Reviews - Trekking

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Longspur Lodge - CHCH, Canterbury

 

 

Unfortunately Longspur Lodge has closed

You may like to try Otahuna Lodge

or check out the TRUENZ guide to horse trekking operations for the area you are interested in.

 

Price(s)/Ride Reviewed: (Aug 2000) $40 1.5 -2 hrs (dependent partly on how fast you ride)
Other options - 1 1/4 hour - $30 or 2 1/2 - 3 hours + BBQ - $60
 
Horses: Something to suit everyone.  A wide variety of sizes and 'styles' to suit all abilities of riders.  I rode a standardbred called President who I can't rave enough about.  Highly responsive, even when cantering or galloping and yet sensible and can be ridden on a loose rein.  The other horses in our group were also liked by their riders and certainly gave us a very enjoyable ride out, without the hassles of some trekking horses.    

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Equipment:  Riding helmets were provided.
 
Mounting: a mounting block is available in the mounting enclosure.
 
Guide(s): Originally we were booked in with a large'ish tourist group, but once we arrived and explained that we had some riding experience we were taken out as a separate group (3) so that we could enjoy ourselves and our horses.  
 
The first part of the ride, in a paddock close to the yards is used to assess riders abilities.  A trot and canter first up, sorts out those who overestimate or underestimate their riding abilities. (I always find it very hard to describe my own level )
 
There's also a small paddock where you ride through, up and over small gullies and embankments - I suspect this is also part of the assessment period since riding over terrain is vastly different from a flat riding school or pony club paddock.  Its good fun, get's you used to your horse and is an excellent way for your guide to assess the group.  

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Scenery / Trails: Rolling Canterbury farmland and tracks.  From the tops of the hills you get fantastic views of the Alps, Lake Ellesmere and the surrounding farmland of Banks Peninsular.  The neighbouring farm has Alpaca, Llamas assorted odd breeds of sheep and cattle and miniature horses to look at.
 
General Comments: A great ride!!  Whether you are a first timer or beginner wanting a gentle walk or a more adventurous rider wanting some fast and furious fun (There is a high speed gallop through the Lake Ellesmere lakeside\marshland for the real thrill seekers!) you'll enjoy this trek.  Safety is taken seriously and so is fun.  As well as the riding, there's other friendly animals to meet and a barbeque area available for those who do the twilight ride.
 
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