All for the love of horses
Our day begins and ends with the horses, everything we do is for the love of the horses in our purpose bred herd.
“When you have been blessed by the companionship and loyalty of a horse, life’s most treasured gift has been bestowed upon you”
Unknown
Manuka
Adventure Horse
Manuka is 1/4 Thoroughbred/1/4 Shire/ 1/4 Kaimanawa /1/4 Clydie
Whanau: Rata is his Mummy and Bella is his Nanny
Favorite Trail: Birchwood Station Boutique Trail
Manuka is honest and hardworking horse that loves to stride it out with pride. Just like his Mum and Nan he is dedicated to his job of keeping his rider safe. I am sure that he will quickly become a guest favorite like the rest of his whanau.
Manuka is named after our native tree, bees make the most divine honey from the flowers which has great medicinal properties.
Clever Wee Man: This little horse worked very hard to walk in his Mum and Nans footprints and joined the riding string in 2023. We are so very proud of him.
Hector
Adventure Horse
Hector is 1/2 Standard bred/Shire
Whanau: Hank the Tank and Walter are his brothers
Favorite Trail: Musterers Mountain Pack Trail
Hector is a horse who notices everything on the trail, he keeps his ears pricked high in the air and John loves riding him. Just like his brothers he is an honest hardworking horse that digs in when the going gets tough.
Hector loves a cuddle and if he is your team mate, cuddles at every opportunity are required.
Clever Wee Man: Hector is an invaluable member of our string as he works as a riding horse and a pack horse just like his big brothers Hank the Tank and Walter
Chinook
Adventure Horse
Chinook is 1/2 Standard bred/Shire
Whanau: Breeze is her Mumma
Favorite Trail: Lake Hawea Hunter River Ride
How do you prepare to fall in love?
Just like her Mumma before her Chinook is a definite heart stealer.
She moved into the riding string this season and has made her mark on the riders hearts. Strong, honest and deeply kind she has worked on just about every trail we have. She loves the river crossings on the Lake Hawea Hunter River Ride with its cooling waters on a hot summers day.
Whiskey
Adventure Horse
Whiskey is 1/2 Standard bred/Shire
Whanau: Thistle is his Mumma
Favorite Trail: Birchwood Station Boutique Trail
How do you describe someone keeps you safe when the going gets tough?
It is so hard to explain what they do because, they just go for it and leave you feeling so loved?
Whiskey is my (Angie) horse and we are always found at the back of the trail. We stop to take photos, he never bats an eye no matter how far ahead the others are. I sing my heart out and he never bothers a jot, in fact (I think he likes the songs!)
He is a lower ranking horse and in our horse hierarchy that means, he is happy to be at the back with me.
That doesn’t mean we don’t interact with the rest of the riders we have so much fun.
There is no need to rush through life when you are enjoying the views as much as we do together.
He is Character: Whiskey always makes me laugh. When the mist settles in the valleys over night and the wranglers are gathering the horses for the day, Whiskey can somehow disappear in to the mist, (like Harry Potter with his cloak of invisibility) Making sure he always gets the last wee mouthful of tucker before the day begins.
Clever Wee Man: Whiskey is an invaluable member of our string as he works as a riding horse and a pack horse just like his Mumma Thistle
Wishbone
Adventure Horse
Wishbone is 1/2 Thoroughbred/ 1/2 Shire
Whanau: Hannah is his big Sister
Favorite Trail: Lake Hawea Hunter River Ride
How do you describe someone that is always faithful and kind?
It is so hard to explain what they do because, they just do it without any fuss or ticket parade hey?
They are the most wonderful team members with their steady unselfish giving.
Wishbones character:
As a partner you would be so blessed because they would always be thinking of your needs and giving unconditionally.
For our team, this is Wishbone a handsome safe and steady pair of hands quietly making dreams come true.
Usually found at the back of the trail as there is no need to rush through life when you are enjoying the views.
Micky
Adventure Horse
Mikki Is bred in the North Island, has wonderful jumping lines
Whanau: our whole team adopted him
Favorite Trail: Bespoke Ben Lomond Luxury Trail
Mikki is a complete character who wins your heart at the blink of his sparkly eyes.
He loves apples so watch your lunchbox
Always playing the clown in the paddock with other horses, nipping bottoms to get them to chase him.
As a team mate, Mick is everything you could as for as he strides it out making mountains look like molehills.
If you team up with Mick be prepared to lead the trail as he loves to be out front searching out the trails.
Tussock
Adventure Horse
Tussock: At 17 hands high Tussock is one of our tallest horses in the string. 1/2 Appaloosa 1/2 Shire who is forward moving.
Whanau: His best mate is Mikki and they make an impressive site together.
Mum is Spice Johns ex hunter.
Favorite Trail: Lakes 2 Mountains
As a team mate Tussock is a big gentle giant who takes good care of his rider.
Suitable for athletic taller riders he has feet like dinner plates.
Loves crossing big deep rivers, you can certainly see the Shire and Percheron in this big horse.
