Pine Hollow Equestrian
School Holiday Programmes
Our school holiday riding programmes are a fun and hands-on way for children and teenagers to spend their holidays around horses while building their riding skills, confidence and knowledge.
At Pine Hollow, we combine quiet, well-schooled horses, experienced instructors and a relaxed, friendly environment to make sure riders can learn safely while having plenty of fun along the way. Our programmes are designed to suit a range of ages and abilities, with riders developing both their riding and practical horse-care skills.
Riders are welcome to bring their own horse or pony too.
Fully Booked?
If a programme is showing as full, it's still worth joining the waitlist. Spaces can become available as plans change, and we are often able to offer places to riders on the waitlist.
Come along, meet some ponies, make new friends and enjoy a holiday tilled with horses!
Rider Levels Guide
To help us make sure everyone is placed in a programme that suits their experience and ability, please use the guide below when choosing your rider level.
If you're unsure which level is the best fit, just get in touch - we're happy to help!
01
Beginner
Little or no riding experience. This might include a few rides on a friend's horse or just a couple of riding lessons. Riders are still developing the basics of steering, balance and confidence.
02
Novice
Riders who can steer and have good control of their horse, with a balanced rising trot without needing the lead rein. They are working towards their first canters and small jumps. Roughly equivalent to Pony Club D level for those familiar with Pony Club standards.
03
Intermediate
Riders who can canter confidently and competently, with good steering and a secure, balanced seat at canter. They are comfortable jumping small courses and are ready to develop their skills further.
04
Advanced
Riders who can confidently canter a 20-metre circle and jump courses of up to 50cm. with good style, balance and control. Roughly equivalent to Pony Club D+ level for those familiar with Pony Club standards.
Not sure which level is right for you? Don't worry - we're happy to chat about your experience and help you choose the most suitable option.
Holiday Programme Information
Cancellations
We understand that plans can change. However, as we often have waiting lists for lessons and programmes, we need enough notice to offer your place to another rider.
Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the scheduled start time will receive a full credit, which can be used towards a future booking.
Cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice, or no-shows, are charged at the full booking price.
You can view and manage your bookings, including cancelling a booking, through [insert booking link].
Holiday Programme Information
Arrival & Departure
We provide a minivan service for our Holiday Programmes, which must be booked when making your holiday program booking.
Pick up: 8.50am
Drop off: 4pm
Pick up and drop off is from Ruru Avenue, by House of Breakthrough and The Tav.
Please make sure your child is at the pick-up point at least 5 minutes before departure and pick-up times. Late pick-ups may incur an additional charge.
Before your child attends the holiday programme, please make sure all relevant forms and permission slips have been completed and returned.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up at Pine Hollow
If you are dropping your child off at Pine Hollow, drop-off is at 9:30am and pick-up is at 3:30pm, unless alternative arrangements have been made with us in advance.
Our instructors need to focus on the horses and riders, so unfortunately, we are unable to supervise children outside of their booked programme times.
Thank you for helping us keep Pine Hollow a safe, enjoyable and well-organised place for everyone.
What to Wear
Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely without being too tight or too baggy. Riding jodhpurs are ideal, but if you don't have a pair, leggings or track pants are fine.
For safety and comfort, we recommend wearing long sleeves rather than short sleeves. Singlets and tank tops are not suitable for riding.
Gisborne weather can be unpredictable, so if there is any chance of a change in conditions, please bring plenty of layers and a waterproof jacket. It's always better to have an extra layer you don't need than to get caught out!
Footwear
Suitable footwear is an important part of riding safely. Riders should wear sturdy shoes or boots with a small heel and a relatively smooth sole. The heel helps prevent the foot from slipping through the stirrup.
Jodhpur boots or other purpose-made riding boots are ideal, but gumboots or sturdy work-style boots are fine as a short-term option.
For our younger riders, our stirrups have toe keepers to provide additional security. For our littlies, we use clogs designed to help keep their feet in the correct position while riding.
Riding Helmets
For everyone's safety, all riders must wear a correctly fitted and securely fastened riding helmet whenever they are riding or handling a horse.
We have helmets available to use at Pine Hollow, so there is no need to purchase one before your first lesson.
If you prefer to bring your own helmet, it must be a purpose-made horse-riding helmet with a three-point harness and a current, recognised safety certification. Bike helmets are not suitable, as they do not provide the same level of protection for riding.
Hair & Earrings
For safety and comfort, long hair should always be tied back and kept away from the rider's face, particularly the eyes.
We recommend removing earrings before riding. If they can't be removed, they should be securely taped over. Please leave jewellery with a parent or guardian for safe-keeping while riding.