High Country Enchantment

Taihape, New Zealand – Great location - show map

Duration: Full Day

$315

per person

Start Time: 10AM

Conditions:

Minimum Age 13 Years.
Weight limit 100kg.
Minimum of 2 riders on a public holiday.

Season: 5th November to 30th April

Riding Ability: Intermediate – Advanced

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 to really enjoy this.

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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.

Have you been looking for a Full Day New Zealand Horse Trek that combines great scenery, good horses, good tack, knowledgeable guides, and no beginners?

Are you an Experienced Rider?

Being an experienced rider you are looking for something more than what is offered by the usual horseback riding tours, and while maybe not on a horse regularly, you have ridden extensively. At times in your life you have owned a horse, and enjoyed its company.

When on holiday, do 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.

How often do you actually find this type of experience?

A Full Day Horse Trek with River Valley Stables may be what you are looking for. This ride (5 -6 hours in the saddle), is the most demanding trail riding that we do.

River Valley Stables operates at some of the highest elevations of any trekking operation in New Zealand, so weather conditions can change quickly. This alters 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!

Following Tracks that allow plenty of exploration

At other times we will follow tracks that explore the Rangitikei River.

But wait, you are thinking to yourself, all the reasons why you shouldn’t go. You don’t want to have to put up with beginners, you have not ridden in a while so could get a bit sore, and you don’t want some old donkey of a horse! (Nothing against donkeys)

Recognising your Concerns

At River Valley Stables we realise that you will have these and other concerns. We can guarantee that there will be no inexperienced riders on this trek. Only people with a reasonable amount of riding experience will be able to enjoy this ride.

Group size will be small, normally 2-3, but occasionally up to 8 (including the guide).

Special Care Taken to Match Horses, Riders and Saddles

Your guides will take special care to ensure that they match you with the appropriate horse and just as importantly, the right saddle. You can let us know any particular requirements you have in the booking process. We carry English, Western, and Australian stock saddle, styles.

As far as horses go, again we will match a horse to you. Most of our herd are bred from sturdy Station hacks, horses that are strong and sure footed.

What Happens in Bad Weather?

If you are worried about the weather on the day, don’t be. We will fully refund your payment if we deem the weather to be unsafe, or simply too atrocious to undertake this trek.

What is freestyle riding?

Freestyle is a style of riding. It is not English or Western, but does have some similarities to both these disciplines. Riding Freestyle is riding in a halter, so no metal bits in the horse’s mouth. It encourages you to build a connection with your horse. It feels fun and free when you have that connection together.

Please Note:

Full Day treks are ONLY suitable for people with extensive riding experience. If we feel that you do not have the experience required, we will shorten the trek.

Alternatively Search for other suitable horseback trekking adventures here

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