Bringing my extensive equestrian knowledge from the UK to NZ where I was based with Jules Cournane n
(10)
A little about me....
A passion for horses lead me to riding and further equine education with attainment of a National Diploma in Horse Management at triple distinction, along with being awarded top student, BHS Stage 1 and 2, and NVQ 3. My results and work ethic lead to a job offer from Jules Cournane (nee Stiller) that exposed me to top level equestrian competition. I ran the prestigious Headl
ey Stud for three years, the base of Jules Cournane and Mark Todd. This position involved and exposed me to top level schooling, from youngsters to 4* horses, coaching, and competing throughout the UK and Europe. Competing included my own and owners competition horses including rides from other professionals producing them to one star level. Management of Headley Stud allowed close working relationships with elite eventers including temporary management of facilities used by Giovanni Ugolotti (ITA), Kathryn Robinson (CAN), Owen Moore (GBR), and USA riders prior to 4* events among others. This was an amazing opportunity for me having access to the best training and gained extensive experience of the international eventing circuit including grooming at
Burghley, Blenheim, Luhmühlen, and at the London Olympic test event. After my time at Headley Stud I worked for Marilyn Little (USA) while she was based in then UK prior to the 2012 Olympics, and GBR junior rider Will Furlong. Working with Will Furlong allowed me to use my previous experience at Headley Stud to help produce medal winning GBR junior team horses. Prior to emigrating to New Zealand I was employed at the top performing Private School in Equestrian sports with management of facilities and training of students and schooling. I am skilled in various training techniques using approaches based on individual horses needs to enhance performance. Working with Tracey Duncan and Liz Eaton during my time in the UK helped my understanding of individual approaches and continue to be an inspiration to my work to achieve the best results for the horse and rider.
🚨XMAS CAMP🚨
Our very popular Xmas camp has opened for bookings. Those with their own horses also welcome. Grab your spot now as these fill very quickly!
Email [email protected] to book in
We look forward to seeing you all for some summer fun!
⚠️Term 3 Riding School Lesson Slots Available⚠️
Some rare spaces are available on our horses and ponies please contact us for more information or to book in.
Monday 1.30pm adult private slot
Tuesday 4pm half hour beginner slot
Thursday 1.30pm adult private slot and 3.30pm half hour beginner slot
Friday 3.30pm half hour beginner slot
Please note all our groups are full at this stage, if none of these slots work for you and you would like to join our wait list then please send us an email [email protected]
🦄School holidays🦄
Spaces available! On our horses, own horses also welcome.
PONY DAY 8th July
10am-3pm
A great day for complete beginners or those that are walking and trotting. Lots of fun games and activities on and off the ponies! Suitable for 11 and under
SHOWJUMPING COURSE CLINIC 9th July
10am-3pm
This day is focused on the skills to ride two different showjump courses. Ideal for all ages but must be jumping from either trot or canter.
RIBBON DAY 15th July
10am-3pm
Lots of different classes, run like a mini show. Fun, supportive environment.
MOUNTED TREASURE HUNT 19th July
9am-11am
PM for more info or to book in
🏡Schoolmaster looking for a new 🏡
16.3hh 12 year old gelding
By Don Federico
Dude has been in our family for the last 7 years, unfortunately I'm finding I dont have the time to do him justice with a new baby, a business to run and other young horses coming through. This is a sad sale and he will only be sold to the very best of homes.
He is a lovely easy, friendly and kind natured horse to have around. He would be an awesome adult or teenagers horse, even quiet enough for someone returning to riding.
He is great to hack out alone or in company and is happy to lead or follow, he is very regularly hacked out at the beach and forest, so well exposed. His behavior is impeccable when hacking out and he has even cantered along the beach with complete beginners before and been ridden at the forest by beginners. Loves going in the surf and the water, he also loves to swim! He has also been used in our riding school for children and adults and is very well behaved.
Dude has beautiful movement and is schooling shoulder in, half pass, leg yield, traverse, renvers, flying changes and simple changes. All with ease.
Dude has competed in showjumping to 1.10m, eventing to 95 and dressage to level 4/5. He is a real head turner and would really excell through the levels in dressage, with that being someone's only focus.
