Trekking or Trail Riding with Horses

Horses have always been very much part of my life. As a child I lived on a high country sheep station in the middle of the Sth Island of NZ where horses were used on a daily basis for mustering sheep and cattle. We children all had ponies, and at a young age developed a love of riding and the freedom it gave us. Over the years I have enjoyed trail riding with family and friends to many parts of the South Island of New Zealand some for a few days and some longer.

Our trekking has been mostly in the high country, where there is usually no cell phone reception, so careful planning is needed. Horses have to be shod carefully with good heavy shoes if the going is tough, saddles have to be checked that they fit properly so horses dont get sore backs.Buckles and straps have to be checked that they are strong and in good order, and riders need good boots,trousers, and very importantly good weather proof gear in case the weather changes .Oil-skin leggings and coats tied in front of the saddle where they are easy to get are ideal. Some people use Western saddles, and some prefer Stock saddles, just which ever is the most comfortable as the days can be long. My own preference is actually my dressage saddle! Comfort for both rider & Horse is paramount.

Accommodation is sometimes in a tent or more often in a mustering hut with the permission of the Station owner these huts have bunks and an open fire to cook on and to keep warm,and there is usually water near by. There is always a long drop (loo) situated not far from the hut, and these always seem to have a wonderful view to enjoy whilst occupied!! Hut life is amazing, a meal cooked over the open fire,and an evening playing cards or swapping stories until the candles burn down and it is time to go to sleep with often the only sound is the wind in the trees or the river- -magic!!

The horses we used have been mostly NZ bred stock horses, bred on the high country, they are a mixture of breeds which can include Thoroughbred, Trotting, Arab,and Clydesdale. These are wonderful animals, Born on the hills they are sure-footed,sensible, and can go all day with a heavy load, being it stores or a rider. Most of these horses have been used for mustering, so are used to dogs and sheep and are ideal for trekking
The photo with this module shows the buyers at the Bi-Annual St James Horse sale Nth Canterbury NZ.

The sale is a great day out for family & friends to picnic and enjoy the atmosphere.

These horses are bred on the iconic St James Station, recently purchased by the NZ Government as a 250,000 acre recreation area. The horses had the range of the whole property and were only mustered every couple of years to mark the young colts etc. At that time the herd was also culled and young stock suitable for Breaking in were put up for sale on the property..
A challenge for buyers, horses never having been handled or floated before!

However they have always been keenly sort after both as Station Hacks and eventing horses. Enjoying a lot of success in this latter field.

Although there are always some situations that they dont like!

I can remember one instance where we were loading up a new horse with pack saddles filled with food. Charlie took one step forward, and something gave him a fright where by he took off scattering the contents of the packs all around the paddock, everything went flying!! until he was caught again and persuaded that he wasnt going to be hurt!!

These trips are always special and we feel very privlidged to be able to do this in such a great country. If you get the opportunity it is an experience not to be missed.

We are fortunate in that we have always been able to use our own horses. Also being Farmers we have the contacts to get access to these remote High Country stations we enjoy so much.

We have in New Zealand a number of very good professional Companies running Horse treks on a commercial basis.