River Valley Stables - Burn The Breeze, Half Day Horse Ride For Riders
Overview
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Learn how we train our horses using natural horsemanship techniques, and why we ride our horses bit-less and barefoot.
Then, explore the beautiful back country of rural New Zealand as you ride over hills and across private farmland.
This fast paced ride is only suitable for those who have riding experience (must be confident at all paces), and ideal for those who want to learn more about natural horsemanship or try freestyle riding.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
WHAT TO BRING - Long pants, warm top on cooler days, sunscreen
Minimum age is usually 13
On public holidays we need a minimum of 2 riders to run this activity
Only suitable for riders who have previous riding experience - you must be confident riding at all paces.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
A ride for experienced riders who want to pick up the pace out in the hills. This is a half-day ride that moves along, exploring longer trails, with lots of opportunities to canter your horse over the spectacular Rangitikei hill country. At River Valley Stables we practice natural horsemanship and ride our horses freestyle. We start with building a trusting relationship between you and your horse. Next we take you and your horse, who is now your partner, out into the beautiful countryside. Here you will have the opportunity to try everything you learn’t beforehand. You will be riding over the hills, taking in the spectacular scenery, and cantering through the fields. At River Valley Stables we offer rides for riders, and so this ride is only suitable for people who have some previous riding experience and are confident riding at all paces.
What‘s Included
GEAR PROVIDED - Riding Boots, helmet, Riding chaps, and long oilskin riding coats for changeable weather.
Food and drinks
Options
River Valley Stables - Burn The Breeze, Half Day Horse Ride For Riders
Reviews
20 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
EPIC!
Kylie H,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I cannot speak highly enough of River Valley Lodge! Our group did the 8-day horse trek, with the optional white-water rafting on the last day — wow, what a blast! It felt more like coming home to family than turning up as clients. The staff were absolutely amazing — so happy, welcoming, and genuine. The food was outstanding, made with fresh produce straight from their own garden — highly commend the chefs! The horses were beautifully soft and responsive to ride, fitted with excellent saddles that ensured their comfort. You can tell they are incredibly well cared for. The countryside was simply breathtaking — every day brought new views and experiences that left us in awe. I can’t thank this wonderful family enough for opening their special piece of New Zealand to us, for the way they treated us, fed us, and looked after us. What a wonderfully happy place to be!
Lovely welcome - fabulous horses - delicious food
Kendricks365,Nov 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely spot. Great welcome. Beautiful horses and stunning views. I stayed for 4 nights - one "burn the breeze" ride, and three full day trails - all wonderful even though it took me a little while to get the hang of the rope halter steering and stopping. My room was very comfy, loved the heated floor in the en suite! And every meal was delicious - even the packed lunches. You might get fitter, but you definitely won't lose weight while you stay here!
Exceptional day, amazing horses, great facilities, we will be returning.
VariN5,Apr 11, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing ride. Spectacular views. Our guide Katie was amazing. I loved the fact the beautiful horses we halter and rope ridden. A couple more canters would have been great, but we did get a few in.
Great day out for experienced riders!
Curiosity17910547089,Jan 4, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing trip, horses were very well behaved and the views where incredible. Loved the fact it was bit less riding! I would highly recommend to an experienced rider, wouldn’t recommend it for beginners!
Half day horse riding tour
saskiasK3189DR,Dec 24, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had the best time staying at the river Vally ranch. The people working at the ranch are super friendly and helpful. The rooms are clean and comfortable as well. My half day ride with Katey was amazing, the horses were lovely and I loved the style they were ridden. It was an awesome way to connect with your horse. I would recommend the trip to everyone who loves horses and loves riding in the nature. Katey was really lovely as well, easy to talk to and calm with the horses. I will definitely come back to this amazing place :)
Great ride with great horse and guide
705speedg,Nov 11, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Ride was amazing, the horse was really great and the scenery was beautiful. Katy was so nice a guide and we did a lovely round up and down the sheep hills.
Best horse trek
H8837PRkatheriner,Oct 29, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had the best morning with Katy, thank you so much. Friendly, gentle, well trained horses. Amazing views I had the best experience!
AMAZING experience with amazing staff.
TrailBlazer686101,Apr 23, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything about River Valley Lodge is amazing. The staff are so friendly, attentive and accommodating. The place is beautiful, food amazing and all tours so fun. I wish i could have stayed longer.
Unplug and unwind by a lovely river
Tullae M,Apr 20, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We stayed 2 nights at the end of our trip and it was perfect for a peaceful wind-down and recharge. My friend doesn't ride, so I signed up alone. The guide, Nicola, was absolutely lovely and both our horses were cool and confident. It was just the two of us so we had a delightful ride together, made quite technical by all the tricky wet ground. And I am grateful to Nicola for her sacrificial muddy boots at the gates, while mine stayed clean and dry. Gorgeous vistas from the hill tops, nice chat with the locals, hilarious lollopy canter from my gallant mount Calibre, but he made up for it with his gorgeous floaty trot. Looked after me every step of the way, a total gentleman. The ride aside, all the staff looked after us really well. We had great food, love the heated floor in our bathroom, very comfy beds. Just hanging out on the seats by the river under the tree was so restful. Possibly aided by zero phone reception.
Magical New Zealand countryside experience
Sydne C,Dec 6, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00our guide was amazing. we came from America and this riding experience was absolutely magical. A wonderful New Zealand experience, riding through the country side and valleys. This was a great experience and not just a head to butt tired trail horse ride you get in the states. The horses are healthy and happy and fun to ride! The owner and our guide is a true horse woman and excellent and what she does! You do have to have some riding experience to get the most out of this experience. I would highly recommend, it was fantatic!!
From NZ$275.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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