Regular riders can join Pony Club, sit certificates, go to competitions and enjoy riding quality horses in a safe country environment.

All instruction follows Pony Club lines and is overseen by Rebecca Thomas NZPCA A & H certificate & NZPCA 2017 coach of the year.

Kowhai's weekend and Holiday courses usually book out well in advance and are limited to 25 riders, you can check available course dates here

Courses run most weekend's and during School Holidays we run weekend, 5 & 7 day courses. (you can join 2 or more courses together to make 7, 9, 12 days etc)

Yes you can bring your own horse or pony to Kowhai. (there is no yard fee you just pay the normal course fee)

All riding is fully supervised at all times and unaccompanied children from age 8 - 18 are welcome.

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.

These courses run like a school camp so some help with teams jobs will be required. All riders clean their own gear, yard area and room.

Comprehensive Health and Safety Plan in place.

Typical daily schedule for courses at Kowhai.

(please note: this schedule is to be used as a guide only and WILL change due to weather, riders ability and number of guests staying,)

0800 Breakfast eaten in the dining area.
0900 Catch horses under Kowhai Staff supervision / instruction.
0915 Groom, pick out hoofs, and help with saddling & bridling their horse.
1000 Mounting and riding to the arenas.
1100 Lesson starts.
1200 Lesson finish horses fed and unsaddled etc.
1300 Lunch eaten in the dining area.
1400 Horses re saddled & bridled.
1430 Afternoon trek starts.
1630 Ride finishes tack cleaning, yard cleaning, grooming and putting out horses.
1900 Dinner in the dining area.

When staying on a 5 day course Wednesday is usually a sleep in for both horses and riders with riding in the afternoon only.

All riding is subject to fine weather and safe operating conditions, in high winds or heavy rain we teach horsemastership inside.

It's also possible for children to stay outside School Holiday time, please contact us for more infomation.

Accommodation.

Bunkrooms with boys and girls separate (heated during winter), similar age children or friends will be in the same room.

Kowhai also has a limited number of private rooms available for an additional cost.

Kowhai's bunkrooms have a current council building warrant of fitness and fire evacuation scheme in place.

Meals.

Courses include all meals. (except dinner on the night of arrival - 7:30pm check in Friday / Sunday)
If you have a special dietary need eg. Vegetarian, gluten free or vegan it will be necessary for you to bring your own food as we only prepare one type of meal for everybody.
If bringing ALL your own food we offer a $10 per day discount on the overnight course fee.

Kowhai has a current Food Safety Plan WMR000209/1
(this is now a legal requirement)

First Aid

Senior staff hold current Level 2 first Aid certificates.

Internet

There is free guest wifi in the dining area. Sensible use policy applies and internet traffic may be monitored.
Misuse will result in your device being confiscated.

Shuttle*

Kowhai has a private shuttle that runs Friday & Sunday evenings 6:30pm from around 102 Straven Rd in Riccarton.

Runs subject to a minimum number and seats need to be pre-booked as places are very limited. ($30 return)

Airport transfers / unaccompanied minor transfers are also available anytime POA

Kowhai's shuttle runs on a COF with a passenger endorsed driver.

Check in / check out times.

For weekend courses the check in at Kowhai is 7:30pm Friday.
(If is also possible to check in 9am Saturday by arrangement)
Check out 5:30pm Sunday

For a 5 day course the check in is 7:30pm Sunday.
Check out 5:30pm Friday