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Solid Foundation Equestrian

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Amberley
Solid Foundation Equestrian

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Horse training with a balance of Natural Horsemanship and English Riding with an emphasis on building trust and connection leading to a strong partnership.

I’m an experienced horsewoman having over 25 years in the equestrian field, with the majority of this time spent starting, training and competing horses for all English disciplines. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience gained from a variety of equestrian professionals as well as a background in vet nursing, farming and animal husbandry enabling me to develop a holistic approach to producing horses. I am qualified in equine studies/sport horse, coaching and agriculture, as well as being a National Show Hunter judge. I believe building trust and connection are the foundation blocks to a successful partnership. I offer the following services:

• Handling foals, halter and lead training and preparing them for farriers and vets.

• Float training

• Pre starting

• Starting (putting under saddle)

• Bringing horses back into work

• Schooling

• Giving life experience (farm experience can be included)

• Providing competition experience (showing, show hunter, show jumping, dressage)

• Coaching/lessons

02/11/2026

Remi’s first trot under saddle! 🥹💕👏🏻

Featuring my ADHD making an appearance as I spontaneously break into song while asking him to go around the outside. 💁🏼‍♀️🎶🤣

I mean, it’d be rude not to!

Whatever works, right?! 😂

29/10/2026

SANDOW BUTTON ND BOW | Button 💕
4-year-old (turning 4 in November), approx. 14.1hh, Bay Tobiano, Registered Partbred Gypsy Cob Gelding.
By Monteith Ridge Bow, out of Sandow Waverlie.

Button is a gorgeous young pony with plenty of personality, athleticism and potential! 😍

With approximately ¾ Gypsy Cob breeding and a little Thoroughbred in the mix, Button has a lovely combination of substance, movement and athletic ability. He’s currently around 14.1hh and still has some growing and filling out to do.

Button is an affectionate, inquisitive little character with a cheeky streak that regularly keeps us entertained! 😂 He loves attention and investigating everything around him, preferably with a little taste test along the way.

He has recently been started under saddle here at SFE and has taken to his education beautifully. Under saddle, he’s a nice in-between sort of ride, with enough forwardness to be enjoyable without being overly sharp.

He’s also had his first introduction to the free-jump lane, where he quickly figured out the exercise and happily popped around approximately 70-80cm, showing some lovely natural technique and athleticism! 👏🏻

Despite only being under saddle for a month, Button has already enjoyed a variety of experiences.

He attended the Ryal Novice Ridden Show, coming home with Champion Green Pony and Best Turnout! 🏆😍

He’s also enjoyed hacking around the farm and recently headed off for his first forest and beach adventure. He confidently navigated small logs, uneven terrain and some enthusiastic bush bashing through the forest! 😂 The busy beach was a bigger experience, but he remained level-headed, happily enjoyed some trot and canter, and even explored the shallow water.

One thing I particularly like about Button is that when he’s unsure of something, he’s more inclined to stop and assess the situation rather than react. With a little reassurance, he’s generally happy to give things a go.

I think Button has the makings of a fabulous all-rounder and could be a wonderful partner for a confident, capable teenager with experienced support, or a smaller adult looking for a fun young pony to produce.

He’s still very green and will benefit from someone who is confident, consistent and able to provide clear guidance as he continues his education. He’s got plenty of personality, athleticism and potential, and I think he’ll be a really rewarding pony for the right person! 💕

There’s plenty more of Button’s journey documented in his album, so feel free to have a look through his photos and videos to see what he’s been up to! 🥰

❤️

Genuine enquiries welcome.

27/10/2026

WINEXPRESS | Shaun 💕
7-year-old | Approx. 16hh | Bay TB Gelding
By Shamexpress

Shaun has recently returned to me after unfortunately not coping well in his new environment, where he displayed some undesirable behaviours.

However, since arriving back here, he has settled in perfectly and hasn’t put a foot wrong, despite my best efforts to recreate a similar situation! 🤷🏼‍♀️

He has been nothing but the perfect gentleman, but clearly there is a sensitivity there that needs to be taken into consideration. So, despite having had multiple beginners and riders of varying experience levels on board, I feel he would be best suited to an experienced home.

Shaun finished a very successful racing career at the end of February before retiring. After a few weeks off, he arrived here for a career change.

The day after he arrived, I threw some gear on and off we went for a hack around the farm on the buckle, while I caught up on some admin! 😂

He didn’t do a huge amount for the first few months, as I wanted to give him time to let down after racing. During this time, he also received bodywork to support that transition and help him feel more comfortable in his body.

