Please note as of August 2021 we have placed Abel Tasman Horse Trekking into hibernation due to the effects of COVID 19. We are currently only running Equine Inspired Charitable Trust and the Horses Helping Humans Program.
Below you will find some of the most common questions people ask us. We hope that your query will be answered below, but if not please do ask.
DO YOU HAVE A RIDER WEIGHT LIMIT?
In order to look after the welfare of our horses we currently have a 75 kg rider weight limit. We will do a quick weight check as part of our process in matching riders with horses, as some horses can carry more than others. If you exceed the weight limit we will unfortunately be unable to take you. Please ensure you are aware of this before you book as we will be unable to give you a refund should this be the case. This info is given to all phone and email inquiries before we take a booking. Please note that if one person in your group is over the weight limit, and others in your party who are within the weight limit also decide not to ride, we will be unable to refund these riders, due to the voluntary decline made within our cancellation policy time frame.
DO I NEED TO HAVE ANY RIDING EXPERIENCE FOR BEACH TREKS?
No you do not need to have any riding experience before you come. We have a range of horses with different temperaments, with some that are well suited to beginner riders. We will teach you the basic commands you need to guide your horse and make sure you are feeling comfortable and confident before we head out. Upon booking we will need to know each riders weight and experience level to ensure we can match you with the correct horse. Please see the following guide as a riding level guide:
| Complete Beginner | Never Ridden Before |
| Beginner | Has ridden a horse once or twice before |
| Confident Beginner | Can confidently ride at a walk and able to guide the horse to turn and stop |
| Intermediate | Can confidently walk and trot both posting and sitting |
| Advanced | Can competently ride at all paces with a minimum of 5 years riding experience. |
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
We ask that you please wear long pants and covered shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, bring a warm jacket and any personal medication you may need on the ride. We will stop at the beach to take photo’s of you and your horse, on your own phone or small camera, so please do remember this. Please note we do not have the storage on board the horses to take large camera’s.
WHAT SAFETY GEAR DO YOU PROVIDE?
We have approved safety helmets for you to wear as well as chaps to protect your lower legs. Our guides carry first aid equipment and communication with them on all rides.
DO TREKS GO OUT IN THE RAIN?
There may be occasions where we need to cancel a trip due to the weather conditions such as wind or rain. If this is the case we will try and contact you before hand to let you know and a refund will be given if we need to cancel due to the weather.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
If a customer cancels 24 hours or less before departure no refund will be given and the full amount of trip booked is payable. If a customer cancels between 24 and 48 hours before departure a 50% refund will be given. If a customer cancels 48 hours or more before departure a full refund will be given. If Abel Tasman Horse Trekking cancels a trek due to bad weather ect we will give a full refund.
IS IT GUARANTEED THAT I CAN GALLOP ON THE BEACH?
Your safety is most important to us and so our treks are walking pace only. Safety and the changing sand conditions (with new sediment coming down the rivers from the cyclone) dictate this. We just can’t risk having a horse running into a patch of boggy sand as the chance of injury to horse and rider are just too big. Ultimately we need to be able to keep all of our riders and horses safe as best we can. Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to showing you the stunning beach paradise at a safe and comfortable pace.
HOW LONG WILL YOU WAIT IF I AM RUNNING LATE GETTING THERE?
Due to the movements of the tides at the beach we have tight departure times to ensure we can have the best possible beach experience before the water comes back in. Therefore it is important that you arrive 15 mins before the scheduled departure time. Unfortunately we are only able to wait for 10 minutes for those running late (otherwise the rest of the group’s ride is compromised) Thank you for being punctual.
WHAT CAN YOU OFFER FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12?
We can offer 1/2 hour lead rein paddock rides for children under the age of 12 for $40.00. During this half hour the children will be able to brush their horse and enjoy a ride around our farm, safely led by one of our guides.
DO YOU DO SHORTER OR LONGER BEACH RIDES OTHER THAN THE 2 HOUR ONE?
Yes we may be able to make a shorter or longer ride possible. Please call us on 035278232 to discuss options.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HAVE A PRIVATE RIDE?
We have a ratio policy of one guide to six riders, so a private ride would need to cover the cost of six riders making it $690.00 per trek.
Abel Tasman Equine Centre and Abel Tasman Horse Trekking 