If you are not currently riding a horse (because you have lost confidence) or have never ridden before but have always dreamed of doing so, this course is designed for you. Our horses are purpose bred for trail riding through New Zealand high country. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of our quiet horses who have completed 3500 kms since October 2017. You will fall head over heels in love with these quiet, patient horses.

John will be taking the course, he is very patient with beginners and enjoys helping people growing in confidence around these horses that he has bred and trained himself. Angie will be your host taking care of the cooking, accommodation and singing around the fire.

Day 1 Meet at Mount Studholme Homestead at 10:30am for morning tea and an introduction to the horses. Today we will be working in the yards and the arena getting your confidence up and learning the very basics to keep you safe around horses. Learning the basics for trail riding on our quiet, purpose bred surefooted horses. Depending on our progress and confidence levels, later today we will go for a hours ride on Mount Studholme farm. A two course dinner is provided and accommodation is a unisex bunkhouse. There are showers and flushing toilets.

Day 2 we will recap the previous days learning and head out, lunch boxes packed and go for a four hour ride out to the Picturesque Waihao River. This is a beautiful spot where eagle eyes may spot NZ falcons, trout or wild deer and wallabies.

A two course dinner is provided and we can play music and sing around the lounge stone fireplace (like we do on the trails).

Day 3 9:30am after a hearty breakfast, lunch boxes packed, you will saddle up your allocated horse ready to trail ride. Today we will leave the homestead and complete a four hour ride through trees and rolling tussocks in the magnificent Hunter Hills.

Returning at around 2:30pm for a cuppa on the deck and you will return home that afternoon