HIGH COUNTRY HORSES - GLENORCHY - QUEENSTOWN

07/08/2024

One of our staff members has headed off to race a ‘once in a lifetime time experience. ‘
MONGOLIAN DARBY.
Good Luck Corrina. Enjoy every moment 🤗🤗

Corrina Leeflang

02/08/2024

When the sun come out, and it’s time to catch up with Besties❣️

16/07/2024

Due to our current yard manager moving on after six wonderful years, we have a position coming available shortly for the right person. This is a full-time, permanent position.

Duties include:
- Managing upwards of 60 horses, spread out over different herds. This includes keeping them up to date on worming, training, managing their workload and maintaining health.
- Pasture and farm management and maintenance.
- Overseeing training of guides and horses.
- Health and safety representative for the company. This means assisting guides with any accidents and coordinating with the first response team or emergency services.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience managing a large number of horses, and ideally working in a trekking outfit. Horse skills are essential, as this is not an opportunity where you can learn these skills on the job, and you will be required to administer basic horse first aid. Farrier experience is preferred but not essential, but you may be required to pull shoes when needed. Confidence and knowledge around large machinery (tractors and diggers) is advantageous. Previous experience with farm maintenance and management is also essential.

We are looking for a long-term commitment to this role, ideally someone looking to grow with the company. You must be legally allowed to work in New Zealand at the time of applying. Full drivers license and current first aid certificate is also required.

Accommodation can be provided if needed.
Salary is offered.

If this sounds like you, and you'd like to join an epic team, please forward your CV and cover letter to Amanda at [email protected]. Applications close as soon as we've found our ideal candidate.

16/07/2024

EXCITING JOB OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE 🐴

Are you passionate about horses, mountains and nature? This may be your dream job!

HCH is looking for enthusiastic, competent horse guides to join our team for the remainder of the winter season and heading into this summer season.

DUTIES INCLUDE:
- Preparing horses and equipment required prior to client's arrival (catching, grooming, feeding, tacking up etc.)
- Assisting clients with getting on, teaching them basic horsemanship and doing safety briefings
- Being responsible for taking a group of clients out independently or with another guide, navigating the trails and Glenorchy high country
- Assisting clients with their needs, educating them about our area and heritage, and making sure everyone is safe while out on the trails (risk management)
- Unsaddling, cleaning gear, horse health checks
- Preparing horse health and welfare reports and reporting to our managers.
- Assisting with odd jobs around the farm
- Working our green and young horses
- You may be asked to help with wrangling horses for photoshoots, films and other fun projects from time to time

ABOUT YOU:
- Min 5 years horse experience - working in similar role or business structure advantageous
- Customer service experience and ability to apply these skills to the role required
- Strong work ethic, with a fun, positive, can-do attitude
- Driver's license and reliable transportation required
- Ability to be adaptable and work in a fast-paced environment
- Current first aid certificate

Successful candidates will be able to start as soon as possible, and preference will be given to those able to stay long term.

To apply, please forward your CV directly to Amanda at [email protected]
Please note, due to the high number of applications only those successful for interviews will be contacted. Applications will close once we have filled our two spaces available.
NO DM applications will be accepted.

23/06/2024

Winter makes for the perfect time to get some new horses and projects going, and how lucky are we to have views like this while we work!

13/06/2024

McFudd has his transport sorted. Thanks everyone. ❤️

Has anyone got a spare space for a big gelding to travel from Leeston to Queenstown?
Pls message us happy to pay

05/06/2024

There’s only one way to experience Glenorchy ❣️

28/05/2024

HAPPY PONIES AND CHILLY DAYS.
We have fluffy horses everywhere and many are enjoying their time out for the winter.
Our winter treks are going well, Rees River Trail, Rees River Pro and our Mid Rivers rides are heading out daily …. Unless it’s snowing or raining. Happy Winter Rides

24/04/2024

ANZAC DAY //​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Today, we take a moment to pause and reflect. We remember the brave men, women and animals who defended our beautiful country and the sacrifice that came with it. It is a reminder of the price of freedom and the value of courage.

May we all strive for peace and unity in honor of the ANZAC spirit. Lest We Forget. 🌹

21/04/2024

Due to our growing herd numbers, High Country Horses is seeking a full time horse trainer, 5 days on, 2 days off. This is a permanent position.

Duties include:
- Handling our young and green stock and helping acclimatise them to horse trekking life
- re educating (most of our day herd are standies that have come from harness racing backgrounds and are just starting their riding career)
- Putting miles on the green horses
- Helping with day to day activities around the farm and offering assistance to our yard manager when needed
- Simple farrier work advantageous

The ideal candidate would exceptional knowledge of horsemanship and confident handling young and green horses. A background in training or re- education horses is highly advantageous. You must have the right to work in NZ at time of hiring and a ird/bank number. Drivers licence and first aid cert (NZ standard) is necessary for this job.

