Pakiri Beach Horse Rides - News
December Newsletter. Merry Christmas!!!
OMG we have been operating for 30years!
Happy 30th. Birthday P.B.H.R.!
In November 1981, Thirty years ago I started taking rides on the beach with my children’s two fat ponies Buster and Blue. This was because of the current down turn in the rural economy. I rode every day and took people out on demand until I became wiser and decided to have set times for rides... before that I was in the saddle for up to and more than 6 hours a day!!! In those days I charged $10 an hour, I remember thinking long and hard about putting it up to $12 which seemed so expensive!!
Then I needed help so Maxine who lived with us became the first guide here for me. So gradually we have built up the business, it was perhaps at its peak in 2002 before shopping malls and other adventure businesses and vineyards started to compete for our market but we have absolutely held our own been very even through out the years. Im actually feeling very proud of every one. We have had some real equine stars too... my horses have been amazing and many of them worked here for more than 20 years, faithful, lovely friends who we remember with affection and many times amusement!
Because I forgot November I am hoping to plan a celebration for my wonderful clients, riders, ex and present guides and all who love Pakiri Beach Horse Rides in March so please start planning…dates will be announced soon.
Our next riding camp starts on 16 January. And is for girls from 11yrs to 15yrs old. Already we have some 14 year old girls booked in and some 11yr olds. I think it will be a great camp, perfect time of year for some great riding and swimming. We are busy trying to fix up some fun new games and trails. There will also be a 3 day riding camp for girls from 9yrs to 11yrs old. We will be doing a 3 day camp and a 5 day for this group. The date is yet to be set. These camps are such fun and the ponies really enjoy it too…every body does so much riding!!! And even beginners get really competent by the end of the camp!
Our summer staff are: Louise s a fearless rider and really excellent guide, Hannah from Uk is marvelous rider, doing wonders with Lily and Tandi on the flat, great fun and with a beautiful smile. We now have Fanny who is from France... a beautiful dressage rider and a lovely guide. Kayoko has come from Japan, she is great, really professional and hard working as well as beautiful!! We still have lovely Fiona and Cara helping in weekends... both wonderful guides and old friends and of course Dave and Anneke who we couldn’t do with out!! Both do a wonderful job here and are so appreciated.
For the holidays we have two vet students from Massey, Jessica and Heneriata working here too.
I know you will love riding with Louise, Hannah, Fanny and Kayoko and of course Cara and Fi.
The horses are very happy and well settled and these girls really look after them.
Tanah and Dyani have gone to a place near Eketahuna where they will be well loved and well ridden. Now we have Taurere Tawa for sale and she also will be a strong and competitive endurance prospect. A lovely paint boy also for sale is Ronaldo... big and handsome and also a jumper. 15.2hh brown and white beautiful.
Is any one looking for a games pony... we have one for sale ...she is good! Kayla. 14hh brown, mare.
We are hoping for a hot and busy summer and we are developing some new rides for those of you who come riding here a lot. I would love to take New Zealanders on our 7 day Coast to Coast ride, it seems to be only international visitors who do this and it really is a lovely ride... we do special group deals for groups of 4 or more, think about talking your friends into doing it. Our 5 day trek along the coast is a good ride too. And of course our 2 and 3 day ride over the Point and the Pub ride. For every 6 riders for our 7 and 5 day rides one goes free.
Our pohutukawa trees are a picture... covered in red flowers I cant remember a better year for them! You will have to come riding and see them! I wonder if any body does pohutukawa wine?! I know the honey is lovely.
Best wishes to you all and happy riding.
Sharley
Remember "The winds from heaven blow between the ears of a horse".(Arab proverb.)