Since then, Shaun has done some basic schooling and happily accepts the bit. He has a lovely soft mouth and responds beautifully to kind, consistent communication.

He’s also been out cross-country schooling, where he was happily jumping up to 90cm on his very first outing! Once he figured out that it was perfectly normal for all the other horses to be heading off in different directions, he quickly found his rhythm and thoroughly enjoyed himself. 💖👏🏻

Shaun absolutely loves hacking around the farm and has been a fabulous companion for our young horses, happily leading the starters around, showing them the ropes and occasionally keeping them in line! 😅

He also sailed through his pre-purchase veterinary examination before heading off to his previous home. 👏🏻

He’s an incredibly easy horse to have around, and it’s been lovely having him back.

The right home is particularly important for Shaun. I’m looking for someone experienced, confident and consistent, who can establish clear boundaries while remaining fair and kind.

He doesn’t need someone who will make a big deal out of things, but he does need someone who can recognise when he requires a little extra guidance and provide it without hesitation.

There’s a lovely horse here with plenty to offer, and I’d really like to see him find a partnership where he can continue to thrive. 💕

There are plenty more photos, videos and updates from Shaun’s time here, so feel free to have a look through his album to see more of what he’s been up to! 🥰
https://www.facebook.com/share/1C4ZnVRmsq/?

Genuine enquiries welcome.

26/10/2026

Button goes bush… and hits the beach! 🌲🌊😂

What an adventure for this little superstar today! 🥹💕

Button headed off for his very first forest and beach ride, with Michelle and another pony along for company.

He absolutely LOVED the forest tracks, confidently taking the lead even when things required a bit of four-wheel drive and some good old-fashioned bush bashing! 😂👏🏻

The beach was a slightly different story! 😅 With people enjoying the sunshine, little dogs, bicycles and plenty going on, Button wasn’t quite so keen to lead the way.

But he remained beautifully level-headed, happily offered some trot and canter, and even had his first little introduction to water in the shallows. 🥰

And apparently all that lovely sand was just BEGGING to be rolled in! 😂 Thankfully, he held himself together until we’d removed his gear back at the float. The moment I took him back onto the sand… DOWN he went! 🤣💁🏼‍♀️

We even managed to beat the weather warning, with the wind picking up just as we were heading back into the stables. Winning! 👏🏻😂

I couldn’t be happier with how this very green little pony handled such a big adventure. And goodness, did we both enjoy ourselves! 🥹💖

And speaking of adventures… Button is looking for his next one! 👀💕

If a full-sized Gypsy cross pony with plenty of personality sounds like your cup of tea, get in touch!

His official advertisement is coming soon, so watch this space! 😍

25/10/2026

Chappy has officially graduated from big kids’ school! 🎓👏🏻💕

His lovely owner came for her first ride on him, and what a special moment that was to watch! 🥹

Normally, I’ll hop on first before handing the reins over to the owner, but Chappy has given me such a lovely feel throughout his starting that I was quite happy for his very capable owner to hop straight on! 🥰

One of my favourite parts of this job is watching those first rides between horse and owner. Seeing the smile grow as they start to get a feel for their horse under saddle is incredibly rewarding. 💕

Chappy has been such a fun horse to start! He’s a lovely boy with a cheeky little personality that has certainly kept me smiling along the way. 😂🥰

He’s still a young horse, so this first chapter has simply been about laying some lovely foundations and giving him positive experiences under saddle.

Now it’s time for another break to grow, mature and let everything he’s learned sink in before continuing his education.

I’m so pleased with how this lovely boy has come along, and even more pleased that he’s heading home still very much Chappy! 🥹💕

Well done, Chappy! 👏🏻💕

22/10/2026

🐴 Weekend Help Wanted 🐴

We’re looking for a reliable, hardworking person to join our little team at SFE!

The role involves general horse housekeeping, including mucking out paddocks, feeding hay and checking water.

There will also occasionally be additional jobs, such as changing covers, giving hard feeds and helping with horse arrivals and departures.

We’re looking for someone who:

* Is confident and comfortable working around horses, including youngsters
* Is reliable, efficient and happy to work independently
* Has a good work ethic and takes pride in doing a job well
* Has a positive attitude and an eye for detail
* Is willing to learn how we do things at SFE

Previous experience is an advantage, but we’re happy to train the right person!

The role is generally around 2-3 hours per day, Saturday and Sunday, give or take depending on the number of horses we have in. There may also be opportunities for additional work.