Annual salary offered, benefits included.

Please forward your CV to [email protected]

21/02/2024

EXCITING JOB OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE 🐴

Are you passionate about horses, mountains and nature? This may be your dream job!

HCH is looking for enthusiastic, competent horse guides and an all rounder (including guide, yard and admin relief) for our winter season onward.

DUTIES INCLUDE:
- Preparing horses and equipment required prior to clients arrival (catching, grooming, feeding, tacking up etc.)
- Assisting clients with getting on, teaching them basic horsemanship and doing safety briefings
- Being responsible for taking a group of clients out independently or with another guide, navigating the trails and Glenorchy high country
- Assisting clients with their needs, educating them about our area and heritage, and making sure everyone is safe while out on the trails (risk management)
- Unsaddling, cleaning gear, horse health checks
- Preparing horse health and welfare reports and reporting to our managers.
- Assisting with odd jobs around the farm
- Working our green and young horses
- You may be asked to help with wrangling horses for photoshoots, films and other fun projects from time to time

ABOUT YOU:
- Min 5 years horse experience - working in similar role or business structure advantageous
- Customer service experience and ability to apply these skills to the role required
- Strong work ethic, with a fun, positive, can do attitude
- Drivers license and reliable transportation required
- Ability to be adaptable and work in a fast paced environment

Successful Candidates are required to start from April 2024 - September 2024, with opportunity to extend to our summer season. You MUST have right to work in NZ at time of hiring and drivers license.

To apply, please forward your CV directly to Jess at [email protected]
Please note, due to the high number of applications only those successful for interviews will be contacted. Applications will close 14/3/24.
NO DM applications will be accepted.

08/02/2024

Who wouldn’t want to wake up to these views? Featuring our multi-day ride accommodation (4 and 5 day) - the Miller and Annexe homestead houses in Paradise.

The early morning glow 💛

03/02/2024

The moment you’ve all been waiting for!

Our multi-day dates for the 24/25 season are available!
We have hand crafted 3 INCREDIBLE rides this coming season, each with their own unique vistas, rustic accommodations and exclusive access to some of Glenorchy’s most iconic cinematic scenery.

Find out why these rides can book years in advance, and are considered some of the best trails IN THE WORLD by riders all over the globe, from seasoned travellers to first timers.
Think: cantering through vast untouched valleys, explore 1000 waterfalls cascading from ancient glaciers atop mountain peaks, swim in crystal clear glacial chasms and ride through ancient beech forests. These rides are truely the most magical, unforgettable riding experience, filled with memories that last a lifetime!

Multiday rides are all inclusive - all meals, accommodation, transfers from Queenstown, horses, gear and personal guides are included in the price. All you need to do is get yourself to central Queenstown the day of your ride and we take care of the rest!

These rides suit experienced riders ONLY!
For more information and to book one of these world famous treks see our website for further details.
HURRY THESE RIDES SELL FAST!

01/02/2024

NEW PRODUCT ALERT!

Have you ever dreamed about riding through Middle Earth in real life?
Want an up close and personal riding experience amongst scenes from New Zealand’s biggest Hollywood blockbuster films including LOTR, Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia, Xmen Origins: Wolverine, Vertical Limit and Taylor Swifts “Out of The Woods” music video, just to name a few.

This ride is for you!
Our most requested day ride EVER, is BACK!
The “Paradise Cinematic Trail”
This beginner friendly 1.5 hour scenic trail takes clients on an exclusive guided adventure through the stunning Paradise Valley- arguably NZ’s most iconic film location ever.
Be awe inspired by the Mystical snow capped Mountain ranges, enchanted forests and fantasy based landscapes that have inspired some of the biggest films and creatives made in New Zealand!

have EXCLUSIVE horse riding rights through this beautiful part of the world and work closely with to bring you the most magical and unforgettable experience possible on horse back!

🐎 WALK PACE ONLY
🌄 BEGINNER FRIENDLY
🚌 INCLUDES TRANSFERS FROM OUR BASE IN GY TO PARADISE
👩‍💻 BOOKINGS VIA WEBSITE

ALL ENQUIRIES- [email protected]

22/01/2024

The misty maintains proving to be an epic backdrop for this mornings multi-day ride to depart.
The boys are all waiting patiently to be introduced to their human companions for the next few days. 🩵🌫️

06/01/2024

2024 GLENORCHY RACES! What a super effort all our team and horses displayed, some tough competition but these standies sure proved how awesome they can be! Always fun supporting this community event. 🏆🎖️

