Mairehau riding centre

"Always an enjoyable experience. If you've never ridden or have small children (6+) who've also not ridden, this is a great experience at the right price. They're usually pretty solidly booked so plan ahead. Have gone multiple times through the years and it's always an enjoyable time. Always friendly."

"Great personal attention and hands on guidance for new riders. Good natured horses. Staff are very helpful and friendly. Highly recommended to support local."

"Mairehau is an amazing place. I've been riding there for about 3 years now, as well as short bits before I properly became interested in horses. The instructors are lovely, Robert (the owner) and his wife Michelle are also really lovely. They are all easy to talk to and polite, and often have interesting stories to tell. You can very clearly see that they all love the horses an immense amount, and care for them well. Granted, there are a few things that aren't ideal, but the horses are happy and healthy, and that's what that matters. Mairehau has a bad online presence from past issues, but it has long since changed for the better. The beginner horses are very calm and safe, and you won't be allowed to ride any that the instructors think would be unsafe for you until you're at the correct level. (Something to keep in mind though, is that while the horses may be safe as most horses can be, they are still animals, and there is always a possibility of an accident.) Every week the setup in the arena changes. One week, the jumps will be set up for those who are able to use them, and then the next week, the arena will have only trot poles and some barrels to weave through. The ideal riding level in my opinion is beginner to intermediate, though some more advanced riders can get more advanced horses. They teach the basics of steering, using leg, posting to the trot, cantering, etc. Once you have a bit of experience, they also teach you how to do things like finding the diagonal, going on the right leg at a canter, and more about the 2 point position. Once you are ready, the instructors will teach you to jump, and eventually once you're more experienced and can reach a certain level, you will be allowed in a fairly large open space called the track. Once again, when you meet certain requirements, you will be allowed to go on extremely fun treks through Burwood forest (and sometimes on the beach in summer). Some of the horses are older, prefer not to jump, or aren't able to jump very high, so your options can be limited if you want to keep working on that, but at a beginner to intermediate level, it's perfect. Mairehau Riding Centre is an ideal place to learn the basics, and to ride for fun in a relaxed environment for an extremely reasonable price. I have never been so grateful to have found something as I have since I started riding here. If you're considering going, I very much recommend it. If you're planning on going, then I hope you or your friends / family enjoy it! Take care, and stay safe "

"My son has ASD and riding is very therapeutic for him. All the staff are very professional and caring. I cannot rate this riding school highly enough! If you are new to riding or a child the staff lead you around the paddock and nothing is a problem. It's fantastic!!"