Waimak River Riding Centre Ltd
Wellness Program
Horses own the ability to be able to calm and make one feel grounded which is something not
always easily felt in today’s world.
Here, at Waimak River Riding Centre Limited (WRRC) we are
aiming to help create positive and memorable experiences for people from all walks of life with our
incredible horses. We will do this through offering tailor made wellness program designed
especially to suit our clients’ needs and goals.
We operate alongside the stunning Waimakariri
river, in a serene environment setting the tone for relaxation. Our team of horses are seasoned
professionals with experience taking care of children, experienced horse people and of course
even those who have never spent any time with horses before.
The team of staff at the heart of our
organization are knowledgeable, experienced and share a genuine passion for what they do. Our
wellness program will be inclusive and interactive offering opportunities to spend time with,
groom and ride horses whilst upholding a high standard of safety.
Our Services
1. Groom and Riding Experience
This service offers an opportunity to interact with the horses prior to riding. It allows clients to
gain confidence and comfortability before getting into the saddle. Working in groups we
encourage the clients to groom and tack up our wonderful horses whilst under the guidance of a
staff member. This service is greatly suited to children and those who want more than to just ride.
This service allocates 30 minutes for grooming and 30 minutes for riding.
2. Riding Experience with a River Crossing (river permitting)
This service offers an opportunity to spend more time in the saddle and experience the excitement
of a river crossing (river permitting as safety is the top priority). Enjoy the view of the Waimakariri
River between the ears of your trusty steed while your knowledgeable guide speaks about the
local area and the history of our horses. This service allocates 1hr of riding.
Both services also include a welcome and safety briefing, time for introductions between our staff
and clients and the opportunity to feed the horses before finishing up. Therefore, both experiences
run for 1.5hours
What We Can Capacitate
We can currently cater for groups of 10 – 15 riders in one booking, depending on the details of
each client and the service you would like to participate in. We take great care in assuring that
each client is matched with the right horse for their weight, height and riding ability. Please note
we currently maintain a weight limit of 95kgs to ensure the wellbeing of our horses. We can
organize alternative services that don’t involve being in the saddle for those above the weight
limit. If you have any special requests for your experience with us please don’t hesitate to ask.
At this time we have availability during the week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and
upon request during the weekend. Our booking slots run from;
– 9.30am – 11am
– 12.30pm – 2pm
– 3.30pm-5pm (summer months)
Our Team
Dee Korkie is our WRRC Ltd Owner and Business Development Manager as well as our point of
contact and coordinator for our wellness program. Dee Korkie, Sacha Beaumont, Amelie Wouters-Reek and Lucy O’Brian are our trek guides. Combined, our trekking team have many years of hands-on horse
experience as well as interacting with clients from all walks of life, gaining many positive reviews.
Our Location
WRRC Ltd boasts an accessible location in Belfast, Christchurch in Canterbury, only 15 minutes
from the central city. We are lucky to be able to welcome individuals from our close and wider
community.
Testimonial
“We have been to the Waimak River Riding Centre now many times with our groups. The horse
trek is always a big hit and everyone raves about it for weeks afterwards. The Waimak River
Riding team are professional and organized, great communicators and provide such an awesome
experience that we know we will be back with future groups. What stood out for me was the
ability of the staff to organize our large group but then cater for the individual needs of the riders
with a range of abilities and comfort levels. I would highly recommend this organization to
anyone, from the seasoned rider to someone facing their fears. Thank you!”
– Forward Foundation, NZ Charity with the mission to empower girls through active
recreation and sports.
Forward Foundation pictured riding with us in May 2022.
Contact Us
Phone: 03 323 9064
Email: info@wrrc-ltd.com
Address: 219 Coutts Island Road, Christchurch
Facebook: Waimak River Riding Centre Ltd.
Instagram: WRRC Ltd
Youtube: WRRC Ltd
We look forward to having you out with us soon!