He can be paddocked alone or with others and is not herd bound. Excellent ground manners and well behaved with children, enjoys being fussed over. Great for the farrier we have him barefoot as he has great solid feet, good for the dentist and to worm. Does need dormo to be clipped. Floats and trucks with no issue.
Please pm for further information
What a gorgeous shot. This week is hacking such an important skill to learn to ride out in the open!
Unfortunately our beautiful Cracker got dealt the worst hand. Enjoy prancing around the paddock with your mum up there buddy ❤️ 🪽
Feeling very blessed to have my boy at HOY, our first HOY! What a really fun week we have had, with my eventer turned show jumper!
A couple of years ago he got an injury that we weren't sure he would come back from to ever compete again....but here we are!! Thanks to everyone that played a huge part in his rehab.
Vets north
LW Equine Therapy
Farrier David Yates
He was outstanding in the 1.10m championship to finish 4th in a huge class of 70 odd. We were also lucky enough to have my mum over from the UK to watch.....and help with Bethany!
We will do a full run down of our 1.15m class and amateur classes over the weekend.
So grateful for our team of horses, each and everyone!
Thank your lesson horse ❤️
In this industry, we all too often see the average lesson horse viewed as lesser than or below other horses. Yet, they have the hardest job of any horse.
They do not complain when an unbalanced first time rider mounts for their lesson. They are a calming force for the most timid of riders, promising safety and security. They are patient and kind, allowing riders to grow and evolve in a safe space without fear of making mistakes.
They take the brunt of your “bad day” emotions, without complaint, even though the negative emotions should not be taken out on them in the first place. They would have every right to not perform or act out, yet they are gracious enough to be a shoulder to cry on.
They have the remarkable ability to sense your insecurities and needs, and provide you with the exact ride you need for the day. To teach the lessons you need in that moment, lessons you didn’t even know you needed to learn.
Even on the frustrating days, “when the lesson horse isn’t listening,” they don’t take your accusations to heart. They continue on with their masterful plans to instill humility, critical thinking, and grace in their partner - and you will finally understand that they’re always listening, and they’re always right.
And when you finally graduate to your own fancier horse, take a moment to think of all the lesson horses who brought you to this milestone. They gave you the knowledge, ability, and skill to be where you are right now. And they gave you their heart and soul in the process.
So next time you see a lesson horse, thank them. Give them a pat and a peppermint, a warm hug, and a promise to treat them with respect - for they are the backbone of this industry, and the foundation for all future equestrians.
Author unknown ❤️
Only for sale due to downsizing, would consider part exchange for float.
Mitibushi Fuso 1991
Takes 5 large horses
GVM 21530
355 horse power
4 axel
8 wheeler
Very easy to drive, very well powered fully loaded and been a reliable truck for us. Just had a new clutch and service so ready to go, has current COF, rego and road user charges.
Living includes
Oven/grill
Sink with hot + cold water.
Heaps of storage under seats, wardrobe, kitchen draws and over head cupboards.
Toilet and shower
Fridge/freezer
(Pump may need replacing as water just stopped working)
Horse area
Has removable portions, with removable pads for partitions
Outside
Two big lockers for tack and gear and another storage locker on the other side
Hot and cold washdown
Message for further details
Maria 0211522423
$70000 ono
Happy Valentine's day from the happiest couple around! Husband and wife, Rosie and Normie 💞
Valentines gifts
This year we ran our first stay away camps at the forest which were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, humans and horses!! It was a great learning experience for the children to ride out in the open space, which is very different to the arena. Everyone was very tired by the end!
We have had a really busy January with family visiting from the UK, camps, pony days, family time and a couple of shows to start 2024, this is Rocko at Woodhill earlier in January. We had a great time at Brookby showjumping and we will do a separate post on that one!
We hope you all had a great holiday and look forward to seeing you all again, just a reminder that lessons start back up from tomorrow!
Come and join us, a great taster for horse riding! Please tag anyone you think would be interested!
💥Term One Riding School Spaces 💥
We have some very rare spaces available on our horses and ponies, suitable for adults and children.
