Ginny Mckenzie Equine

Ginny Mckenzie Equine I’m a Event Rider and Horse Trainer based in Rangiora, North Canterbury NZ.

I’ve have many years of experience behind me, over the years I have competed in a range of disciplines. I currently hold my H certificate through New Zealand Pony Club Association, with working towards my A Certificate. I am also able to work with horse and rider on the ground, focusing on creating a bond in their partnership. As part of my work I also specialize in retraining off the track Thorou

ghbreds and off the track Standardbreds. I am one of the Equine Educators for the Hero Program which is run by Harness Racing New Zealand

08/11/2025

With the two recently rehomed Standies finding their homes, this will be the last retired racehorse directly managed through Ginny McKenzie Equine. This marks the end of an era rehoming Standies straight off the track, but don’t worry – I’m certainly not stepping away from rehoming altogether!

I will still be working with Standies, offering schooling and sale-on-behalf services, as well as helping to rehome horses for people who aren’t in a position to afford a sale-on-behalf arrangement. There are still plenty of horses in need of new homes, and I have some very exciting projects and opportunities coming up that I can’t wait to share. ✨

Stay tuned – the next chapter is going to be just as rewarding and full of opportunity!

🌟 Exciting news – we’ve added an Equissage to Ginny McKenzie Equine! 🌟Equissage can help with recovery, circulation, mus...
04/10/2025

🌟 Exciting news – we’ve added an Equissage to Ginny McKenzie Equine! 🌟

Equissage can help with recovery, circulation, muscle relaxation, and overall wellbeing for your horse 🐴💆‍♀️

Now I’d love to hear from you:
👉 Would you be interested in Equissage sessions for your horse?
👉 How much would you be willing to pay for a session (e.g. 20–30 mins, or as an add-on during training)?
👉 Would you prefer it while your horse is here with me, or as a mobile service at your property?

Your feedback will help me shape how I offer this new service so it works best for you and your horses.

Drop your thoughts in the comments or send me a quick message – I’d really appreciate it! 💬

🐝 Bee has found her person 🐝We are delighted to share that Bee has found her perfect match. It has been an absolute plea...
04/10/2025

🐝 Bee has found her person 🐝
We are delighted to share that Bee has found her perfect match. It has been an absolute pleasure having her with us, and we look forward to seeing all that she achieves in her new home. Wishing Bee and her new owner many wonderful adventures together. ✨

Maybe Piper’s secretly a cow horse 🤔 She’s not at all bothered by calves, lambs, or dogs – just takes it all in her stri...
29/09/2025

Maybe Piper’s secretly a cow horse 🤔 She’s not at all bothered by calves, lambs, or dogs – just takes it all in her stride. Around here, the horses really do have to get used to a bit of everything!

26/09/2025

Training with Respect, Connection, and Variety at Ginny McKenzie Equine

I believe horses should be horses—and part of that means helping them feel safe, confident, and relaxed both on the ground and under saddle. That’s why I include join-up and groundwork as foundational steps to build trust and communication before riding.

I also teach horses to stand quietly and independently when tied. Whether you’re at a show, an outing, or just need a moment away, it’s vital your horse can stay calm and safe alone. Knowing you can walk away with confidence is a key part of their training and wellbeing.

Variety is essential too. I mix up the work to keep horses mentally and physically engaged—incorporating groundwork, flatwork, pole exercises, obstacle challenges, and more. This keeps training fresh and helps horses develop balance, rhythm, and confidence in different situations.

Horses need clear boundaries and to know we are the leader—just like in the wild where there’s a natural herd hierarchy. Leadership doesn’t mean harshness; it means consistency, fairness, and kindness so your horse feels secure and knows where they stand.

One thing I always avoid is “black and white” training—strict rules or rigid right/wrong thinking don’t suit horses. They learn best with clear, consistent cues combined with kindness and patience. Training should build trust and understanding, not confusion or stress.

My approach is gentle, patient, and tailored to each horse’s personality—because true progress comes from respect, understanding, and letting horses be themselves.

Ready for a training style that balances connection, independence, boundaries, variety, and kindness? Let’s chat!

📞 027 685 7708 | www.ginnymckenzieequine.com

BK Sister 'Bee'– Seeking the Right MatchAge: 2020Height: 16.1hhColour: Bay Gender: MareBreed: Standardbred TrotterSire- ...
25/09/2025

BK Sister 'Bee'– Seeking the Right Match

Age: 2020
Height: 16.1hh
Colour: Bay
Gender: Mare
Breed: Standardbred Trotter
Sire- Father Patric
Dam- Smitten
Location: Loburn, North Canterbury

About Bee:
Bee is a kind and gentle standardbred with a great attitude and a strong work ethic. With a calm, curious, and sensible, she is a pleasure to handle and has proven to be easy-going and affectionate.

