Littleriver Equestrian

There’s a Learning Levels resource that we actually don’t talk much about anymore… but it still exists and it’s free and shareable.

Some years ago, as our students abandoned the analog for the digital, we started looking into options for creating online horsey homework. We came across a platform called Quizlet. Instructors could moderate a “classroom” for a low fee; students could practice with online study sets, flashcards and quizzes completely for free. Many of our school-age students were familiar with Quizlet and has used it in other academic settings.

Enthusiastically, we created over 60 study sets based on the Learning Levels curriculum, reviewing everything from pony parts to dressage letters to feeding rules to the equine skeletal system. We got a ton of use out them, too. Our students would use them as horsey “homework” between lessons, and every month we’d feature a couple of Quizlet sets in our email newsletter. Some of the parents even got on board and learned some HorseSense. 🤓

Then a little thing called a pandemic came along and our kids got completely burnt out online learning. 😆 Quizlet has also made some changes to their interface that we don’t love. So while we’re happy that our study sets have helped so many students, we probably won’t be adding new material or sharing the platform widely.

But! For the time being, the study sets are still open for anyone who wants to play with them. (The speedy Match games are the most fun.) We’ll drop a 🔗 to our folders below, along with a page that includes some more info and a downloadable infosheet. 💝

🐴 “Naughty.” “Stubborn.” “Rude.” They might seem like harmless words, but could they actually change how we treat horses?

At the ISES 2026 Conference, Susie Catherall Ostler presented “Words matter: The prevalence and impact of negative emotive language in the equine industry.”

In a survey of 355 participants, every participant had heard negative emotive language used to describe horse behaviour, and 97% admitted using it themselves.

But the most striking finding was what happened when researchers changed only the language used to describe a horse’s behaviour. Participants shown descriptions using negative emotive language were significantly more likely to suggest sedation and, in some scenarios, positive punishment, despite seeing the exact same video of the horse.

People who reported using this type of language more frequently were also less likely to suggest giving the horse time, considering their emotional state or physical discomfort, or using desensitisation.

The takeaway is simple but powerful: the words we use can shape the decisions we make.

Instead of labelling a horse as naughty, stubborn or rude, asking why they are behaving that way could lead us towards more horse centred responses.

Congratulations to our very own Tayla Hutchison

We are delighted to announce the 2026 NZPCA National Quiz Team!

Congratulations to:

Tayla Hutchison – Captain
Ryder Poulton
Samantha Jones
Kaitlin Barendregt

Reserve: Olivia McDonald
Team Manager: Katie Graham

The team will proudly represent New Zealand in the PCIA International Virtual Quiz on 4 October 2026.

We wish them all the very best!

SPRING LITTLERIVER AUCTION CAMP ANNOUNCEMENT!
9am September 30th – 5pm October 2nd | $400

Over the 3 days, riders will take on a variety of challenges (like a timed obstacle course or a game of Pictionary), earning 'camp cash' along the way, which they'll need for camp auction on the last day!
(Shhh... Don't tell anyone but last year we auctioned off cool things like saddle pads, snacks and vouchers!)

We have been running camps here at Littleriver for 10 years, giving riders an unforgettable experience where they can develop their riding, learn new horsemanship skills, make new friends and have a ton of fun in a positive environment.

Riders need to be capable of independent walk and trot minimum. Our camps are tailored to our attendees. Whether that's a rider who's just started cantering or a rider competitively jumping 80cm courses.
Ages 8+

Staying over night is not mandatory if you would rather go home for the nights.
We have an awesome team of school ponies we use for camp or you can bring your own horse/pony.

Bookings require a non-refundable $100 deposit (leaving you 300 to pay before the camp date).
Limited spots. Mssg to book.

This camp is supported by
Punk Ponies Tack Shop
HERDD bedding HERDD pet care

Charlie Road
Heart Horse Books
Paxx Equestrian

This week's riding theme was balance 🤸🏼‍♀️

A very important part of riding, for our horses and riders!
That meant this week looked like ba****ck, double ups in trot, two point, obstacles, no hands, lunging, polework and more!

Our stretch of the week was balance focused too! Hopefully all our riders have added it to their at home training to help them become more balanced, confident riders!

We love some fun birthday party games to end the week! 🎉

A huge Happy birthday to our amazing horses.

We couldn't do what we do without them ❤️
We have 18 here onsite that are celebrating today, make sure you give them extra treats next time you come visit!

A special mention to our crew of school ponies that are all amazing teachers and well loved by us and all our students. ❤️

Last weekend we finished the holidays with Adorna's birthday party, who is one of our wonderful regular riders.

Because her party was filled with her Littleriver friends we changed it up, doing a team vs team game, where riders had to go find items to create a feed bag fashion outfit!