Summer Holiday programme

Hi there Folks,

Just a short message to tell you that I decided to put specific dates for easier organisation.

The dates for our training days and camps for the kids.

But before I do, Julien and I would like to invite you all to our end of year BBQ on Saturday the 22nd at 6pm onwards.  Come with your family and spend a nice evening with us.  All I ask is that you bring some beverages and a plate of something meaty, savoury or sweet.

Now the dates

Training days

Under 10s - Tuesday 15th Jan and / or Thursday 24th

10s and over - Thursday 17th and/ or Tuesday 22nd

These days are from 10am till 3pm. Bring a packed lunch, sun cream and a hat as well as riding gear(if you have).
Cost - $60 per day per child. If you have your own pony then $50.

Camps - over 12s

These are 5 day camps, food is included in price (still to be decided)

The camps will be run - 10 am Mon - 4pm Fri
Own horse/pony can come.

Dates - 14th - 18th, 21st - 25th , 28th to 1st Feb

Bring tent,sleeping stuff, plate, cup, cutlery, torch, change of clothes/footwear, sun cream, hat, riding gear etc.


All days and camps need a minimum of 4 children to run.

Other dates can be arranged if in demand.


If you are interested in any of these dates, let me know.

As we have had many last minute cancellations over the last 2 years,  we would now like a non- refundable deposit of $30 when booking.  I apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

I hope to see you all on the 22nd, RSVP myself or Julien so we have an idea of how many chairs and sausages!!!

If you are unable to come, I would like to wish you all the best during the coming Festive Season.

Merry Christmas

Best Regards

Susan

November Newsletter

HI everyone,

Here is the latest newsletter.
Funny weather we are having now. Hopefully for the upcoming events the sun will smile down on us.

Here are the dates to put in your diary.
Let me know what activities you are interested in and provisionally book your space.  Most of these need a minimum of 4 people to run.

November

Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th - 2 day camp for over 12 yo. (no Saturday lessons)

Sunday 25th - Organised trek for everyone.

December

Sunday 9th  Horsemanship Clinic (level 1)

Saturday 22nd  - Last lessons before holidays ( Christmas theme with games)

Sunday 23rd to Wednesday 26th  - Centre closed

Thursday 27th  - Saturday 29th  - Summer Holiday Programme.

Monday 31st to Tuesday 1st  - 2 day trek to bring in the New Year. 

January

Thursday 3rd to Saturday 5th - Summer Holiday Programme.

Sunday 6th to Monday 14th - Centre closed

Tuesday 15th to Saturday 19th - Summer Holiday Programme.

Monday 21st to Saturday 26th - Summer Holiday Programme.

Monday 28th to Saturday 2nd - Summer Holiday Programme.

Sundays 20th, 27th  and 3rd Feb  - Centre closed.



For details keep reading…….

2 day camp for over 12s.    (Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th   November)

From the Saturday morning - 10am until Sunday afternoon -4pm.
Kids need to bring sleeping bag, roll mat and tent (if poss).
Bring lunches for 2 days.
Saturday’s evening meal and Sunday’s breakfast will be included in price.
For the horses - bring hard feed if giving, hay will be included in price.
$120 per child with a $20 horse hire fee.
Book if interested as limited places.

Organised trek ( Sunday 25th Nov)

Come on an all day trek with us.  We have still to decide where but this will depend on numbers and transportation.  We have some horses/ponies available.
Bring a packed lunch in a rucksack or saddle bag.  A nice way to spend a Sunday.


Horsemanship Clinic (Sunday 9th December)

Julien will be running a clinic on groundwork, focusing on the relationship between owner and horse and how to establish better communication.
The clinic is from 10 am to 3pm. Cost - $50.
If you need a horse, you can hire one of ours for $10.
Bring a packed lunch, drinks will be supplied.
Need a minimum of 4 participants to run


New Years 2 Day Trek   (31st Dec - 1st Jan)

Don’t know where to bring in 2013, why not in a remote hut with a bunch of crazy people!!!!!  BBQ and entertainment will be provided as well as a hangover cure for the morning after.  This adventure will be open to the non riding members of your family. 

WE NEED EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST ASAP;
Once we have sufficient interest, we will organise the details.


Summer Holiday Programme

I will be running training days and camps over the summer holidays.  I have decided not to have specific dates but to leave it open to all. There will be different  options of either your child coming one day, several days or on a weekly basis.

For the older kids (over 12), there will be the option of camping with evening meal and breakfast supplied.  The kids who decide to stay over will be expected to help with the younger riders and also will have horses/ponies under their charge.  A great way of improving both your riding and stable management knowledge.
Own horse is welcome.

