Kowhai Residential School of Riding

Stay on a farm in the Canterbury foothills in the South Island and enjoy learning to ride correctly on a well schooled horse with a helpful instructor. You can stay for 1 night to 3 months in a private cabin with all bedding, TV, tea and coffee facilities provided. All meals are available eaten in the homestead with the family. Evenings are spent relaxing in the large sitting room with A/C, SKY TV and guests internet PC. If you wish to stay in more luxurious accommodation this can be arranged a short distance from the farm. Airport transfers can be organised.

There are usually 3 groups - a beginner group, middle group and experienced riders. There are over 90 well schooled horses available.

During school holidays there are weekend, 5 & 7 day courses to join (at all other times of year there are usually just weekend courses). Each course is limited to 30 riders.

The weekend courses include shared dorm accommodation, private rooms are available at an extra cost, (you need a sleeping bag or bedding etc), all meals (excluding dinner on the night of arrival), horse riding in both the morning and afternoon with a mix of group lessons and guided farm trekking. Some help with chores is required. Prices for the weekend course start at NZ$160 for a child and NZ$220 for an adult.

Riders enjoy learning everything from the correct way to catch a horse, to grooming, saddling, bridling, mounting and basic control of the horse to dressage, show jumping and cross country for experienced riders. Usually there are rides both morning and afternoon for around 2 hours with lessons and guided farm trekking daily. Private rooms are available from $45 per night.