Bee has started her ridden career and has done basic flatwork; she will happily walk and trot under saddle. She has also been out for road rides and is showing impressive potential as a happy hacker type.

Bee's first ride under saddle consisted of picking up road cones, walking over tires/obstacles, have her rider make silly noises and clap, also having her first trot, all while ba****ck.

Bee has been through water, lead off other horses and been bush bashing all with ease. She has seen a range of traffic down the road.

She likes life in the slow lane and is very easy going. She is the type you can hop on after days off without a worry.

With excellent ground manners and a basic foundation in general ridden life, Bee is ready to continue developing with the right rider who will offer a home where she is able to continue her education. She is green and still has things to learn, the longer she stays with me and the more she learns the higher her rehoming cost will be.

Ideal Match:
Bee would suit a Intermediate/Advanced rider looking for pleasure riding/happy hacker. Best suited to someone who will continue their education.

Care & Management:
Bee is currently in light work. She has been paddocked alone and with others, she is currently barefoot. She is happiest being paddocked with other horses around.

She is good to float, for farrier, drench etc.

Bee horse is looking for a new home through Ginny McKenzie Equine.

More Photos & Videos:
Each horse has their own album on Facebook with more photos and videos.
Mandy is looking for a new home through Ginny McKenzie Equine rehoming program.

More Details:
For more information, visit www.ginnymckenzieequine.com or contact Ginny at 027 685 7708 or [email protected].

Bee might enjoy the water a little too much! 🌊🐝She was a bit hesitant about stepping in at first, but once her toes got ...
25/09/2025

Bee might enjoy the water a little too much! 🌊🐝
She was a bit hesitant about stepping in at first, but once her toes got wet she quickly decided it was the best fun. We had a little play, and while there were a few small steering wobbles (some of that was me riding one-handed, to be fair), she really tried her heart out.

I also decided to try her in a hackamore, and she definitely preferred it over a bit—just needs a little time to get used to the different action. Bee always wants to please and give it her best, which makes her such a joy to work with. 💛

Main Street ‘Mandy’– Seeking the Right MatchAge: 2012Height: 15.2hhColour: BayGender: MareBreed: Standardbred PacerSire:...
24/09/2025

Main Street ‘Mandy’– Seeking the Right Match

Age: 2012
Height: 15.2hh
Colour: Bay
Gender: Mare
Breed: Standardbred Pacer
Sire: Flashing Red
Dam: Soky’s Okay
Location: Rangiora, North Canterbury

About Mandy:
Mandy is a kind Standardbred with a great attitude and a strong work ethic. With a sensible temperament, she is a pleasure to handle and has proven to be easy-going and affectionate.
Mandy is showing impressive potential as a happy hacker. She loves to get out for adventures. She has basic flatwork skills and will happily trot over trotting poles.
Mandy is good to take out on her own or with company and with traffic etc. She is good to bring into work after time off.
With excellent ground manners, Mandy is ready to continue developing with the right rider who will offer a relaxed environment.

Ideal Match:
Mandy would suit an Intermediate rider looking for pleasure riding. Best suited to someone who will continue their education and enjoy getting out for adventures.

Care & Management:
Mandy is good for the farrier, float, paddock alone and with others. She is currently barefoot and is on a low maintenance diet.

More Photos & Videos:
Each horse has their own album on Facebook with more photos and videos.
Mandy is looking for a new home through Ginny McKenzie Equine rehoming program.

More Details:
For more information, visit www.ginnymckenzieequine.com or contact Ginny at 027 685 7708 or [email protected].

Let’s talk about a topic that’s often overlooked but vital for your horse’s health and comfort – sheath cleaning (or ‘de...
09/09/2025

Let’s talk about a topic that’s often overlooked but vital for your horse’s health and comfort – sheath cleaning (or ‘debeaning’).

Over time, male horses naturally accumulate sm**ma (a combination of dirt, sweat, and oils) inside their sheath. This can harden into bean-like structures, causing discomfort, irritation, and even urination difficulties if left unchecked. Regular sheath cleaning is an essential part of good equine hygiene, helping to prevent infections, swelling, and behavioral changes due to discomfort.

Where does the ‘bean’ sit?
The ‘bean’ is a hardened lump of sm**ma that forms in the small pouch at the tip of the p***s, just inside the urethral opening. If left to build up, it can cause significant discomfort, make urination painful, and even lead to infections or swelling.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:
• How often? While every horse is different, most geldings and stallions benefit from a thorough clean every 6–12 months.
• What to look for: Check for any hardened “beans” around the urethra, and ensure there’s no swelling, unusual discharge, or strong odor.
• Why it matters: Cleanliness reduces the risk of infections and ensures your horse is comfortable, especially when working or performing.

If you’re unsure how to go about it or your horse gets anxious during the process, I can help! Sheath cleaning is part of caring for a healthy and happy horse, and I’d be happy to guide you or provide the service.

