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Horse Riding & Equine in South Canterbury
South Canterbury in the Central South Island NZ has a lot to offer in the equine arena, but that’s hardly surprising as one of the greatest racehorses of all time originated from right here, the legendary New Zealand horse Phar Lap.
The region’s central South Island location and undulating pastures have led to a strong equine fraternity. Activities range from local pony clubs, horse trekking for beginners to the more advanced through to professional breeding, racing and training centres for both the thoroughbred and harness racing sectors.
For the young horse enthusiast (and not-so-young), Pony & Equestrian Clubs, members of the New Zealand Pony Clubs Association, are sited in Cave, Geraldine, Lyalldale, Otaio, Otipua, Pleasant Point, and Waimate. For the serious horse enthusiast, there’s the South Canterbury and Northern Otago Dressage Group. Horse breeding is alive and kicking in South Canterbury, with registered studs including Desert Heritage Arabian Stud and Dundevale Arabians, and the Stonebridge Equestrian Centre at Geraldine. For the horse racing enthusiast, the South Canterbury Racing Club, South Canterbury Trotting Club and Timaru Harness Racing Club hold a number of race meetings through the year at Timaru’s Phar Lap Raceway, situated at Levels just on the outskirts of Timaru.
Horse mad, or just out for some healthy exercise in the country air, you'll enjoy a few hours or full day out with local horse trekking operators. Browse our South Canterbury business listings and talk to the friendly team at the Timaru or Geraldine i-SITE Visitor Centres for more details on one of the best ways to explore the stunning South Canterbury countryside - on horseback!
For South Canterbury accommodation options for your South Island, New Zealand stay, click here
To view other Central South Island Regional Highlights click here
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