Total heart stealer
Gypsy
Adventure Horse
Gypsy: is 17 1/2 hands high and the tallest of our mares
Whanau: Breeze’s granddaughter
Favorite Trail: Lake Hawea Hunter River Ride
As a team mate, Gypsy will follow you around the paddock.
Everything looks tiny when you rider her
She is a soft and gentle mare who loves to get the job done.
Suited to established riders who love a forward going horse.
Kōwhai
Adventure Horse
Kowhai is 1/2 Shire 1/2 standard bred
Whanau: Son Kauri
Favorite Trail: Lake Hawea Hunter River Ride
Kowhai is named after a beautiful New Zealand native tree.
She is a kind and gentle mare who takes wonderful care of her rider.
Her quiet demeanor and can do attitude gives her rider so much confidence to just be and let Kowhai take the lead..
Walter
Adventure Horse
Walter is 1/2 Shire 1/2 standard bred
Whanau: Hank the Tank and Hector
Favorite Trail: Musterers’ Mountain Pack Trail
How would you best describe sharing time with your best friend?
Walter works so hard, he is honest, kind and although not as tall as his Brother Hank the Tank he still munches into those mountains.
Set your heart on lets go mode, dreams are waiting.
Clever Wee Man: Walter is an invaluable member of our team as he works as a pack horse and in the riding string, what a champion.
Hannah
Adventure Horse
Hannah is 1/2 Thoroughbred 1/2 Shire
Whanau: Wishbone is her little Brother
Favorite Trail: Lake Ohau Luxury Trail
Movie Star
Hannah is our lead mare,
An absolute guest favorite.
She is dedicated to her riders and takes care of ably challenged riders.
Soft gentle energy but very determined to get the job done.
We are excited to say that Hannah is having a few years off and is now expecting a wee foal in the spring of 2024.
Breeze
Adventure Horse
Breeze is 1/2 shire 1/2 standardbred and looks very like her Daddy Supreme
Whanau: Daughter, Chinook Niece, Gypsy
Favourite Trail: Musterers Mountain Pack Trail
A movie star
Breeze makes you feel so safe when you rider her.
She is strong, determined and the other horses totally respect her authority within the herd.
As a rider you can be anywhere in the lineup and Breeze is happy but don’t let those young horses try to pass her.
A wonderful surefooted, forward moving mare.
Ringo Star
Adventure Horse
Ringo Star is 1/2 Shire 1/2 standard bred
Whanau: Little brother Dude
Favorite Trail: Iconic Glen Lyon pack Trail
Movie Star
This big hansom horse takes care of all types of riders.
He is especially wonderful with novices or guests who may not be as agile getting on and off as he is extremely patient and kind.
Named after Angies’ favorite Beatle Ringo Star
Thistle
Adventure Horse
Thistle is: 1/2 Shire 1/2 standardbred
Whanau: Brother: The late Thunder Son: Whiskey
Favorite Trail: Lake Hawea Hunter River Ride
A movie star
Thistle is very beautiful inside and out. Her flowing shire mane and tail makes this little horse stand out in a crowd.
She has the ability to weave a spell of love over her riders with her honest way and gentle kindness. A guest favorite.
She works so hard to make her riders dreams come true.
Dude
Adventure Horse
Dude is 1/2 shire 1/2 Standardbred
Whanau: Ringo Star
Favorite Trail: Lakes 2 Mountains
Movie Star
Dude is one of those horses that only come along once in a lifetime.
He is kind, gentle and so loving.
His job is to take care of our ably challenged and those returning to riding or novices.
That’s not to say Dude isn’t a heck of a horse to ride even if you are an expert.
As a team mate he is totally committed to keeping you safe and ensure that every step you both take, makes your dreams come true.
Panda has now retired
Adventure Horse
Panda is a 1/2 Clydie
Whanau: We have adopted Panda into our whanau
Favorite trail: Birchwood Station Boutique Trail
Movie Star
Panda is a we got this kinda guy
He heads out front with the pack horses and stays there all day long.
Kind and gentle he loves baby sitting foals while Mums are away working for the day
Panda has swapped his trekking career to become a one woman horse and has moved to Central Otago to live with a wonderful new Mum. We are told he is absolutely loving his new path.
Thank you Panda you worked so hard for us on the trails and we will miss you big guy xx
Bella
Adventure Horse
Bella is a wee power horse 1/2 Clydie 1/2 Kiamanawa “New Zealand’s wild horse
Whanau: Daughter, Rata Grandson, Manuka
Favorite Trail: Lake Ohau Luxury Trail
Bella came to our herd from the North Island with a foal at foot. Her owners where moving house and had no land to keep her, they wanted to know she and the foal would be loved.
She is a wee pocket rocket and carries the smaller riders on our trails. Great if you want to bring the kids along to share time with you on these trails.
Bella has become a matriarch within our herd and an invaluable member of the riding string, we adore her.
Don’t think Bell is going to be at the back. no way, she is in love with Mikki and they both head out front to lead the trail.
