High Country Enchantment

Season: 1st November to 18th April

Riding Ability: Intermediate to Advanced riders

A full day ride exploring the enchantment of the unique countryside this part of the world has to offer. You need to be comfortable in the saddle at all gaits over all-terrain to really enjoy this.

Duration: Full Day

$370

PER PERSON

Start time

9.00 AM

Check Availability

Gallery

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

*Sorry but our treks are not suitable for beginner riders. To enjoy a trek with us you must be intermediate or more experienced*

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 beginner riders
Picnic Lunch Provided.

Whatever makes your soul happy, do that.

You may not be on a horse regularly, but you have ridden extensively in your life. At times you may have even owned a horse and enjoyed its company.

When on holiday, you look for trekking experiences that remind you of those times and what it can be like to explore new country from horseback. The sheer thrill and pleasure of getting to places others only dream about. A Full Day Horse Trek with River Valley Stables may be what you are looking for.

Horses make a landscape look even more beautiful.

River Valley Stables operates at some of the highest elevations of any trekking operation in New Zealand; consequently, weather conditions can change quickly. This can alter our choice of trails used on any given day.

If the weather is looking okay, then the ride will be to the top of Pukeokahu (1000 metres above sea level), what we call a hill, but many would call a mountain. Many of the trails are steep; however, the views from the top are incredible – you will just have to take our word for it and check them out yourself!

The top of Pukeokahu is an excellent place for your lunch stop on a lovely summers day.

Our Philosophy on the Ride

Group size will be small, and you will need to be a competent rider. River Valley Stables guides will take special care to match you with a horse that you will enjoy. Before the ride, you will be given instruction to feel competent riding freestyle and understanding our Natural Horsemanship techniques.

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 connection together.