Book Now
Location
Operating Hours
6.5 days a week every day of the year except Christmas Day
School Holiday Riding Program
Our program is designed to assist children from 8 to 16 years to either learn to ride and care for our equine friends or to continue to improve their current riding skills in a friendly, fun and safe environment. The program has been running every school holidays since July 2008 and has been a great success. Children of all ages and backgrounds have found the program fun, exciting and informative, as they get to learn and practice pony care, riding, games on ponies as well theory appropriate to their level of experience. It runs from 9am to 3.00pm each two weeks of every School Holidays with the exception of the Summer break where it runs for three weeks.
The Annual Mini Show is a great opportunity for Children without ponies to get a taste of what it is like to compete in Equine competitions. Children fortunate enough to have their own mounts are also welcome to come and enjoy a fun low key day which includes games, jumping and show rings. The Mini Show is now a separate event to the Holiday Program being held on the First Sunday after the summer program.
Mini Show 2024: January 28th. Start time 9am sharp. Entry forms available from January 2024 online. The Mini Show is a low key fun day with prize ribbons from 1st to 6th and is open to all comers with their own mounts. WRRC mounts will be available to our Riding School students only.
All riding instructors are adults, with a range of equine and experience including, training, competing and teaching children to ride.
There is also an option of before and after Program care for the convenience of the parents to transport the children whilst still getting to work and home at the right time.
Dates for 2023 are:
April 10th to 14nd and April 17th to 21th
July 3rd to 7th and July 10th to 14nd
September 25th to 29th and October 2nd to 6th
Activities include but are not limited to:
- Gymkhana events (games on horseback e.g: egg and spoon race, barrel races etc)
- Overnight camp out! **
- Pony care (learn to look after your pony and the gear)
- Jumping (from beginner to experienced levels)
- Dressage
- Trail rides
- Prizes (for the daily competitions and most improved rider at the end of each week)
- Supervised swimming in the Waimakariri river with the ponies! **
- Certificates for each child with a photo of you and your pony! ***
- The Annual Mini show and Ribbon day; make sure you and your pony are dressed to impress!
** - January/Summer holiday program only.
*** - Those attending a full week.
Prices:
- $85 per day, per child
OR
- $80 per day, per child, for 5 consecutive days (Full Week $400).
Bookings are essential and available online, pre-payment is required to reserve your child's place in the Program. For more information please contact info@wrrc-ltd.com
What to Bring:
A complete change of clothing (including underwear and socks), a healthy lunch and drink, riding boots or shoes with a small heel (must be closed in shoes), sunscreen and sunglasses for spring and summer and gumboots, warm clothing –jacket, raincoat and gloves for spring, winter and autumn. Swimming gear, including river shoes, togs, sunblock and a towel for the January program.
We Provide:
Morning and afternoon teas.
Riding Helmets
Ponies, tack, grooming equipment and all other necessary equipment
Before and after Program care
And heaps of pony FUN & Education!
Camps
** There is usually one camp over night per week of the Summer Holiday Program (January). You will need to bring your own tent, sleeping bag and pillow as well as personal hygiene stuff (toothbrush etc.) and tent may be required.
Costs are $40.- per person
Only offered in the January program as it is too difficult to predict the weather at other times of year.
Swimming is always supervised by adults and where possible we ask that the children bring river shoes (shoes that they can happily get wet to protect their feet from the stones). Sunblock is also essential.
Our Annual Mini Show will take place on Sunday January 29th. The children get the opportunity to compete in show rings, jumping games and a fancy dress competition. However they can still participate by paying the fees as listed in the Show Schedule which will be available 2 weeks prior to the show and posted on the Website. It is always a fantastic fun day so don't miss out! The Children get to choose what they want to enter with our guidance and of course which pony or ponies they can ride. Because there are a limited amount of ponies some will have different riders in various classes. It is our goal to be as fair as possible to all the children and the ponies. Friends and family are most welcome to come and support - be ware that it is often a warm day so sun hats and sunscreen as well as seating will need to be bought with you. Unfortunately large umbrellas can often upset the horses and ponies unless they are a good distance away.
Our Mini Show is also open to children lucky enough to have their own ponies. A float parking area will be made available with an entrance off Dickeys Road. This is a fun day so bring your smile and have a great time!
To enrol klick here
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