Kākāriki Stables

Horse Riding Holiday Program 🌸🐴

Spring is just around the corner, get the kids outdoors for a day of horses, riding and hands-on horsemanship at Kākāriki Stables.

📅 Dates | 9:30am–3:00pm

• Monday 28 September
• Wednesday 30 September
• Friday 2 October
• Wednesday 7 October
• Friday 9 October

🏇 Includes:
• Two riding sessions
• Grooming & tacking up
• Mounted games, trekking & horsey activities
• Morning tea & lunch

Beginners & intermediate riders welcome

💰 $115 per child, per day

🧳 Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, water bottle, closed-toe shoes/gumboots and a spare change of clothes.

📩 Bookings essential – spaces are limited
Message us on Facebook or email [email protected] to book. 🐴

Hi team - we are cancelling today!

Stay safe and warm, will see you all soon,

Cheers

Hi Sunday parents! Quick update: due to the heavy wind and rain, riding is on hold for now. The kids are happily doing barn chores, and we’ll head up to the house if it gets worse. You’re welcome to pick up earlier if you’d like, or stick to the original 2:00 PM time in case the weather clears up!

Good morning everyone,

Just a reminder that there is **no weekend riding this weekend** as we head into the school holidays.

**Saturday Program**
• Last session: 27 June
• Resumes: 26 July

**Fortnightly Sunday Group**
• Last session: 21 June
• Resumes: 26 July

**After-School Program**
• Last session: 2 July
• Resumes: 20 July

These dates are also included in our newsletter. If you didn't receive the May update, please send me a message so I can make sure you're on the mailing list.

Thank you, and have a wonderful school holiday break! 🐴

Farewell to Freya

On 18 June at 1:00 pm, Freya was peacefully put to sleep overlooking the valley at the top of the forestry block. Her beloved owner, Christine, stayed by her side until the very end.

Freya arrived at Kākāriki Stables on 3 December 2024 after making the long journey from Hikuai in the Coromandel. She wasn't built quite like the elegant sport horse she would become—instead, she looked more like a fuzzy brown lollipop, with long, skinny legs and a wonderfully round barrel of a body. She stepped off the truck as though it were just another Tuesday. New scenery, new people, new horses? No problem.

Within minutes she had made it clear she intended to run the place, introducing herself by marching straight over and picking a fight with her new brother—and notorious mummy's boy—Splash, right in front of Christine. Freya certainly knew how to make an entrance.

Born in the wilds of Gisborne and mustered as a youngster, Freya never lost touch with her wild roots. She loved being up in the big blocks and always seemed happiest exploring the hills. She was a natural herd leader. Those famous "grumpy faces" weren't just attitude—they were often her way of telling both her four-legged and two-legged herd, "Get behind me, there's something up ahead I don't trust."

She carried that responsibility seriously, always looking after those around her. As Christine's first young horse, it was comforting to know Freya took her job as protector so seriously.

Freya approached life with honesty. She was brave, dependable, and always willing to give things a go. She wasn't afraid of standing her ground, but she also seemed to have her own unique sense of fairness. She could stand like a statue for a nervous beginner finding their confidence, yet remind an overconfident rider not to get too big for their boots. It was never out of spite—just Freya's own quiet way of teaching respect. I've often joked that all I do is stand in the middle of the arena waving my arms around; the horses at Kākāriki are the real instructors, and Freya was certainly one of the best.

As the months passed, Christine began to see beyond Freya's tough exterior. Little by little, the walls came down. Every now and then I'd catch a glimpse of Freya quietly accepting a cuddle or leaning into Christine's affection— making sure it didn't damage her carefully crafted tough-girl reputation.

Jumping wasn't something that came naturally to Freya in the beginning. Unlike Splash, who seemed born to fly over fences, Freya needed time to build her confidence. Christine patiently worked with her, never rushing, always encouraging. Eventually something clicked. Freya discovered she loved jumping. It made sense to her, and once she found her confidence she tackled every fence with determination and sassy flair.

Heartbreakingly, while still so young, Freya began developing ataxia, most likely caused by a genetic neurological condition that gradually robbed her of control over her hind legs. After many difficult conversations, countless tears, and guidance from the veterinary team, Christine made the incredibly selfless decision to let her go before the disease could take away her dignity.