Last season she shared the trail with 10 y/o Ella whose dream it was to ride high in the saddle on an amazing adventure. Ella and her Mum Aimee rode the Birchwood Station Boutique Trail together. What an amazing bond there was between the two of them as they conquered the mountains, rivers and tussock laden valleys.
Cloudy
Adventure Horse
Cloudy 1/2 Shire 1/2 Percheron
Whanau: Sister to the Late Smokie, Daughter: Sky
Favorite Trail: Prospectors Dream Trail
Movie Star
Cloudy was an orphaned at 3 days old.
She absolutely loves the high mountain peaks and the views staring openly at the mountain tops.
If you team up with Cloud you have an adventure horse who takes amazing care of you. She has a personality of her own.
She adores people doing yoga and has been known to join her rider doing stretches before a trail.
Hank the Tank
Adventure Horse
Hank the Tank is 1/2 Shire, 1/2 Standard bred
Whanau: Brothers, Walter and Hector
Sister, Clamity Jane
Favorite Trail: Lakes 2 Mountains
Movie Star
Hank the Tank is the kinda horse, if he were a man you would marry him.
He is so loyal, kind, generous with his kisses and ever and always, out front leading the way.
You can go on a trail with Hank once and he will show you the way home without hesitation he is always right.
Suited to riders who have experience and a quiet gentle nature, Hank is a beautiful soul.
Had a wonderful 5 days trekking Lake Hawea, Hunter Valley with Adventure Trekking. Angie and John are great hosts and work very hard to ensure we all have a great experience. The food, the scenery, horses and accommodation are all super, thank you.
Lynette Bibby23/04/2023I loved every minute of the four days I spent with John & Ange, an awesome group of like-minded riders, and their beautiful heard of horses, (and Tui the dog of course!). On the Birchwood Station trek we explored beautiful countryside and ate delicious meals, all prepared by Ange. I was very sad to leave but I am already planning my next trek - I'm hooked!
Heather Rogers20/04/2023What an incredible adventure completing the Musterers Pack Trail from St Bathans to the Ahuriri Valley. We waded through rivers, crossed shingle slides, scaled mountains, stayed in back country huts and experienced a range of weather, all of which added to the journey. John our guide was amazing, a great host and an exceptional horseman. The horses were all stunning, obviously so well loved and cared for. Angie prepared delicious food for us to cook up in the huts and made us wonderful meals before and after our trek. I could not recommend this company enough if you want to experience an authentic horse trek in Central Otago.
B & W Jaggard16/04/2023Feel so privileged to be able to experience the NZ backcountry on horse-back. The horses are purpose bred, know their job and give you confidence to enjoy the scenery and this incredible experience. Wonderful hosts, stories and evening laughs. Loved it!!
R Bonetti11/04/2023This trek exceeded all of our expectations. John and Angie are fantastic and their helpers, Natalie and Suzie where awesome. Our horses, Tussock and Chanook where so good and matched well to our riding capabilities. This is an immersive experience and we loved how we could be involved with as much as we wanted to, such as catching horses, helping with saddles, as well as helping in the huts. The scenery and experience was exceptional and I would recommend Adventure Horse Trekking to anyone who wants an authentic South Island horse trekking experience. Thank you for such good memories. Craig and Chris McCulloch
Craig McCulloch02/04/2023Jaipur Rajasthan
Naeif Khan27/02/2023A real adventure for sure! One of the best ways to see NZ off the beaten track. Beautiful scenery, wonderful well trained horses, excellent hosts, great food, spending time with like minded people. Highly recommended and an adventure you will never forget
Christine Grieve12/02/2023Expect the unexpected! Exceptional value for money. Our family group was part of a larger group riding the Birchwood 3 day boutique trail. Everyone had their individual needs meet with care and precision. Think varied days on horse back, well cared for and loved horses, great food, great beds with lovely clean linen, entertainment in the evenings and friendly smiles all the while. What more could you ask for!!
Michelle Bleeker17/01/2023Sensational trek at Birchwood Station. Horses, scenery and organisation were superb. Adventure Horse Trekking deserve the highest praise for matching a beautiful team of horses with their respective riders. Highly recommend this adventure.
Anne Grady16/01/2023
Hi Angie,
Have been want to join you on your Lakes2mountains pack trip but cannot do January. Do you have dates later in year after winter at all? I can’t see any trips that you do after April. If not, how do we go about booking for 2024 , I presume would be January again ?
Kind regards,
Rhonda
Kia Ora Rhonda, I can keep you informed as our dates come on line the new dates begin to be updated around end of April each season as we obtain Farmer authorities for each trail.
Nga mihi
Merry Christmas
Angie John and the Horse Herd xx
Hello. Great job. I did not expect this. This is a excellent articles. Thanks!
Kia Ora and thank you Denny glad you enjoyed the information, have a wonderful Christmas time Nga Mihi Angie John and the Horses xx
Kia Ora Denny, Thank you so much, glad you found it useful x
Nga Mihi
Angie