Other things that are happening at EC Croft include

Equine Osteopath

It is important that your horse feels comfortable when you ride him.  If your horse has any aches or niggly bits, give Julien a call and he will work his magic. 


Pony Trainees

I am starting a programme called the Pony Trainee system for any keen teenager who would like to have work experience and training in the equestrian field.  In order to enter the program they need to be physical fit and capable, have some riding and horse experience.

Each student should have individual goals they are working towards whether it be gaining the confidence to have their own pony or becoming proficient enough to work  professionally in the equine industry.
I will offer the Pony Trainees special opportunities as they progress, however they must put in the hard work first.

The idea is that the students come on a Saturday and/or after school, also during the holidays.   There are limited places.  The students will work with us and our horses.  Though it is not guaranteed they will ride every time they come, the hours worked will be noted and the students will build up credits. 1 credit for 4 hours work.  4 credits equal one hour riding whether it is an extra lesson or a trek.

Let me know if your teenager is interested and when they could come for a trial day.

River Rides

Would you like to have a relaxing ride along the river or do some swimming with the horses?
We are now doing short treks on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday (by appointment).
Give us a call to book in.

Birthday Parties

Having a birthday party for your child and looking for an activity?
What about pony rides?
Let us know what you would like and we can organise it for you.



Quality Horses/Ponies for sale

We have several quality horses/ponies for sale.  If you are looking for that dream horse, give us a call.  If we don’t have the one you are looking for, we can help you in your search.

On a selling basis, if you would like to sell your horse but don’t want the hassle, we provide a sell on behalf service.

We promise to make the best match so that both rider and horse come out smiling.



On a personal note this Sunday (10th) I will be doing my first endurance race with Glen (an arab x riding pony).  We will hopefully complete and qualify at 40 km.  Though only started recently, he is a great horse, a real cool dude.
I will keep you posted on how we do on our blog.

We also welcome five little black and white piglets into our ever growing farm.  After a difficult start, the mum didn’t know if she really wanted to be mum, they are now a happy contented bunch.

Hope to see you very soon.

Susan and Julien.

Obstacle course training day 20-10-2012

 Awesome day for this first training day on our new obstacle course.

KIDS HAD FUN, PARENTS BEHAVED... or was it the other way around ?














A great BBQ and a rugby game in the dark to finish this beautiful day

Horsemanship clinic Level 1

WHAT A GREAT DAY !
Thank you so much every one who attended to have made this first clinic so interesting to provide.
It has been a pleasure to teach such committed students.





I hope you have all gone away with a better understanding of your horse.
Keep working on your skills to reach the horseman (woman) within.

Remember : Build on what you learn. "We take in the saddle what we have on the ground".

WELL DONE

September Newsletter

Hi there,

Spring is definitely in the air now.  Now is the time to get back out there and enjoy our hoofed friends.
We are going to have a very busy 2 months.

Here are some dates to put into your diary.

Horsemanship clinic - Saturday 22nd of September

Holiday training days for kids -     Tuesday 2nd of October for under 10s
                                                   Thursday 4th  for 10 yrs and up

Possible two day camp - Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th for over 12s

Transporting a horse seminar - Saturday 6th of October

Adult Jumping Day - Tuesday 16th of October

Obstacle training day - Saturday 20th of October

All the details are below.

Horsemanship Clinic (22nd of September)

Julien will be running a clinic on groundwork, focusing on the relationship between owner and horse and how to establish better communication.
The clinic is from 10 am to 3pm. Cost - $50.
If you need a horse, you can hire one of ours for $10.
Bring a packed lunch, drinks will be supplied.
Need a minimum of 4 participants to run

Holiday Training Days (2nd and 4th of October)

The days will be from 10am to 4pm.
The kids need to bring a lunch, drinks will be supplied.
Cost -     Using a centre‘s horse -$60 ,  Bringing your own - $50.
Need a minimum of 4 participants to run

The under 10s day activities will be
Morning -     Lesson, building an obstacle course and practising each obstacle.
Afternoon-     Team race over obstacle course, games and quizzes about pony care.
If time at end, bareback riding.

10 yrs and over training day activities will be -
Morning lesson (flatwork and jumping)
Afternoon trek to river - swimming with the horses

2 day camp for over 12s.    (Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th )

From the Tuesday morning - 10am until Wednesday afternoon -4pm.
Kids need to bring sleeping bag, roll mat and tent (if poss).
Bring lunches for 2 days.
Tuesday’s evening meal and Wednesday’s breakfast will be included in price.
For the horses - bring hard feed if giving, hay will be included in price.
Price to be decided.
Book if interested as limited places.