Although Freya's life was far too short, it was filled with adventure, purpose, and love. She found a family who cherished her exactly as she was, and in return she left an unforgettable mark on everyone who knew her.

She was bold. She was stubborn. She was fair. She was fiercely loyal. She was wonderfully herself.

Run free, Freya. The hills are endless now and there's an entire herd waiting to follow your lead once again.

Attention Saturday Clubbers!

We're planning to be open as usual tomorrow. The weather warning is currently due to finish at 7.00 pm tonight, but if anything changes we'll post an update on our page tomorrow morning.

Regardless, please check the road conditions before driving out and only travel if it's safe. Stay warm, and we'll keep you updated if needed. 😊

📸 Taken back in summer - Prince is currently tucked up inside with a rug on!

❄️Winter Horse Riding Holiday Program ❄️

Its been a long term but the holidays are almost here!

Get the kids active at our July Winter School Holiday Program at Kākāriki Stables - Heaps of horsey time are perfect for building confidence, developing horsemanship skills, and making new friends - including the four legged hairy variety 🐴

📅 Dates (9:30am – 3:00pm)

• Wednesday, 8 July - Fully Booked
• Friday, 10 July (Matariki Public Holiday – yes, we are running!)
• Monday, 13 July
• Wednesday, 15 July – Fully Booked
• Friday, 17 July - Fully Booked

Message to be on the waitlist

Beginners & Intermediate Riders Welcome

We cater to absolute beginners through to riders confidently cantering independently.

🏇 Each day includes:

• Two riding sessions – a morning lesson or trek (grouped by ability) and afternoon mounted games or trekking.
• Hands-on horse care – grooming, tacking up, and learning the ropes.
• Plenty of fun, confidence-building activities and pony time!

💰 Cost: $115 per child, per day

Includes a warm morning tea and lunch. Please let us know about any dietary requirements when booking.

🧳 What to bring:

• Warm layers
• A waterproof rain jacket
• Water bottle
• Closed-toe shoes or gumboots (no Crocs)
• A spare change of clothes and socks

Feel free to bring your own helmet or body protector if you have them.

📩 Bookings are essential – spaces are limited!

Send us a Facebook message or email [email protected] to secure your place.

❄️🐴 Winter Horse Riding Holiday Programme! 🐴❄️
​Ready to shake off the winter chills? We are so excited to open bookings for our July Winter School Holidays programme at Kākāriki Stables!
​Bring the kids along for fresh air, cozy layers, and plenty of time in the saddle. Our fun-filled days are perfect for building confidence and learning great horsemanship. Bookings are officially open from today, so grab your preferred days early! 👇
​📅 Dates (9:30am – 3:00pm)
• Wednesday 8 July - All booked
• Friday 10 July (Matariki Public Holiday – yes, we are running!)
• Monday 13 July
• Wednesday 15 July
• Friday 17 July
​✨ Ages 7+ | Beginners & Intermediates
We cater to all levels, from absolute beginners to riders confidently cantering independently.
​🏇 Each day includes:
​2 Riding Sessions: A morning lesson or trek (grouped by ability) + afternoon mounted games or trekking.
​Hands-on Horse Care: Grooming, tacking up, and learning the ropes.
​💰 Cost: $115 per child, per day (includes a warm morning tea & lunch!).
👉 Please let us know any dietary needs when booking.
​🧳 What to pack: Warm layers, a reliable rain jacket, a water bottle, closed-toe shoes or gumboots (no Crocs), and a change of spare clothes/socks. Feel free to bring your own helmet/body protector if you have them!
​📩 Bookings essential: Spaces are limited! Flick us a Facebook message or email [email protected] to secure your spot. 🐴✨

Hope you all had as relaxing as a morning as Copper and Ice - yes she is fine, just wanted to have breakfast in bed. Decided a bucket of feed was worth getting up for shortly after the video.

Just a reminder we are on this Saturday - Sunday Monday we will be closed for normal programs as we will be running camp.

See you soon 🥰

Just confirming we are running today! Bring a raincoat and a spare change of socks :)