Littleriver Equestrian

31/08/2025

A huge thank you to all our Spring camp supporters. ❤️

HERDD bedding
Pure Pony Paracord
Saddlery Warehouse
Trevo Equestrian
The Inspired Equestrian Journal
FMG
The Cookie Canvas Lower Hutt
Charlie Road
Canter for Cancer

26/08/2025

When it comes to performance, most riders focus on what happens in the ring. But high-performance coach John Haime believes that one of the most overlooked influences on a rider’s success is something far more personal: the people they surround themselves with.

“Who you’re around is critical,” Haime said on episode 441 of The Plaidcast. “If you’re around positive people, people who care about you, want to help you, and believe in you, you have a better chance to succeed.”

It’s a powerful reminder that success doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Riders are shaped not only by their habits and mindset, but also by their communities, and that’s especially true for juniors.

As riders move through their teenage years, they’re developing not only their athletic skills but also their values, identities, and emotional resilience. Haime emphasized that during this stage, peers play an outsized role. “If you’re a teenager, your friends are influencing you more than your parents are,” he said. “That’s just the way it is.”

Whether it’s a barnmate who cheers you on or a teammate who constantly criticizes others, those voices become part of a rider’s internal dialogue. “If you’re around people who are tearing others down or chasing superficial goals, that becomes your environment,” Haime added.

Not everyone you ride with or spend time around will lift you up, and that’s okay. Haime’s advice isn’t to avoid every tough interaction, but to be intentional about where you invest your time and energy. “The more you grow as a person, the more you start thinking about who you want to be around,” he said. “That reflection is part of building confidence.”

Klemm echoed this idea with a personal perspective. “The number one thing that changed my life was choosing different people,” she said. “When I was around people who pushed me to be better, everything changed.”

🔗 Continue reading the full article at https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2025/08/25/why-you-are-the-company-you-keep/
📸 © Heather N. Photography

21/08/2025

Huge happy birthday to Tayla, our number one coach and advocate for horses' well-being.
Hope you have a fantastic day 💕🎉🥳

21/08/2025

A peek into last Saturday afternoon!
A group of our riders and ponies were part of a photoshoot for Trevo Equestrian.
So many good pieces and the riders all had a blast. You might see some familiar faces on the Trevo website and socials now!

18/08/2025

We are already over halfway through term three! (Does anyone else think it's gone too fast?)

Our upcoming holiday sessions are fully booked which means a busy spring holidays to come. We are having a look to see what else we can squeeze in for those who missed out so keep your eyes peeled 👀

12/08/2025

Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve had a few riders come off the lunge and try their very first independent trot!! 🥳

A super exciting milestone that all the riders work hard to reach.

When we teach trot, we start on the lunge. This way, the coach guides the horse so the rider can focus purely on learning the movement without worrying about steering. It also means the horse doesn't get confused as the rider learns.

The journey typically goes: Rhythm → Balance → Confidence → Independence

First, riders learn a steady rising rhythm.

We then work on our position which builds balance - steady legs, controlled upper body, and a controlled rise.

Once balance becomes second nature, confidence naturally follows.

From there, we:
1️⃣ Take hands off the saddle to work on balance without using hands for support.
2️⃣ Add reins and practise transitions and basic steering in trot.
3️⃣ Move off the lunge, (as long as walk steering are also rock solid!)

We take it slow and steady, always stepping back if needed. Creating a solid foundation at the beginning helps create confident kind riders who give their horses good rides. ✨

10/08/2025

Spring Full-Day Holiday Program Dates!

We've got three fun filled days planned for the upcoming Spring holidays.
A great way to introduce your kids to horses, get some extra pony time in or build up your skills in a different environment from regular lessons.

22nd, 23rd and 24th of September
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM each day
One day is $130 or book all three for $310

September 22nd: Pony workshop Day
Ready to unleash your inner creative?
We'll get up to all sorts of fun, from riding and decorating our horses to making crafts and learning new skills.

September 23rd: Obstacle Day
Navigate through poles, weave around cones, and tackle exciting challenges designed to improve your skills and build confidence.
A great way to build your skills while having fun.

September 24th: Confidence course Day
A fun and supportive day designed to help riders build confidence both on and off the ponies.
We'll earn new skills, ride ba****ck and get up to all sorts of fun.

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out!
Perfect for beginners up to intermediate riders aged [5-14]!
Contact us to book!

06/08/2025

Our beginner pony activity book is now live on the website!

Get ready for some fun and learning with our printable Pony Activity Book!

Perfect for Level 1/2 and D level riders, these printable worksheets are designed to help young equestrians grow their knowledge with fun, interactive activities.

Ideal for riders to practice at home or for coaches to print out and use in lessons!

Get ready for some fun and learning with our printable Pony Activity Book! Perfect for Level 1/2 and D level riders, these printable worksheets are designed to help young equestrians grow their knowledge with fun, interactive activities.Ideal for riders to practice at home or for coaches to print ou...

30/07/2025

When booking a birthday party with us we have a few optional add ons, one being a photography package!

You get a full gallery of photos from your party, taken by a professional photographer.
P.S it's totally optional for them to go onto our socials (like all our sessions, you can choose to not be featured on our page

27/07/2025

🌸 SPRING LITTLERIVER CHALLENGE CAMP ANNOUNCEMENT! 🌸
9am September 29th – 5pm October 1st | $360

Our camp this coming spring holidays is a challenge camp!
Over the 3 days, riders will team up to take on a variety of challenges, earning 'camp cash' along the way — which they'll need for a fun finale on the last day.

We have been running camps here at Littleriver for 10 years, giving riders an unforgettable experience where they can develop their riding, learn new horsemanship skills, make new friends and have a ton of fun in a positive environment.

Riders need to be capable of independent walk and trot minimum. Our camps are tailored to our attendees. Whether that's a rider who's just started cantering or a rider competitively jumping 80cm courses.
Ages 8+

Staying over night is not mandatory if you would rather go home for the nights.
We have an awesome team of school ponies we use for camp or you can bring your own horse/pony.

Bookings require a non-refundable $100 deposit (leaving you 310 to pay before the camp date).

Limited spots. Mssg to book.

24/07/2025

Horses Birthday Disco
In-house event! (Open to current students only.)

come join us for some evening fun a great chance to socialize and meet other riders, hang out, games and music.
Celebrating the official birthday for southern hemisphere horses!

1st of August, starts at 5pm.
$15 PP including a drink and food!

Contact us to book.

23/07/2025

Selling with Littleriver

Looking to find the perfect new home for your pony or first hack?
Or maybe get some schooling in to prepare your pony for their next small rider?

At Littleriver, we specialize in selling and schooling children’s ponies and beginner-friendly horses.

As a riding school, we offer a unique advantage:

We can showcase your horse or pony in a real learning environment with a variety of riders.

Professional photography and videography

Exposure to ideal clients in person and on socials.

We take proud in ensuring your horse is well-prepared and correctly matched to the right kind of home as well as providing transparent, professional updates and support throughout the process.

Whether your pony needs miles, some variety or simply the right audience, we can help.