Equestrian at Matawai 1912

07/08/2023

Welcome to 6339 Matawai Road, Gisborne - an enchanting 28-hectare oasis nestled in the heart of New Zealand's breath-taking East Coast region. This magnificent ...

09/06/2023

Just putting feelers out for overnight places to stay with horses, between Gisborne and Otago.
1. Near/in Wellington (a shortish trip to the ferry)
2. Picton area
3. Christchurch area

Small paddock/s or yards, and a place to have a quick shower would be great.

We will most likely be travelling with 3 horses, around September October.

06/06/2023

This beautiful lifestyle property is ideally based between Gisborne and the BOP. A gorgeous stable block, with adjoining boutique accommodation.

Looking for a place for you and your equine friends that is both unique and affordable. This is a must view.

Welcome to 6339 Matawai Road, Gisborne - an enchanting 28-hectare oasis nestled in the heart of New Zealand's breath-taking East Coast region. This magnificent ...

21/05/2023

This amazing, peaceful and unique place goes to auction on Friday. So this week may be your last chance to see how this piece of paradise might work for you. Contact the agent Jacob Geuze from Bayleys for a viewing.

Matawai, Gisborne

09/05/2023

Matawai, Gisborne

24/04/2023

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Welcome to 6339 Matawai Road, Gisborne - an enchanting 28-hectare oasis nestled in the heart of New Zealand's breath-taking East Coast region. This magnificent ...

04/02/2023

The Stables accomodation is nearing completion. Should be ready in another month or two. However if you want to bring your friend, partner, horse, dog or a combination of those, you are more than welcome to give me a message to book a spot for a relaxing weekend away at a reduced rate until completed.

07/01/2023

I do love and agree with the philosophy of the author of this.

THE THING ABOUT HORSES ...

“He MUST be good to load on the float”
“He MUST have no “dirt”!”
“He MUST be good to catch!”

I could go on, but I’m sure you have all read and heard the statements, and many many many many more.

As soon as I see this in a “wanted” ad, or hear someone talking about it, I know two things.

1. They have probably had a problem in one of these areas before.

2. They didn’t learn how to fix it.

It seems like witchcraft that the people who strive so hard to find these horses that fit the MUST list, actually end up with exactly what they don’t want.

Here’s my feelings on that -

If I didn’t train it, I don’t own it.

If I buy a horse that can do 86 one time changes in a row, and I don’t know what a flying change is, then I’m not going to be able to perform 86 one time changes on my new fancy horse. Maybe I could stay in the saddle for a few, but it would dwindle down until the horse either quit doing them, or got anxious about it and did something else instead.

If I get a horse with a fantastic stop, and I use a different cue, or release out of time, my horse isn’t going to have a good stop for long.

Then factor in poorly fitting gear, difficult surfaces, a random work schedule, some junk food and badly fitting shoes, perhaps a dose anxiety or uncertainty, or lack of faith in the new “leader”, and suddenly we have a horse that has changed from the well mannered, reliably loading, easy to catch beast we MUST have.

Look at the gear, look at the diet, look at the housing and workload, the quality and quantity of work, and look in the mirror.

Rarely is the problem, the problem. The problem is a SYMPTOM of the actual problem. Which may be several small problems, culminating in one bigger SYMPTOM.

If you want a horse that’s great to load on the float, learn how to load horses on the float.

If you want a horse that’s great to catch, learn how to teach a horse to be caught.

If you want a horse with no “dirt”, learn what causes these behaviours and how to identify and diffuse the small sticky bits before they become symptoms of something much bigger.

Learn how to train it, so you can own it.

26/12/2022

I hope everyone has had wonderful Christmas and you’re enjoying this nicer weather heading into 2023.
We are heading into the Showgrounds on Monday 2nd, for some schooling and lessons. I am available after lunch if there is anyone wanting a new year lesson. PM me and we can see what we can arrange.

17/12/2022

Yay… it’s the holidays!! We currently have the time and space up here for another beautiful equine friend. We are available to:
- keep horses fit while you’re on holiday
- schooling
- help with loading issues
- ground work
- or just a safe place to holiday while you are away

Give me a message to see if we can help you out over the holiday period.

30/11/2022

Still have this little gem for sale. Beautiful 15” Bates dressage saddle. In very good condition. Interchangeable gullet.
$1200 ono

27/11/2022

Clever Reign staying out of the rain while mum is having dinner.