Nga Tawa resident coaches Rebecca Taiaroa and Meike Huntemann with Huntley School students in the Learn to Ride programme. Photo / Supplied
Nga Tawa Diocesan School has a harmonious history with horses.
The connection goes back more than a hundred years, when right from the beginning, students were able to take their ponies to school.
That connection continues today, with 80 on-site stables packed with horses that students ride in the Nga Tawa Equestrian Academy and in Pony Club.
However, not everyone has their own horse or pony and director of equestrian Libby Rayner fielded several inquiries about the potential of hiring them.
"The inquiries really motivated me. I would have had at least half a dozen families ask if they could hire a Nga Tawa pony so that they could become members of the Pony Club," Rayner said.
"That didn't really work because our Nga Tawa ponies were used by our students at that time, so I had to think about how we could make it work."
Rayner drew up a proposal and put it to the school board. They were in favour of her idea and so the Learn to Ride programme was born.
Hosted by Nga Tawa Riding School, each intake of the programme will run every Sunday for eight weeks starting on July 29.
Lessons will be run by Nga Tawa Equestrian Academy coaches, with ponies and gear provided and will cost $400.
"We can teach everything from basic beginner skills right through to jumping and competition riding," Rayner said.
"It will all take place at Nga Tawa, it's the biggest equestrian school facility in the country. We're the only girls' school that has an on-site academy and that's really special."
Another reason for starting Learn to Ride was because Kyrewood Riding School in Palmerston North recently closed.
"They finished up after decades of incredibly successful riding lessons in April, now there are a lot of people around the area who haven't got anywhere to go," Rayner said.
"As soon as they announced their closure, we had a lot of people contact us."
Throughout the programme, four to six riders will learn skills such as how to manage, care and ride a horse depending on their level of expertise.
They will also learn about grooming, gearing up, mounting up, riding safety, how to walk, trot, canter, jumping and after-ride care.
"Being involved with horses and being around horses is something really special, they're incredible animals that can be very healing and fulfillng," Rayner said.
"I'd like to think that everyone who attends will enjoy what they do and learn something new."
Riders and spectators in Whanganui are anticipating the start of the last race.