Holiday Riding Programmes

Winter 2025

Our holiday courses combine well-school horses, qualified riding instructors, and excellent facilities to create a friendly, professional atmosphere in which riders can develop their equine skills safely and systematically. We are NZPCA accredited and all our coaches have a current first aid certificate.

Riders on their own ponies are welcome too - select "Own horse" during the booking process for a 30% discount.

Once spaces have filled, it is still worth putting yourself on the waitlist as we are often able to offer spaces to waitlisted riders.

3x half-days: Beginner to Novice

9am-12pm Mon 30 June to Wed 2 July, or Mon 7 - Wed 9 July

Three mornings of horse time with a mounted lesson and activities each day, supported by horse care lessons and plenty of hands-on experience. Ideal for beginners (little to no experience) to novice rider (newly started cantering and jumping a little). Join a small group of other horse-mad 5-14yo riders for a fun, safe and social few days of progress.

This course runs regardless of weather - we have tons of options for rainy periods!

3x half-days: Intermediate to Advanced

1pm-4pm Mon 30 June to Wed 2 July

An excellent next step for intermediate (well established in canter and jumping small courses) to advanced (working on D+) riders. Three afternoons with a mounted lesson and activities each day, supported by horse care lessons and plenty of hands-on experience. Join a small group of other horse-mad 8-16yo riders for a fun, safe and social few days of horsing.

This course runs regardless of weather - we have tons of options for rainy periods!

Half-day Course: Beginners to Novice

1-4pm Mon 7 or Wed 9 July

An excellent introduction for beginning riders 5-14yo, our half-day course is a safe and fun introduction to riding and handling ponies. Heavily supervised - lead rein if required.

This course is weather dependent - it will be postponed (if possible) or cancelled if the weather is awful.

One Day Course: Beginners to Intermediate

1-4pm Thurs 3 July

Our ever-popular short course designed to develop 5-14yo riders provides an ideal block of time for young riders to develop their skills and confidence in riding and caring for their pony in a small group of fellow pony-mad kids. Suit beginner to intermediate riders (confident cantering).

This course is weather dependent - it will be postponed (if possible) or cancelled if the weather is awful.

Pony Club activities:

These holiday sessions are for Pony Club members only. Interested in joining? See our Pony Club page for more details.

Show Jumping training day

9am-4pm Friday 4th July

Show jumping training in the morning followed by progressive rounds (with clear round rosettes) in the afternoon.

 

Riders must be fully independent to catch/handle/turn out and tack up their horse. They also need to be cantering and jumping confidently (please check, if you're not sure) and be Pony Club members.

Winter rally

9am-4pm Thursday 10 July

A whole-club rally with flatwork lessons, games & activities, pole work/jumping and a horse management lesson. Earn another achievement badge and work towards your next exam! We will go ahead with the rally no matter the weather.

 Bring a plate of finger food for a shared lunch, plus snacks and water bottle.

Levels guide:

• Beginner - no or minimal experience (maybe some rides on a friend's horse or a couple of lessons)

• Novice - Good control (inc steering) and balance trotting off the lead. May have recently started cantering and jumping but still getting established with these skills. Approx D level for those who are familiar with Pony Club standards.

• Intermediate - Cantering confidently and competently (including good steering and seat at canter), and jumping small courses.

• Advanced - capable of cantering a 20m circle and jump courses up to 50cm with good style and control. Approx D+ level for those who are familiar with Pony Club standards.

Holiday Programme Information

  • Cancellations made through Bookeo at least 48 hours in advance of the sessions start time will be credited to your Bookeo account in full. Short-notice cancellations (< 48 hours) or no-shows are charged the full amount, as we usually run waiting lists and need to have time to notify another rider. You can check and cancel your bookings at https://bookeo.com/evrspc/customer (bookmark this page).

  • Please arrive and depart no more than 15 minutes before and after your session times; we are not able to supervise children for extended periods.

  • Riders should wear comfortable clothing (not restrictive or baggy). If they don’t have jodhpurs (riding pants) then trackpants or leggings are better than jeans.

    Long sleeves provide better protection than short sleeves (no singlets or tank tops).

    If the weather is at all iffy, pack plenty of layers and a waterproof coat.

  • Footwear needs to be solid with a small heel and smooth sole. Sneakers and other completely flat shoes are not suitable; gumboots or work-type boots are okay in the short term. “Jodhpur boots” (riding boots) are the best.

  • Every rider must wear a correctly fitted and adjusted riding helmet while riding and handling their horse.

    Helmets can be provided.

    If you bring your own helmet, it must be a horse riding helmet (bike helmets do not provide sufficient protection) with a three-point harness and an up-to-date safety certification.

  • Long hair needs to be tied back, and hair should be away from the rider’s face (especially eyes).

    Earrings should be removed (or taped) and left with a parent for safe-keeping.