03/01/2024

20 years ago today I brought HIGH COUNTRY HORSES from the Scott family - Rees Valley Station.
Within these years I’ve met some amazing people, raised my babies to beautiful adults, fell in love, got married and mourned hard, beaten a pandemic and seen so much of the world, which makes me realise how precious our backyard is!
So lucky have I been to employ some of the most wonderful guides, yard managers and horses. All have a place in my heart.
From 7 horses and a skyline garage to my own farm full of horses and visitors.
To the thousands of riders that have enjoyed HCH Thank you, to my staff past and present you are the best, to my family I love you all and to friends in Glenorchy and afar I wouldn’t be here without every single one of you.
This is our twentieth GLENORCHY RACES. Supporting the community that has given me and the business so much. I wish I could relive most of it but the memories will always be with me.
Here’s to the next 20 years 💗💗💗

24/12/2023

From our herd to yours. A very big merry Christmas to you all ! 🎄🫣

20/12/2023

A few of our staff and herd were used for the Rohan battle sequences in Lord of the rings and some were also subbed in for the chase scenes after a few of the stunt horses pulled up lame last minute. What an adventure that was 20 odd years ago!

“Riders of Rohan charge across the plains. The days spent armouring and doing final checks with the riders were some of the most exhilarating times I can remember. The thunder of the horses’ hooves as they galloped in full armour across the grasslands was very emotional to be part of. A bunch of us walked the fields ahead of the horses’ run looking for rabbit holes, which had to be filled in before the charge, in case of any tripping hazards for the rider and mount.” – Richard Taylor, Creative Director and CEO, Wētā Workshop
…

02/12/2023

Our favourite time of the year 🪻🌷🌼🌸

18/11/2023

Would you brave a glacial dip with our horses? 🩵

08/11/2023

Under the misty mountains, we ride 🐎
Awesome photo by one of our happy clients😁

21/10/2023

GET IN QUICK!
We have had 2 spaces become available for our world famous 3 day Heritage multiday trek departing 21st November 2023 in the previously SOLD OUT ride.

This ride has it all, wide open spaces, snow capped mountain ranges, glacial fed rivers, beautiful native forests and our gorgeous lupins and wildflowers are in full bloom this time of year. Swim with the horses, explore our untamed land, soak up the beauty of Glenorchy and canter through the incredible landscapes that have graced the silver screen in some of the worlds biggest Hollywood blockbusters. Talk about dream holiday!

Priced at $1700 per person, all inclusive (guide, horses, meals, accommodation, transfers etc.)

Link attached via our website for more details.

https://highcountryhorses.nz/3-day-heritage-ride/

Please contact us at [email protected] to book. HURRY, this will not last long!

17/10/2023

This mornings saftey briefing was conducted by the local duck, she was very informative and engaging to our clients, and the horses were paying the upmost attention. We are seriously considering offering it a full time job at this point… 🦆😉

27/09/2023

To celebrate starting our world famous Paradise day ride back up this coming summer, stay tuned for an exciting competition coming up… 🙊🌄🌲🦁

We will give you a hint, local movie knowledge is key.

Welcome back to High Country Horses for the season, they’ll be back on our tracks over summer and we are so excited!

21/09/2023

It’s been an insanely wet 24-48 hours here at Glenorchy. Both the Dart and Rees rivers are completely flooded at present, however the rain is easing now so it should start to drop slowly. All horses and furry friends are safe and accounted for, our incredible team have been monitoring the situation closely and checking on them regularly, with plans in place if necessary (we are reaching the end so should be A - ok).

Please avoid travel out this way unless absolutely necessary, there is damage in Queenstown and a state of emergency is now in place for QDL as of 6.33am.

Our team have been contacting those effected with bookings, please be patient as they’re working around the clock to ensure everyone remains safe, healthy and informed.

Stay safe and dry,
HCH 🐴

19/09/2023

Talk about an epic view… 🏇🏽
How lucky are we to have exclusive commercial riding access to this iconic location. It has played host to some of New Zealand’s most epic Hollywood blockbusters, can you name a few? 🎬

11/08/2023

TOP 10% ATTRACTIONS WORLDWIDE! 🤩🌍

How amazing is that!
A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to this award, we could not have done this without the amazing incredible support of our ride partners, our amazing team, horses and of course YOU!

Photos 📸


me
And Trip advisor reviews

08/08/2023

01/08/2023

You know what day it is… HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS to horses everywhere, and ESPECIALLY to our best mates. 🥳🐴
We are so proud and grateful to have the best equine team anyone could ask for!

Our horses are our whole world, we would not be where we are today without them. Each one of them teaches us something new each day, they make us laugh (and cry), they make us question our lives sometimes, but it’s never a dull moment when they’re around. Whether it be on their back, walking beside them or just them being near, these horses have created an infinite number of memories that will last a lifetime, in the hearts of those that meet them. That is something we will forever owe them.

Here’s a few memories of the team through the year so far. We’d love to know, which of our equine friends holds a special place in your heart?❤️