📍 Located Broomfield, North Canterbury

If this sounds like you, flick us a message with a little bit about yourself and your horse experience! 😊

20/10/2026

The lovely Star is back!! 🥹💕

And today she was an absolute SUPERSTAR! 🌟

I started Star at the beginning of winter, and let’s just say she had no shortage of opinions about the whole idea! 😅😂

But I took my time, we worked through things together, and once she discovered that being ridden meant we could go on adventures, she started to think it was actually a pretty good deal! 🥰

She’s since had a lovely break to grow, mature and have a think about everything she’s learned. And goodness, she’s done some growing up! She’s filled out considerably too, despite already being eight years old. Just another reminder of how much time some horses need to develop. 💕

Anyway, today I started with my usual pre-flight checks and asked Star to present herself for mounting.

Well, she couldn’t have been more enthusiastic! 😂

She practically told me to hurry up and get on, and once I was up there, everything about her was saying, “Let’s go on an adventure!”

She kept looking out towards the hills, then over at the gate leading out of the yard.

And I thought… bu**er it, that sounds like fun! 😂

So I hopped off, chucked a saddle on, and off we went!

I swear I could feel her smiling from ear to ear as we headed out the gate and down the road. 🥹💕

She wasn’t quite brave enough to lead the way just yet, but the happiness was absolutely oozing out of her.

And that, for me, is something pretty special.

A horse who once had plenty to say about the whole riding business, now coming back from a break and practically asking to go exploring.

Welcome back, Star! 🌟💕

18/10/2026

What a day! 🥹💕

Quinn and Button headed off to the RYAL Equine Events Novice Ridden Show today for their very first ridden outing, and I couldn’t be more pleased with how they both went!

Quinn has only been under saddle for a couple of months, and little Button just a few weeks, so today was really about giving them a positive first experience and seeing how they coped with everything.

Well, they certainly exceeded expectations! 😍

🏆 Quinn – Champion Green Horse

🏆 Button – Champion Green Pony

Which made things rather interesting when it came time for Supreme… because suddenly I had two horses to ride! 😂

A quick swap from Button to Quinn and, to top off an already wonderful day…

🏆 Quinn – Supreme Champion! 🥹👏🏻

Of course, they both had their little moments, as you’d expect from green horses at their first show. But I was so pleased with how they handled themselves, especially with so much that was new to them.

Michelle was in charge of getting Button ready, which involved a rather impressive amount of purple shampoo after all the rain we’ve had! 😂 All that hard work paid off though, with Button also winning Best Turnout! 😍👏🏻

And a huge thank you to Michelle, Sophie and my mother-in-law for all their help today! It certainly takes a team to get two green horses through their first show, especially when they both end up competing for Supreme! 😂💕

And a little shout-out to DSH Equine Therapy for offering discounted massages to all the entrants! Such a lovely gesture and very much appreciated! 🥰💕

A pretty special day for these two, and I’m so proud of how far they’ve come in such a short time. 🥰

16/10/2026

Three more youngsters under saddle! 🥹💕👏🏻

Shiloh, George and Archie all had their first sits with a saddle on today, and I’m so pleased with how they’re coming along! 😍

We managed to get most of them done between the showers, although poor Archie drew the short straw and got the wet weather experience! 😂🌧️

And he wasn’t the only one! Poor Luca and Button also got caught out on their hack, leaving us all a little soggy! 😂

We also have another new face to introduce!

Meet Remi! 🥰💕 He had his first sit today too, keeping things nice and simple with just a halter and lead rope.

And apparently we have a bit of a theme happening here at SFE… 👀😂

Archie and Remi are remarkably similar, and with Bonnie also sporting a beautiful blaze and socks, we now have THREE Clydie crosses on the property!

Four lovely young horses, each learning in their own way, and another exciting little milestone.

There’s something pretty special about watching these babies begin to understand that having someone up there is really no big deal. 🥹💖

So pleased with how this little bunch is coming along! 🥰

15/10/2026

Can we just take a moment to appreciate a really good pair of breeches?! 😂😍

I bought a pair of VALA breeches from Rangiora Equestrian Supplies a while ago, and I have to say, they are hands down the most comfortable breeches I have EVER worn!

They’re honestly like wearing a second skin! 😍

And while I’m at it, I thought I’d give a little shout-out to the lovely team at Rangiora Equestrian Supplies. 🥰

They’re my go-to equestrian shop, with a great range of products and genuinely fantastic customer service. The team are always so lovely and helpful, and it’s great seeing them supporting our local shows too. 💕

It’s always nice to support a local business that looks after its customers so well.

And no, this isn’t sponsored or gifted in any way… I just really love my new breeches! 😂💖

Address

306 Mound Road, Broomfield
Amberley
7482

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5pm
Friday	8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+64273634442

Website

https://solidfoundationequestrian.co.nz/

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