Snowdon was mine and Scout’s first experience with trekking, so we didn’t really know what to expect. I packed everything I could think of into my little float and, of course, ended up not needing most of it! The scenery was incredible.

I travelled over from Hokitika the day before and spent the night in Loburn before heading to camp. Naturally, we nearly took the wrong Snowdon Road turn-off, despite the very clear instructions in the email. Luckily, Kellie saved us from the embarrassment, and we managed to stay on the tarseal the whole way.

When we arrived, I was amazed by the standard of accommodation on offer. The shearers’ quarters were pretty good for a place I had envisaged as being a woolshed with bits of wool on the floor! There were three hot showers, toilets, living and sleeping areas, and full cooking facilities.I camped in my float because I don’t sleep well, and if I did sleep, everyone else would know about it and probably wouldn’t be my friend in the morning!

It was really great being able to make a decent-sized yard for Scout. I was also relieved and impressed when Kirsten set up her yard close enough for Scout to have a buddy, but with enough space between the fences to avoid any potentially negative horse interactions.

Lunch and introductions were next, and then we headed out for the first of our rides. I was teamed up with Gwen, Kirsten and Lillian. We were intending to head towards the airstrip, but managed to take the wrong turn and went up a series of hills and through several gates before arriving at a magic spot where we could see right across to the Main Divide. Somehow, we managed to end up on the adjoining station and met the lovely owner, Bruce, who graciously showed us the route back to Snowdon. This involved giving two enormous Angus bulls a very wide berth.

The next day, I went out with a different group of four because I wanted to expose Scout to some different horses. We headed out and picked up another rider on the way. We saw a different part of the station from the previous day and worked our ride so that we stayed in the lee of the wind, which had made it almost impossible to talk and hear.

The views and photographic opportunities were just as good as the day before. I’m sure this part of the country never has a bad day, no matter what the weather throws at it.

We covered approximately 10 km of the property on that ride and returned in time for lunch.

Because of the incoming weather front, it had been decided the day before that we would head home on Sunday rather than Monday.

I didn’t really know what to expect from Scout because it was only her third experience riding in a group, other than the few events we had managed to get to between her various injuries and mishaps. She tended to be pretty horse-shy and would freeze if horses came towards her, while threatening to kick if they came up from behind. She can also pack a good buck when she loses the plot, and I wasn’t particularly keen on another flying lesson—especially in front of a whole bunch of people!

I had had her on a fitness and strengthening programme following her most recent oops, and had managed to fit in a couple of group rides over this side. Otherwise, we mostly ride alone.Anyway, she absolutely exceeded all expectations. She trotted in formation with the other three without losing her lolly, and I had a really good ride.

Mine and Scout’s first camping trekking trip was great, and that is thanks to the warm welcome from you all. Everyone was friendly and helpful, which meant we had a fantastic time.

Dinner was awesome, courtesy of Robyn and Sarah, and then it was time to get to know the rest of the group. Everyone was fun and knowledgeable in various ways. I learnt about distance riding up big hills, which public trekkers and guides were good—or otherwise—to head out with, and some of the experiences and adventures other riders had had during their horse lives.

The fact that dinner was supplied was a massive bonus. I am not a chef, and I was pretty nervous about subjecting the group to my very basic cooking efforts!

I took the Lake Lyndon Road route home, which meant I arrived about an hour earlier than I would have if I had taken the Porters Pass route.

Thanks again to everyone for making our first trekking experience such a great one. I feel that I learnt a lot from the experience and feel much more confident about doing it again next time—and about attending riding competitions.

Wendy and Scout (Hokitika)

This ended up a bit of a physical leveller, but Sophie had some really useful tips and ideas for improving balance. Riding the saddle stands were really interesting and a good reminder of how much work we should be doing as riders when rising to a trot. Don’t rely on your horse to throw you up and catch when you land! Key to everything is fitness and balance. Riders need more balance than most when you are trying to give gentle aids that make sense and stay aboard an unpredictable moving object!  Some key points …..

•  As riders the transmission of information from limbs to brain and back is dulled with every injury and every concussion. Actively improving balance and strength can only be a good thing.

• Work on balance as a daily thing. Stand on one leg brushing your teeth, boiling the jug, watching TV or any activity you do daily. Try it with your eyes closed. Then touch your nose/ears/opposite shoulder

• Warm up before you ride! Stretch!

• Remember to take the provided sheet of exercises home!

Marieke gave a really clear explanation of why you should do something things, and what was important to plan for well ahead of time. Even when you think you know what you are doing there is always more to learn or appreciate. Some takeaway points

• Plan a portable first aid kit (not just adhoc bits) and take it with you in the float

• If you plan to evacuate horses in the event of a fire make sure they are very used to going on the float.

