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Hello EveryoneWelcome to the Summer Newsletter. Fair weather at last and still we are shaking. I notice on the surface I manage but I am aware of a deep disturbance that I carry around with me. I am finding being with the horses very soothing and focuses me influenced by their steady rhythm and calm natures. I have had several parents tell me the same effect occurrs for their children and although I have not been successful in finding funding for our ride to resilience programmes, I am just going to run them anyway for a fee, and maybe riders can find funding for themselves if they need it. Another option is to become a work for rider see below. I have more dates for the overnight riding at Mt Lyford. Remember the three day, two night option at the huts which is perfect for family ridesand intermediate riders. With days no longer than 6 hours and staying at the huts for two nights. Take a look further on. Equine Assisted Recovery – Ride to Resilience – UpdateFor those who havent heard about the Ride to Resilience Project it is equine assisted earthquake recovery, horses for healing in other words. The sessions are similar to what we do currently with teaching body energy, rhythm, focus, feel and offering comfort to communicate with your horse. Experience is notrequired for either of these sessions. We have a trust fund which anyone can donate to, but I have been turned down for all the applications I have made for funding, so I am still running sessions for the cost of a three hour ride, ie $130.00pp. Your donations to date have enabled two riders to benefit from the programme. Both these riders would not have been able to ride if it wasn’t for the trust fund and they have got a lot out of it. If you wish to take part in these sessions then just call the usual number 03 329 0160 and I have a simple referral form that helps us to identify what you are looking to gain in the session. Or if you wish to donate to the Ride to Resilience trust fund then please do so by direct credit into BNZ 020828 0148507 03. Another way to support this venture is to E mail or write to me an endorsement of the gains you have experienced in your own riding with us in the past or have watched in a family member or friend, and why you think Ride to Resilience should be funded for others to benefit. It all helps.
Akaroa Horse RidingThe new team at Akaroa lead billiantly by Cass is going great guns. They have found some lovely new trails and amazing views from up at Purple Peak. Akaroa horse riding has a fabulous day ride with lunch in the Akaroa village and a stroll along the beach. Work for RidingWe run a scheme called work for riding which is working for usfor two hours in exchange for riding and training of one hour. It is a very popular way to be around horses, learn a lot, be part of our team of trek support and fund your riding. I have taken many work for riders on overnight trips and other rides they wouldnt normally be able to do. I have been speaking to parents who can’t afford the $300.00 per term for saddle club to join up for the work for riding programme and earn the hours to cover the cost for saddle club that way. I always need helpers for cleaning gear, and keeping our area tidy. I am always desperate for Fathers who can wield a hammer and fix things. Opportunities abound! Contact 03 329 0160 and ask for an enrollment form to be sent out to you. Multi Day Rides Mt LyfordI have the following multi day rides still with spaces in them: Two Day Sherwood Huts Ride ( special rate of $475.00pp) Feb 11th and 12th Three day sherwood huts ride Fee $875.00pp January 27th, 28th, 29th 30th January Rustic Adventure – Mt Lyford to Hanmer Springs Fee $1395.00 March 21, 22, 23, 24th, All multi day rides, except the two day sherwood ride, include the half day warm up the previous afternoon. Book your own adventure. min 2 riders max 8 and more by arrangement. Three day rustic adventure Mt Lyford to Hanmer Springs is $1395.00pp Seven day return trip is $2895.00 So get in early and book your rides for the rest of the season. Remember you may bring your own horses on these multi day rides. Discounts for large groups. Upgrades for linen and alcohol are available from Sherwood Lodge. Fees include all food, accommodation, horse gear and guiding, transfers of overnight gear, and half day warm up session. Plan your own dates everyone and I will make it happen for you!