Transporting a Horse Seminar (6th of October)

The seminar will cover the following subjects -
How to load, unload,
How to fit travelling gear
Trailer maintenance. 
If you would like to come or know of someone who would be interested, let me know.
It is in partnership with Agribusiness and is from 10am till 12:30 and a price of $60

Adult Jumping Day  (Tuesday 16th of October)

Would you like to try jumping or would like to get back into it?
This will be a very relaxed way of doing it.  The jumps won’t be big ( I promise, unless you want to!!)
From 9:30 - 4pm
The morning will be grid work and improving your position and feel over the jumps.
The afternoon we will have a go at a small course.
Bring your lunch, drinks will be supplied.
Cost - $50 with a horse hire charge of $10.

Obstacle training day  (Saturday 20th of October )

Come and spend the morning with us and try your hand at our obstacle course.
Obstacles will include barrels, a bridge,  a gate, a flag, mounting tyres etc.
If we have enough people, there might be a small competition in the afternoon.
Open to all ages so come with your kids.
Will start at 9am.
Morning training - $25
$5 horse hire fee if you need a horse.

Other things that are happening at EC Croft include

Pony Trainees

I am starting a programme called the Pony Trainee system for any keen teenager who would like to have work experience and training in the equestrian field.  In order to enter the program they need to be physical fit and capable, have some riding and horse experience.

Each student should have individual goals they are working towards whether it be gaining the confidence to have their own pony or becoming proficient enough to work  professionally in the equine industry.
I will offer the Pony Trainees special opportunities as they progress, however they must put in the hard work first.

The idea is that the students come on a Saturday and/or after school, also during the holidays.   There are limited places.  The students will work with us and our horses.  Though it is not guaranteed they will ride every time they come, the hours worked will be noted and the students will build up credits. 1 credit for 4 hours work.  4 credits equal one hour riding whether it is an extra lesson or a trek.

Let me know if your teenager is interested and when they could come for a trial day.

After School Programme

I have advertised in the local schools that with Care Farming NZ ( a registered charity), we are running after school programmes on a Monday and Thursday until 6pm.  There will be a variety of activities including animal care, gardening, woodwork and team building.  There will be time allocated to homework.  The programme costs $12 per day.  There may be additional transport costs.

River Rides

Would you like to have a relaxing ride along the river or do some swimming with the horses?
We are now doing short treks on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday (by appointment).
Give us a call to book in.

Birthday Parties

Having a birthday party for your child and looking for an activity?
What about pony rides?
Let us know what you would like and we can organise it for you.

Book your place.....

The season will be starting soon so we have limited spaces available for Young Horse Starting or Training.  

Re-Education - Whether it is a loading , groundwork or ridden problem, Julien will work with you to develop a better relationship with your horse.

Give us a call to discuss your needs and how best we can help you.

Events in September

22nd of September - Horsemanship Clinic - Julien will be hosting his first NZ clinic.  Book your place now.

Dates have still to be confirmed.......

Obstacle Course Training Day - Over the next couple of weeks we will be building our obstacle course.  We will be running training days for people to come with their own horse or hire a centre's horse.  A great way to build up a trusting partnership with your horse.

At the end of September or Beginning of October we will be hosting an Official Open Day. However don't wait until then to come and visit us.

Special Offer for Pony Club Members

Jumping training clinics in August and September.
Book your date for a group of 8-10 members.
9:30-3:30
$25 each.
Improving your jumping position and your eye for distance.
How to ride the arena and your jumping lines better.

Transporting a Horse Seminar

25th of August
Learn how to load and unload your horse properly with no hassle.  how to fit travelling gear and how to maintain your horse trailer.
10am - 12:30.  Price - $60

Training Day 13th July

Despite being low in numbers (cancellations at last minute), I had a super day with the little ones.  Lesson and obstacle course in the morning.  The obstacles included a cone slalom, a pole zigzag, dismounting and mounting on off side and a raised trotting pole.  The fastest time was 3 minutes in a walk and 2 and a half minutes at a trot.
The afternoon was filled with learning the points of the pony and then bareback riding on the lunge.  The riders were lying , kneeling and trying to stand while the horse was walking.  They were also trotting and doing it without hands!! A great test of balance.
Unfortunately I didn't have a camera ready so no photos.
A special well done to
Lucy for going on Ailish bareback ( first time on a big pony)
Rosie for super teamwork.
Tristan for not slipping of Polly bareback
 See you all soon

Training Day 11th July

Very nice day and an exciting one. It was the first jumping lesson for most. Everyone did very well, I am proud of my riders.  No one fell off which is a bonus, though there were some close calls!!!
The afternoon was a trek to the river.  It was a very warm day and  the horses and riders braved the cold water, and got their feet and more wet.  Some nice swimming went on.
A special well done to each of you.
Tegan for being determined and getting Ailish over those jumps.
Hayley for sitting up and woahing Lisa
Emily for super cantering over your first vertical
Karli for teaching Michela how to trot over jumps.
To you all for coping with the tractor monster who surprised us at the ford!!!
Thanks for a great day.
See you soon

From L to R- Tegan and Ailish, Hayley and Lisa, Me and Inca, Emily and Charlie, Karli and Michela

TRAINING DAY 06/07

Great day, with lots of laughs.  Morning lesson was mainly about jumping, working on position and riding over canter poles then a canter pole to a jump. Some fantastic jumping styles.

