A new sand arena where riders can get to know their horses will add to the variety of equine experiences for visitors at River Valley Adventure Lodge and Stables.
The arena will be enclosed and ready for use by October, Nicola Megaw said.
She and daughter Janey run the horsey side of the River Valley business owned by the Megaw family trust. They and another staff member take about 900 people for a ride every year, in stunning hill country on the fringe of the Ruahine Range north of Taihape. They have up to 14 well trained horses ready to go.
The venture started in 2005, adding horseriding to the white water rafting adventures River Valley had available.
They offered two-hour and half-day rides for the less experienced, and one and two-day treks for experienced riders. One of the trips heads downriver from one lodge to another, with a total of six river crossings in the first day.