Erika McStay

Owner / Instructor

Hi I’m Erika. I had my first horse when I was 17 and taught myself how to ride. I gave up riding for 20 years and once I got back into it I never looked back. My passion is dressage and teaching both youngsters and adults how to ride. My role is one of managing the horses, staff and helpers as well as marketing and administration, but mostly instructing. It has always been my dream to own and manage a riding centre like this and I am so happy and proud of our achievements here. My greatest pleasure is to see the smiles on peoples’ faces during and after their rides, whether they be treks or riding lessons. 

Jean Harris

Guest Coach / Mentor

Hi I’m Jean Harris, I have worked with Erika for many years now both as her personal coach and also with the School Holiday Riding Program.  I have had many years training and teaching in England and France and I have also worked some years in Austria for Johanne Riegler of the Spanish Riding School. My passion is Dressage however I can also coach in Show Jumping and Cross Country.

Amelie Wouters-Reek

Stable Manager / Instructor

Hello, my name is Amelie. I was born and raised in the Netherlands where I have lived for most of the last 47 years. I moved to New Zealand with my husband and 12 year old son in 2020. I started horse riding when I was 8 years old and have never stopped. I have done jumping, vaulting, dressage, trail riding, western riding and over the past 7 years I have been involved in carriage driving/marathon competitions. I am certified in natural horsemanship, gymnastic work for dressage horses and am an equine acupressure practitioner. I can truly say that horses are my life. What I love most about them is the way they communicate with us and just how very good they are at letting us know what they need from us. That’s why I am feeling very privileged to work with Erika and her horses, they are raised and trained in the most honest and uncomplicated way.
I have known Erika for over 20 years now, as I was her very first Wwoofer, and I just had to come back for more. Whilst here, I fell in love with the place, the people and the country and now I’m living the dream.
I hope to meet you soon!

Nina Hauf

Trek Guide / stable hand / Instructor in training

Hi, my name is Nina and I am one of the stable hands and trek guides at WRRC. I have ridden at Waimak since I was young so I am a riding student turned staff member! I was 4 years old when I had my first pony ride on Freeman and have stuck around ever since. Erika taught me for the larger majority of my time in the riding school and I have also been taught by Jean in the past. I also did the riding school holiday programme, it is really cool for me to be on the other side now as a staff member being able to help the kids with their riding and skills with horses. Having known the team for so long and spending most of my weekends growing up with the horses, WRRC feels like a bit of a second home to me and I am very grateful to call it my current workplace. Spending time with the trek horses is definitely one of my favourite parts of the job, especially with Thomas who is my favourite. I also really enjoy being a trek guide and being able to show people how awesome our horses are! I have done some trekking overseas and found it was very different to what I know at WRRC, I love the trust we have here between our staff and trek horses and the way we all love our jobs. 

Sarah Tsai

Social Media communicator / Trek guide / stable hand

Hey, I’m Sarah! I am the face behind most of our social media. Although you might catch me out on the farm as I also work as a stable hand and trek guide from time to time.

The first time I came out to WRRC was a decade ago for the school holiday riding programme. My first ride was on Nipper and he quickly became my favourite, I was even dubbed Nipperina. From then on I took regular lessons with Erika, attended the holiday programme regularly and began leasing. I was lucky enough to lease Higgs and Magic, it is definitely a super cool opportunity and I highly recommend it!

I dabble in various areas for work, but my main title would be a dance teacher! I spend most of my time either teaching or training. My latest achievement is completing a Bachelor in Applied Science, specialising in Human Nutrition. I’m very excited to be part of the team and can’t wait to be seeing you all soon!

Paige Officer

Trek Guide / Volunteer

Hey! I’m Paige. I’m a classic kiwi girl originating from the deep south of the south Island. I’ve been riding since I could walk and I’ve always loved horses. My favourite horse is Chip and you can usually find me giving him all of my attention. I was a full time employee prior to the earthquakes but I am currently a volunteer and I work a few days a week taking out treks. Now I live in Lyttleton and I focus on my paintings which is my second passion besides horses, of course!