In the afternoon we went down the river.  Even though it is winter the girls couldn't resist the deep holes so everyone had their feet and more wet!!  The horses seemed to love it too.
 A special well done to each of you.

Gemma for her falling skills
Molly for keeping Rascal going
Brodie for super swimming and splashing
Sheryl for some nice cantering
Sarah for jumping great on Charlie .
Thanks to all the girls for a great day.  I hope to see you all soon.

THE GANG- L TO R  Sheryl and Ehlonna, Gemma and Ali, Susan and Charlie,
Sarah and Ailish, Molly and Rascal, Brodie and Inca.

?

Tender moment between Charlie and Ailish

Say 'Swimming!!!!!'

New Horse for Lessons

We would like to welcome Charlie to our Centre.  A lovely, quiet grey Arab.  He has been an endurance horse and now is ready to teach people how to ride.  Likes to jump and likes to go out on treks.  Some photos soon.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AGRIBUSINESS

SEMINARS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HORSE CARE.

21/07 - How to buy the right horse

A full day seminar on how to find the right horse, what does the jargon mean, how to 

 try a horse, what to look for when visiting a horse, understand the legal bits and pieces, what does the vetting involve?

25/08 - Breeding your first foal

A full day seminar on learning the ins and outs of breeding, how to choose the right stallion,  the mare's reproductive system, the service and which way is best for your mare, looking after the in-foal mare and the birth of your foal.  

Book your place today.

Contact Agribusiness on 03 688 7383 and talk to Gaye.

 

 

HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC

Julien will be running a horsemanship clinic in July ( towards the end when the holidays are over).
Interested .............. send us an email or give us a phone to put your name down.

JULY HOLIDAYS TRAINING DAYS

There are three Training Days running in the holidays.
On Friday the 6th of July, Wednesday the 11th and the 13th ( hopefully this will not be jinxed!!)

Each day is from 10am to 3pm.

Bring your lunch, we will supply hot drinks and water on tap.

The training days need a minimum of 4 riders and a maximum of 8 to run.
We retain the right to cancel  if numbers are not sufficient.

The days are open to all.  Own horse and ponies are welcome,
If you are coming with your own horse, please arrive earlier (about 20 minutes) to allow time to settle your horse and organise your stuff.

On the 6th and 11th the lesson will be both flat work and jumping (depending on level of riding)
In the afternoon we will have a ride down the river.
(Those coming with your own horse/pony, be sure that they are fine to ride in a group and ok with a little traffic)

On the 13th,  the day is for 10 years old and under who would like to learn more about ponies and riding.  The day will be packed with games and fun learning, we might even build an obstacle course.

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Happy riding till then

LITTLE BREAK.....

The centre will be closed until June 20th.

Regular activities will start again (teaching, training, breaking in...) with a couple of new events on the way.
A few projects including volting, horse ball and other will take birth (time permitting)  next season.

Coaching and training for "cow boy challenge" and "stock and station" will start early.

Don't hesitate to enter your e-mail address in the "follow us" tab to make sure you don't miss out on important dates as we'll try to get ready on time for the start of the season and some work lies ahead of us!

Welcome to all members of the "go easy" (name still to be decided) riding club. The news, updates and agenda will be held on this blog.

Training days

Great days for it...
Both clinics went really well and all riders had heaps of fun.

All came away after improving loads both on and off the horse.

First canter for some, first jump for others and nothing better then a swim in the river with the horses at the end of a hot day.

  Little pic of the younger ones... no photographer for the bigger group !

                           

Thanks for attending.

Edurance Nationals in Hawarden

What a beautiful week-end !
Endurance crowd is really a great one.
Congratulations to all riders and mounts for their runs 160, 100 and 120 km, such athletes !

Quite an atmosphere around the base, particularly at night for the early starts.

3 o'clock start

Congratulations Susan !

Well done to Ehlonna and Susan.
Great day out with the Mackenzie endurance riding club...until the storm!
Hats off to EC Croft team that qualified in the intro 25km ride. Good recovery time and fitness, very nice ride and fantastic time.

Till next time... thanks to the Mackenzie club and endurance crowd for the fantastic welcome we received.

See ya girls...

Welcome to our "little surprise"....PADDY born on March 17th!
And Well done Milly..