The Over the Top Ride at OtahunaThis is still one of my favorites. Open all year round it is ideal for teenagers and family groups and so handy to Chch. It has the combination of an adventure close to a city with views to die for. The Old Vicarage is becoming a regular overnight stay these days and we even have a paddock for the horses out the back. So we ride along the foreshore to the Olde Vicarage now, which is a lot of fun. Cost $360.00pp with food bought to share. Min two riders. Two day ride with overnight in Governors Bay Fee $360.00p Accommodation in Governors Bay other than the Old Vicarage and food extra. We supply lunches, Gear transfer, horses and guiding, digital photo service. It is quite possible to do the ride and drive back to your home for the night to save the accommodation part. Current Bookings: February 6th and 7th, 6 spaces available Other day rides booked at Otahuna Riding: 21st January Saddle Club and Holiday Programmes for EveryoneWe have one and two day holiday programmes running each Monday and Tuesday and Thursday and Friday throughout the holidays at Otahuna. Our saddle club for next term kicks off around the second week from the beginning of term. Holiday programmes for young riders and their families. Two Day Holiday Programme – Fee $260.00pp One Day Holiday Programme – Fee $130.00 Holiday Saddle Club – 5 hours per day Fee $300.00 Overnight Camp – Fee $180.00
Kate is soon to run a Becoming a Confident Horsey Parents Programme. Contact me on 03 3290160 if you wish to join. I am just sorting a date now with two maybe three interested parents, and looking at February to run this. Natural Horsemanship ClubThis is a regular riding group with small numbers of like minded riders wanting to do their own thing in their own time. It offers opportunities for riders with a passion for horses to extend their horse knowledge and meet new friends. These sessions are at the maxxx card rate of $90.00 instead of $130.00 and as a maxxx card holder you may invite others to join your session. Don’t put this off. It is wonderful for all you keen mothers and grannies to get out on that horse as you have always wanted to do! LiveryWe offer full livery for those of you who have your own horse, or wish to purchase one, and haven’t the lifestyle to be out tending to your horse each day. At Akaroa, Mt Lyford and Otahuna Horse Riding we have spaces for more livery horses. We offer daily checks, hay, natural hoof care, worming, exercising if you wish, cover care, and annual dentistry all for $80.00 per week. Daily hard feeding $20.00 extra. Owners pay for vet bills. Your horse is kept with the main herd in a free range environment with creeks, native forest, grassy open areas and hillside. You have the opportunity to join our treks and activities, taking advantage of our support and instruction, knowledge and equipment and using our trails where we are able to offer unguided riding. All our operations are off road, sheltered and have access to rides right from the base. There is room to park a horse float and store gear in a locked container. We can help you find the right horse for you as well. Call us on 03 3290160 if you or someone you know of is interested in this offer. Discounted Horse ridingThe Ride to the Maxxx card enables you and anyone you invite to a $40.00 discount on all half day rides and Natural horsemanship Clubs. The Sherwood Huts two day ride is very discounted overnighter in the mountains. Office PersonWe are looking for someone who can work in the office to cover times when Chang is not available, and to work alongside Chang. This may involve regular part time work and can be paid either in wages or in work for riding hours. Give us a call. 03 3290160 Handy to know horse riding hintRecently I have been asked about how strong can you be with your horse before you are hurting them? This is interesting. It depends on the message you want to give your horse or what conversation you are having with your horse. Recently I was demonstrating how horses move inside their halter and my horse, being a little bit uneducated came right into my space with his shoulder and stood there. I explained to my group that this horse is telling me he wishes to be the dominant one between us, and this is how I say to him no I am the leader here. I took to him with my rope on his shoulder to say move out of my space, and gave him comfort at the place he was conceding to my space. Everyone got a bit of a fright, and I said that is a non negotiable telling, and I have to be emphatic about this message for my safety. It is impossible to be too strong with your rope and bare hands as long as your timing is right. A renowned horseman called John Lyons said if your horse bites you give yourself 3 seconds to kill it with your bare hands. In other words go all out for 3 seconds. What other times would it be appropriate for you to have a strong conversation? Yes when they stand on your foot!!! Any other times? We can be stronger than our cultural norms would have us be and for other conversations we need to be softer than our cultural norms would have us be. More about soft conversations next newsletter. May the Horse Be With Us All From the team at Kate Tapley Horse Treks |