Monday 4pm and 4.30pm beginner spaces available
Monday 4pm 1 hour private slot
Tuesday 6pm beginner or getting back into riding half hour slot
Wednesday 5.30pm half hour beginner or getting back into riding slot
Thursday 6pm 1 hour group slot available, suitable for those that are walk, trot, cantering confidently.
Please email [email protected] for more information or to book in for term.
⚠️Spot now taken⚠️
We very sadly have had a cancellation on our next Woodhill camp due to an injury. So one space available to snap up!
29th-30th January.
Email [email protected] for more details
For those that attended our Xmas camp Lindy very kindly took a couple of photos which are free to download. Take a look there are some brilliant shots!
How our morning started ♡
⚠️Availability for lessons on own horses⚠️
Dressage
Showjumping
XC
Groundwork
Please pm to book in, limited spaces available
Who wants to join us these holidays?
We have spaces available on the following days, these are great days for a first introduction to horses;
🦄Ribbon day
11th January
10am-3pm
Suitable for 12 and unders
Beginner level to those starting to learn to canter
Ribbons and prizes to be won
$160
🦄Pony day
15th January
10am-3pm
Suitable for 12 and unders
Beginner level to those starting to learn to canter
$150
We will run another day on the 24th January if numbers are high
Please email [email protected] with any questions or to book in
Happy New Year🥂
I want to take this time to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported us this year.
We welcomed our little girl into the world, which has been incredible. It's been a huge and fun year learning to juggle everything and I can't thank our team, family, friends and clients enough for their support and understanding.
We are looking forward to a big 2024 with you all, along with some exciting new ventures planned.
Merry Christmas to everyone in the Maria Miller Equestrian family! We thank you all for your support throughout the year.
Take your time to enjoy the presents under the tree, the people that put them there and that little sparkle of magic that the Christmas season brings.
Summer camp farm rides ♡
Blowing off some steam after another great year and our final week of term for 2023. Couldn't do it without this amazing team of people, so much appreciation for all of their hard work!
So cheers to the girls 🥂
Onwards and upwards to camp next week and then 😴 if you want a giggle head over to our Instagram page for some video footage!
Cute knees Rocko! 💙
Our very popular camp has only a few spots left, get in touch quickly if you don't want to miss out! This is a great development camp for your riding. Those with their own horses also welcome.
Email [email protected] to book in
We look forward to seeing you all for some summer fun!
Some great riding at our showjumping clinic! Lindy has taken some awesome shots, get in contact with her if there are any that you are wanting!
48B Tawa Road
Kumeu
0891
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Maria Miller Equestrian posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Maria Miller Equestrian:
A little sneak peek at our mounted treasure hunt in the school holidays! It's safe to say the adults had fun prepping this one aswell! . #ridingschool #treasurehunt #horseriding #schoolholidayprogramme
April school holidays horse riding camp 2024 ♡ So much fun with the best bunch of humans, cant wait to start planning for our next one! But for now a cup of tea and a good rest are needed! Who is coming to our next camp? . #horsecamp #horseriding #horses #ponies #learningtoride #auckland #ridingschool
First class done @landroverhorseoftheyear Zebedee felt incredible and very happy to be there, to finish 27th with a pole down in a class of 125! Really excited for our next class today!
Bit of a late update from our weekend competing! Kizzy and I have just got back from two very educational training days. With some wild weather to ride in the boys were awesome, I on the other hand a little rusty! 🦓Zebedee was 6th on Saturday in the 1.10-1.15 class and decided not to jump Bullseye. On Sunday Zebedee was 6th in the amateur class, he was a true teamate that helped me out after completely missing at one fence to finish off jumping a beautiful round. 🎯 Bullseye jumped two awesome rounds in the 1.05 and 1.10 to finish 9th in both of those. He is really loving the showjumping! A little snapshot video of the boys!
We would just like to wish all of our clients, friends and family across the world a very Merry Christmas. It's been one hell of a ride this year and we can't thank you all enough for your continued support! We are checking out in style tonight! Hope you all enjoy your break from The Team at Maria Miller Equestrian X 🎅🎄
