Horse Treks
Ian McVicar's Easter Ride - filmed on Horseback
Our horse treks are the only ones of their kind in this region of New Zealand, and we are proud to be the only Qualmarked operation in the area. Using highly experienced local and international guides who know our horses and the area intimately, we cater for complete novices through to experienced horsemen and women.
Most of our horses use Australian stock saddles, which are a larger version of the European General Purpose saddle complete with thigh support, ideal for novice riders and negotiating steep slopes. Our riding style is European as opposed to the western techniques of 'neck reining'.
Even our shortest one-hour trek travels through wonderful wilderness scenery on the back of the farm, returning through the pines high above the Mohaka. Our two, three and four hour rides deliver horseback experiences which many riders seldom, if ever encounter. The trails wind high up into the native bush of the surrounding mountains with the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Mohaka valley, and the distant silver ribbon of water threading its way towards the sea.
The return journeys are via a different route than the outward one, making the whole adventure a real journey rather than an 'out and back' experience. Before reaching home, these longer treks descend through magnificent native forest before returning to the river valley floor on the way home. For younger children who may not be ready to embark on a full scale trek we offer led pony rides.
Horse Trekking Options:
|
1 hour farm trek: |
$60 |
Note:
- Max rider weight 100kg - subject to availability
- Minimum rider age 7 years - Options for younger children are available
We take great pride in our herd of some 20 horses, which include American standard breds, hardy native Kaimanawas and part thoroughbreds. We adopt a disciplined and uncompromising approach to their husbandry. With over 100 acres of grazing for them, our belief is that healthy, happy horses are an essential ingredient of a quality experience for our guests.
Pony Rides
Our minimum age for our horse treks is seven provided they are accompanied by their parents or carers. However, for younger children wanting just to have a short ride with a guide leading their horse, we offer gentle walks in the paddocks and on the trails around the property.
Our Horses
Jess
I was a wild Kaimanawa pony so I am a little nervous around people. If you trust me though, I will trust you and give you a nice comfy ride. I like to follow the other horses at the back of the trek. Some people call me a bit of a tart but I only have eyes for one other horse. I think Indie is so handsome. I am a chunky 15.2hh high so I don’t mind carrying a bit of weight on my back.
Hero
I am called Hero because I am a great horse for beginners. I am a 15 hh standardbred. I am known to be a little bit cheeky and sometimes I try turn around on the ride. I need a rider to show me who is boss and if I am somewhere near the back I am not scared of anything and like to spend my time biting the horse in front. I am pretty small so I am also good with children on my back.
* I am now retired and only do pony rides
Big Mac
I am a 15.2hh standardbred. I am a laid back kind of a guy and like taking people out on slow rides. Although I have been lively in my younger years, I now like the short treks. I prefer to just stay in the paddock and eat grass with my mate Toby. I am hoping the trek guides retire me soon!
* I am now retired and only do pony rides
Minnie
I am a 15.1hh standard bred that used to race. I was great under harness and won lots of money. I like to walk and trot very fast and like intermediate riders on my back because I am quite bouncy. I like to have a long rein and will throw my head around if you hold my reins too short. In fact I don’t like to be told what to do as I know my job very well.
Lady
I am a great trekker when out in large groups but if we go for a canter I need an experienced rider on my back because I love to go fast and can get very excited. I am a 15.3hh standard bred but you wouldn’t know it by riding me. I have great paces and can canter and gallop just like a thoroughbred.
Girl
I am a 15.1hh standard bred. I like to be at the front of the trek and sometimes if I am lucky, I get used as a guide horse because I am not scared of anything. I have had lots of babies in the past, so I am trying to lose my baby fat by trekking regularly. I like an intermediate rider on my back. I love trotting down hills and like a long rein like Minnie. I like to walk right on the edge of cliffs and if you ask me to move over I will walk even closer to the edge to give you a thrill. Don’t tell me what to do – I have been doing it for years!
Sam
I am Sam the Man. I think I am the best horse here and the sexiest because I have won a few in hand horse shows. I have managed to become top of the herd and the trek guides have finally recognised this and are using me as a guide horse – see I told you I was the best. I am a beautiful 15.3hh standardbred the perfect size for a guide horse and I can trek all day. I am the fastest horse in the herd and love to run so usually take out the experienced treks.
Tyler
I am a handsome all-rounder. I am 15.1hh standardbred and good with kids and also like experienced riders as I love a good canter. I can be a bit shy but an apple will cure that. I standout from the crowd as I am a red bay and most of the other horses are boring bays, however I don’t like to stand out too much as I am a follower.
Toby
I am a 16.3hh South island station bred aka Dobby. I am a great weight carrier because of my size and can be slow or fast – whatever you like. I also get used by the trek guides for jumping which I am really enjoying as it reminds me of my hunting days.
Costa
I am 15.2hh and a standardbred like a lot of the others but I was never raced and I come from Australia. I need an intermediate rider because I don’t like getting my feet wet so I jump over streams. I also like to run and the guides say i get a bit silly but it's just so exciting.
Indie
I am the main guide horse at Mountain Valley and stand out from the crowd because I am a paint. I am quietly in charge and even the guides secretly know I am the boss as I jump out of paddocks if I don't get enough grass.
Elvis
I am the tallest in the trekking herd at 17hhs. I think I beat Sam at being the best looking! I was raced in harness but only won $110.00 in my racing career! I like to be at the back in our rides as I think the girls are far too bossy!!!
Bass
I am a 15.3hh Stationbred. I started off my career as a show jumper, but think I am much better at trekking...so much so that I have become the favourite amongst the trekking guides (don't tell the others!). I stand out as I am the only dappled grey in the herd.
Silky
I'm a 15.3hh standardbred. Everybody who rides me thinks I am the best, as I always listen to my riders. I like to pace as I think it is much smoother than a trot!
Captain
I am also a 15.3hh standardbred. I have been a trekking horse for a while now. I can take forst time riders for a nice, easy ride. I have had a bit of a rough time before coming to Mountain Valley so the guides really look after me. I like to be right behind Indie in our rides.
Kahlua
I'm a cool dude!!! I know a few tricks as well, like shaking hands...I am a 15.2hh standardbred and like to try to guide the treks sometimes! All my riders think I am the best because I always try yo do as I am told.
Socks
I am a 16.2hh standardbred but dont look like it as I am really chunky! Even though the guides always tell me I look pregnant, I know it is all muscle! I need a confident rider as I like to try to eat all of the yummy trees on my way round.
Dodge
I am a guide horse only as I love to be up the front. I was a pig hunting horse in my earlier years...I can be a bit hard to catch sometimes, but only because I like to tease the guides!!!
Gypsy, Nina and Seeka
We are the cutest ponies at Mountain Valley. Our job is just to look pretty and get cuddles. Gypsy can take little children on pony rides just like the big horses and keep up. Seeka has just arrived and will be able to take small children on pony rides later in the year. Please, please come and see us and give us a pat, we are in the paddock next to reception.