Pricing:
• $50 per horse (on-site at Wallers Road)
• $60 per horse (off-site)
• $10 discount for each additional horse owned by the same person

Send me a message to book a session or ask any questions!

09/09/2025

Can Horses Really Smell Fear?

A recent study demonstrated that horses are capable of detecting and responding to human emotional states, such as joy and fear, through olfactory cues.

Specifically, the research showed that horses exposed to human scents collected during episodes of fear or joy exhibited clear behavioural and physiological responses, indicating that emotional signals can be transmitted from humans to horses via scent.

In the study, scientists collected human sweat samples during controlled episodes designed to elicit fear (by having volunteers watch a horror film) or joy (by watching comedic or uplifting videos), ensuring strict controls over hygiene and diet to prevent confounding odour cues.

These human odour samples were then applied via cotton pads to the nostrils of 43 Welsh mares, which were grouped to receive odours from either the fear context, the joy context, or unused/clean control pads.

The horses underwent a series of behavioural tests including grooming with a familiar human, a human approach test, a suddenness (startle) test, and a novel object test to assess their reactions to the different scents.

Physiological indicators, such as heart rate and cortisol levels, were also measured.

Horses in the fear-odour group showed higher maximum heart rates, signifying increased arousal and stress.

Equally important, these horses were less likely to initiate contact with humans, indicating a clear reduction in their willingness to engage socially. These results support the idea of emotional contagion—the transfer of an emotional state from humans to horses via chemosignals.

This research demonstrates how human emotions transmitted unconsciously through smell, may shape horses’ stress levels, reactions, and cooperative behaviours, underscoring the importance of calm, positive human–horse interactions.

📑 Human emotional odours influence horses’ behaviour and physiology by Plotine Jardat and colleagues.

Piper – Seeking the Right MatchShow Name: Coleraine ReflectionRegistered with: Irish Draught Horse Society NZBreed: Iris...
05/09/2025

Piper – Seeking the Right Match

Show Name: Coleraine Reflection
Registered with: Irish Draught Horse Society NZ

Breed: Irish Sport Horse
Age: 5 years old
Height: 15.2hh
Gender: Mare
Colour: Bay
Location: Loburn, North Canterbury

Sire: Colmans Touch
Dam: Chardonnay (Thoroughbred)

About Piper:
Piper (Coleraine Reflection) is a quality young Irish Sport Horse mare with a lovely work ethic and a bright future ahead. She thrives on having a job and enjoys getting out and about—whether that’s schooling, hacking, or learning something new.

She’s registered with the Irish Draught Horse Society of New Zealand and brings a great mix of temperament, athleticism, and presence.

Piper has been to pony club, show jumping days, ODEs, and various training outings. She has been well-behaved and easy to manage at events, happily standing tied to the float and taking in new environments with a calm and sensible attitude.

As a youngster, Piper had a minor check ligament issue which was successfully treated with surgery before she came to me. Since arriving as a 2-year-old, she has never had any soundness issues and has been brought along slowly and correctly. The previous issue has not affected her in any way, and there are no concerns about her ability to enjoy a full and active ridden career. Vet history is available on request for genuine enquiries.

She has three balanced, rhythmical paces, a great attitude toward poles and small jumps, and is confident hacking alone or in company.

Piper is sensible and eager to please, but she does best with a rider who is calm, clear, and confident in their leadership. She’s not difficult, just a mare who appreciates consistency and guidance in the partnership.

Her breeding combines athleticism with rideability, making her a great prospect for someone wanting a fun and capable young horse to bring on.

Ideal Match:
Piper would suit a confident rider who enjoys bringing on young horses and can offer clear, kind direction. She’s not suitable for beginners, but would be a wonderful partner for someone looking for a smart, trainable mare with plenty of potential and personality.

Care & Management:
Piper is currently in light to moderate work, turned out in a mixed herd, and barefoot. She’s easy to catch, float, and handle. She enjoys a routine, thrives on attention, and is straightforward to manage with no known vices.

More Photos & Videos:
Piper has her own album on Facebook with additional photos and videos showcasing her flatwork, jumping, and hacking.

Contact:
For more information visit www.ginnymckenzieequine.com or to arrange a viewing, please contact Ginny at 027 685 7708 or [email protected].

Bee’s First Little Adventure 🐝✨Bee headed out on the lead with Mandy and she took it all in her stride. She’s not the sp...
27/08/2025

Bee’s First Little Adventure 🐝✨

Bee headed out on the lead with Mandy and she took it all in her stride. She’s not the spooky type—just the odd curious look at new things, then carried on without fuss.

She happily trotted along beside Mandy, handled a ute driving past with no worries, and even made her way through some tricky spots and water like a pro. 🌿💧

This girl just keeps showing how sensible and willing she is!

Address

Loburn

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 9am - 7pm
Sunday 9am - 7pm

Telephone

+64276857708

Website

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