident riding a horse at a walk, a rising trot, and learning to canter.

Intermediate – confident and in control on a moving horse at all paces outside an arena, but not riding regularly.

Strong intermediate – an intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly (outside an arena) and is comfortable in the saddle for at least six hours per day.

Advanced – a frequent rider who is very fit, has an independent seat and soft hands, and is confident on a forward-moving horse at all paces over rough and variable ground on open terrain.

Conditions:

  • Minimum Age 13 Years
  • Weight limit 100kg
  • Minimum of 2 riders on a public holiday
  • This ride is not suitable for first time riders

A Natural Horsemanship Experience Like No Other

Harmony With Horses is a half-day horse riding adventure; combining an inspirational natural horsemanship session and a freestyle ride over picturesque Rangitikei hill country.

You will start with building a trusting relationship between you and your horse.  Even if horses have been a part of your life forever, you will be introduced to a horse you will have just met, and they will have just met you, so this process is valuable.

There’s an Old Saying

“The more time spent connecting with your horse on the ground, the less time falling on the ground when you get on your horse”

You begin with getting to know your horse this way. It is an excellent way to get some feedback from your horse and you get to know their personality before jumping on.  This part of the trip really starts to get you thinking!

In riding, we borrow freedom

When you and your horse are communicating what you ask, it’s time for a trek through the beautiful countryside around River Valley. Here you will have the opportunity to build on your relationship while riding over the hills, taking in the spectacular scenery, and if you are hot to trot then you could be cantering through the fields.

What is Natural Horsemanship?

Natural Horsemanship is about the partnership between horse and human. At River Valley Stables, our guides have spent time building this connection with the horses and working with them in a way that makes our horses feel good about their work. It is this connection between you and your horse that makes River Valley Stables unique.

What is freestyle riding?

Freestyle is a centred style of riding. It is not English or Western but has many similarities to both these disciplines. Riding freestyle encourages you to connect with your horse through focus, feel, balance and timing. It’s an incredible feeling when you have that communication together.

Alternatively Search for other suitable horse trekking adventures here

What we provide

  • Riding Boots
  • Helmet
  • Short chaps
  • Long oilskin riding coats for changeable weather

What to bring

  • Long pants
  • Socks
  • Warm top on cooler days
  • Sunscreen
  • Water Bottle
  • Thirst for discovery

Have any questions?

Speak to one of our friendly adventure consultants who would love to help you out.
thelodge@rivervalley.co.nz / 0800 248666

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