• Not all sedatives are equal – some dull movement but not anxiety, some dull anxiety but not pain.

• Train your horse to accept an oral syringe/actions of vein injection – don’t make the time they need it the first time they’ve experienced it.

• Apple sauce is your friend …..

• Inspect their teeth for injuries, overgrowths, gunge wedged between teeth. Horses will thank you more for regular dental work and feet trimming than they will a new cover.

• FEC do pick up all types of worm eggs being shed. Use them to plan which horses to worm and which wormer to use. Using a wormer with several different active ingredients might sound good but you could just be increasing resistance to all of them. Don’t worm if the FEC test suggests you don’t need to.

Dafydd got our regular monthly speaker dinner attendees thinking more about using equitation science in developing their partnership with their equine partners. Building on Jody Hartstone’s presentation last November Daffyd gave a colourful and thoughtful address to about 35 members and non-members. Amongst the points I thought were interesting to note for future

·   Mirror test. If they can’t see it they think its gone

·   Can’t see below the whiskers – thus the whiskers are useful

·   Important to train both sides of the horse

·   Scaredy horses. The more they do it the more practice they get at it!

·   Horses remember in photos. Accessed when the same or similar contexts are experienced.

·   A foreign object in familiar places can cause mayhem

I really liked this saying. Memories of elephants and goldfish. Meaning limited immediate recall but don’t forget their training. Thanks for your time and the talk Dafydd! Roll on next month. Looking forward to our very own Johnny Hustler on Wednesday May 27th!

On Sunday 22nd March, two of our teams competed in the Harris and Pegasus Trophy, at Rangiora Showgrounds.  The Waimak Hoofbeats team consisted of Karin, Pauline, Lillian, and Bex, while the Dashing Dames included Gwen, Belinda, Kirsten, and myself, Robyn Wakelin-Lewis.

The competition was made up of three phases: two dressage tests per rider, a wine relay, and a combination jumping/obstacles phase where riders could choose between one and ten challenges from a total of fifteen. It was fantastic to see riders stepping outside their comfort zones and embracing the opportunity to give everything a go.

We were fortunate to have a wonderful support crew on the day. A special thank you to Debra Woodrow and Lynn Hodgson for organising tea and coffee during the lunch break, as well as capturing photos and videos. Your support meant a great deal to everyone involved.

The day was filled with laughter, smiles, and strong team spirit, with competitors cheering not only for their own teams but also for fellow riders. It was also great to see other Waimakariri Riding Club members competing in composite teams and thoroughly enjoying themselves.

The final results saw the Dashing Dames achieve an impressive hat-trick, winning all three phases, Dressage, Wine Race and taking overall honours, by just one point. The dressage performances of Cruise, Angel and Tango were particularly outstanding, leaving spectators in awe. Such happy ponies. The Waimak Hoofbeats also performed very well, placing 7th overall in the dressage phase.

The wine relay was both entertaining and competitive, with plenty of enthusiasm on display—resulting in a surprising amount of water making it into the bucket!

The jumping/obstacles phase presented some challenging elements, yet both teams rose to the occasion, demonstrating excellent riding and determination. The Waimak Hoofbeats, in particular, showed strong performances, with several riders exceeding their own expectations.

Overall, it was a fantastic day of competition, teamwork, and achievement for all involved.

Special thanks to the sponsors and the Pegasus Riding group

Ecohorse, Charlie Road, Washbar natural pet care, Whinnys and Equine eatsntreats

Thirty riders from the WRC turned up at Harrs Road today to test out their flatwork. This included several riders with young or green horses, new members and some more mature riders! So, what happened? Well, the first thing was the weather played nicely with us and at times it was nearly too hot.

The second thing that happened is the coaches, Andrea Marsden and Debbie Nelson, said “lets do Drill riding or Formation riding”. OK I said – sounds like a great plan. I am guessing many didn’t know what they were letting themselves in for! What I really loved is that people gave it a go and loved it! Horses, well mostly, got used to being in an arena with others and following the instructions. Fun for all. It’s going to be hard to select the photos!

The Pegasus Harris teams also practiced their tests, walking over a tarp and the ‘wine’ race moves. Thanks for calling the tests and practicing! Cruz is already looking forward to this event.

The third thing is that John and Deb Woodrow bought their new bus which meant that our shared lunch went to a whole new level! What a spread and nice way to share information and ideas!

Andrea spent the rest of the afternoon supporting riders with floorplans for a forthcoming musical dressage event. Sometimes in pairs or by selves. Super work from all concerned. From those coming to give their horses some exposure to those wanting to develop particular things with their horses everyone went away with something and smiles on faces.