Choosing the right riding school is a big decision.
You want to know that it will be safe, fun, and riders will actually learn—not just sit on a horse for half an hour each week or be yelled at for the whole time. At Littleriver Equestrian, we understand these concerns, and we’re here to answer some of the most common questions parents ask before enrolling their child in lessons.
---
1. What happens if the weather is bad? Do lessons get canceled?
No wasted lessons here! When the weather prevents riding, we run off-horse sessions where riders learn essential skills like tacking up, horse first aid, feeding, and groundwork. These lessons are just as important as time in the saddle and help create well-rounded, confident equestrians.
---
2. How do you ensure my child’s safety?
Safety is our number one priority. We always set our riders and horses up for success together. We have a first-aid-trained coach onsite, follow a clear emergency plan, and maintain a fall record book to track and prevent issues. Our horses are carefully selected with safety as the top priority.
---
3. Are your coaches qualified?
Our two main instructors hold D/D+ level certifications with the New Zealand Pony Club Association (NZPCA) and have over 15 years of combined coaching experience. We are passionate about teaching and committed to helping every rider progress in a safe and supportive environment.
Our junior coaches are in training and are passionate about teaching riders. They coach under supervision and get coaching education regularly.
---
4. Do riders learn horse care, or just riding?
We believe in teaching total horsemanship, not just riding skills. All of our programs, including private lessons and pony groups, incorporate hands-on learning about horse care, tacking up, feeding, handling on the ground and more. All important whether they want to learn as a hobby, they want to own their own pony one day or have Olympic level aspirations.
---
5. How do you track and support my child’s progress?
We have a structured progression system for all riders. Pony group students can earn in-house Littleriver certificates and have the option to work toward official NZPCA certificates. Private lesson riders set personalized goals and we follow a skill development plan tailored to their abilities.
We also send our student check in reports which update parents with what they are working on and what they have recently achieved.
---
6. Do you teach ethical horsemanship?
Absolutely! At Littleriver Equestrian, we believe in kind, ethical training that puts the horse’s well-being first. Our riders learn:
🐴 How horses think – Understanding their natural instincts helps riders communicate effectively and build trust.
🐴 Positive-focused language – We encourage riders to problem solve versus place blame and always discuss our equine partners with the kindness they deserve.
🐴 Gentle handling and riding techniques – Whether on the ground or in the saddle, we emphasize kindness, patience, and riding in a way that promotes balance and comfort for the horse.
Our goal is to develop thoughtful, compassionate riders who understand that good horsemanship isn’t about control—it’s about partnership.
7. What makes Littleriver different?
We offer more than just lessons—we build a community. Our riders have access to:
⭐ In-house events and volunteering opportunities
⭐ A free second-hand gear rack and horse book library
⭐ Camps and holiday programs open to all riders
⭐ Fun, game-based learning to keep young riders engaged
---
8. Is Littleriver Equestrian expensive?
Our pricing is in line with other riding schools in the area. We offer high-quality instruction on safe horses, with a focus on learning, growth and enjoyment.
---
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a riding school where your child will be safe, supported, and truly learn the art of horsemanship, Littleriver Equestrian is the place to be. We’d love to have you organise a visit, ask questions, and see what makes our program special.
Interested? Contact us today to learn more or book a trial lesson!
Comentarios