WELCOME TO SPRING
We are covered in horse hair 24/7, you know what that means…. Spring is here, Yippee!
We have had a super winter season with lots of tough wee riders out there braving the cold and prepping for their Spring exams in a few weeks time. This winter has been pretty kind to us overall, but we are definitely looking forward to some longer days and sunshine thats for sure.
This will also see us open up some more lesson spaces as we welcome back our summer season riders from the 12th of October. If you are not currently on our schedule, or your riders days need to change, please register below. Please complete your registration prior to the 30th of September in order for us to be able to assign timeslots to best suit your rider.
If you are currently on our schedule, no need to re register unless you require a change of day.
This summer we have some exciting camps and show dates planned for over the summer, and are looking forward to welcoming back our summer season riders who have taken a break for the winter.
Our coaches and horses also have had some great accomplishments over the season which we would love to share with you!
- Ashley became certified to examine to C+ level
- Michaela became certified to examine to C level
- Ashley and Cecile both updated their Level 2 First Aid Certificates
- Rippy won Pony Hunter of the season with the Central Otago Hunt
- Ruby won Maiden Hunter of the season with the Central Otago Hunt
- Cecile was awarded NZPCA Center Coach of the Year for 2025
Did you know that us coaches are also sitting our own exams? Our coaches are always working towards their own NZPCA qualifications, this involves attending yearly coaching clinics, examining clinics, submitting assignments, and being examined ourselves!
We are so proud to offer such a high standard of coaching to our riders and Ceciles much deserved award makes for such a lovely finish to our 2025-26 season.
SEASON DATES
During scheduled breaks your billing will pause. Check out the holiday camp dates to get your horsey fix during these periods!.
UPCOMING BREAKS:
- Saturday 26 September to Sunday 11 October 2026.
- December 19th – January 31 2027
SUMMER SEASON BEGINS
- Monday 12th October 2026
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
Generally we operate on public holidays whenever possible, to avoid needing to reschedule a whole days worth of lessons and thus saving catch up days for bad weather reschedules. If you plan to head away for a long weekend where we are otherwise operating that is no problem, just let us know and we can switch you to another day that week.
- Monday 26th October 2026 – Labour Day – WE ARE OPERATING AS USUAL
UPCOMING EXAMS
UPCOMING D EXAMS
Saturday 24th October with Ashley at 11am.
Cost: $100
Duration:
D – 1hr 15 mins
UPCOMING D+ EXAMS
Saturday 24th October with Cecile at 1pm.
Cost: $100
Duration:
D+ – 1hr 40 mins
FUTURE EXAMS
For any of our newer riders who are not quite ready to sit, never fear – we hold examinations usually twice per year so you will have another chance in the near future.
Riders wishing to sit their C exam must be nominated by us to be put forward for external examination. Please express your interest to us via email if your rider is hoping to sit their C examination this season.
UPCOMING CAMPS & EVENTS
Our camps are focused on having fun, making new friends, and building confidence with our equine partners.
Each day includes one formal lesson as well as all sorts of activities, such as mounted games, arts and crafts, theory sessions, trail rides, paint the ponies, apple bobbing, team challenges, and lectures from local equine professionals.
Day programs most commonly run from 9am-3pm. Riders bring a packed lunch and clothing for any weather – we can take care of the rest!
Sign up to fill your riders holidays with memories that will last a lifetime!
SPRING CAMP
Holiday W1: September 30th, October 1st,
Holiday W2: October 6th & 7th
Get your season off to a roaring start with full days of new friends and pony fun. A perfect excuse to get lots of riding and theory time in if you want to sit exams and go up a group this spring!
$160 per day
DRESSAGE AND JUMPING DAY
28th November
Perfect for riders to experience their first show, or for riders with their own horse to get some pre season outings under their belt before hitting the big A&P’s
$200 for riders hiring our horses
$50 for riders with their own horses
CHRISTMAS PARTY
18th December
Need a break to get some last minute Christmas shopping in? Leave it with us to entertain the kids!
Free for riders on a membership with us.
LAKE HAYES SHOW CAMP
8th – 9th January 2027
2 days of everything showing! Riders learn about the discipline of showing and how to prepare our horses ready to compete at the Lake Hayes Show on the Saturday.
Own horse – $400
Riders hiring an AME horse – $550
JANUARY 2027 SUMMER PONY CAMP
W1: 12th, 13th & 14th (14th = Sleepover night!)
W3: 19th, 20th, 21st
W4: 26th, 27th
Always a highlight of the year – hot days make for lots of extra fun with water based games, river rides, arts and crafts etc.
On the 14th January we will also host a sleepover night!
$160 per day
Additional $20 for January 14th Sleepover
AUTUMN CAMP
2027 Dates TBC
The best time of year to go exploring and see the vibrant Autumn colours on a river ride, attend the Anzac Day children’s hunt, learn how to clip a horse, fun arts and crafts activities – the possibilities are endless!
$160 per day at AME, additional charges for attending childrens hunts
Check out the video of last years ANZAC kids hunt https://youtu.be/KZSlq4bAz0Y
JOIN THE AME ONLINE NETWORK
Download the “Band” app in your app store, then follow the link below to join our group.
Leave a Reply