THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step into the world of horsemanship just outside Queenstown with A M Equestrian’s Groom & Ride. Learn to groom, saddle, and ride in a hands-on, expert-led session perfect for young and beginner riders.
Step into the world of horsemanship just outside Queenstown with A M Equestrian’s Groom & Ride. Learn to groom, saddle, and ride in a hands-on, expert-led session perfect for young and beginner riders.
Book with A M Equestrian
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by A M Equestrian · Queenstown, Otago
Located just minutes from the adventure hub of Queenstown, A M Equestrian offers a unique horseback experience in Lower Shotover, Otago. At 13 Headley Drive, their Groom & Ride session invites riders aged eight and above to learn the foundational skills of horsemanship through hands-on grooming, saddling, and a guided 15-minute ride. This isn’t your average trail ride—it's an intimate, small-group encounter where every participant gets attentive coaching from seasoned instructors.
The setting is a working farm with well-cared-for horses that thrive on varied routines beyond arena work, ensuring their vitality and readiness. The farm lies within the Shotover Country area, a region known for its stunning mix of rolling hill pastures and native vegetation, positioned against the backdrop of the Southern Alps. This proximity to Queenstown allows riders to immerse themselves in New Zealand’s equestrian culture without sacrificing access to some of the country's most dramatic landscapes.
What sets this experience apart is its educational focus, perfect for young or beginner riders eager to understand horse care alongside riding. The coaches prioritize safety and skill, ensuring riders gain confidence grooming their horse and securing the tack properly before taking to the circle or gentle paddock trails.
The horses themselves, chosen for temperament and experience with beginners, provide a reassuring presence, making this session ideal for aspiring riders who want to connect more deeply with the animals. The combination of expert guidance, well-maintained horses, and the beautiful Otago setting makes A M Equestrian a standout choice for families and newcomers seeking an authentic but accessible equestrian adventure near Queenstown.
easy.
30 minutes.
Suitable for anyone in basic physical health; light activity including grooming and short riding.
Riders must be at least 8 years old to join the Groom & Ride session.
Yes, helmets are supplied and fitted by instructors upon arrival.
No prior experience is necessary; this session is designed for beginners.
For the safety of the horses, the weight limit is 80 kg.
No, but children under 35 kg can book the Junior Groom & Ride experience.
Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and layers suitable for outdoor activity.
The Shotover region is named after the Shotover River, historically significant for gold mining during the 1860s Otago Gold Rush.
A M Equestrian maintains sustainable horse care practices and encourages environmental stewardship to protect the local rural habitat.
A M Equestrian is a Queenstown, Otago equestrian centre offering a range of riding experiences, coaching clinics and facility hire designed for riders of all ages and abilities. Located minutes from central Queenstown with views of the Remarkable mountain range and access to the Shotover River trails, A M Equestrian runs tailored rides, small-group lessons and family-friendly pony sessions. Offerings include 1 Hour Riding Lessons with expert coaches, Groom & Ride sessions, Junior Groom & Ride for children aged 2–8, and specialty events such as Horse Hire for Recycled Ribbon Day and the Recycled Ribbon Showjump Series on July 19, August 16 and September 27. The venue operates a fully fenced arena surfaced with premium rubber chip and equipped with Jump 4 Joy show jumps and an equine obstacle course available through Arena Hire. Coaching programs include the Russell Higgins Success Series — three consecutive clinics focused on progressive horsemanship skills across multiple two-day sessions. Guided Shotover River Trails rides showcase local scenery while accommodating a range of skill levels with well-trained horses and enthusiastic guides. Sessions emphasize horse welfare and rider education; guests learn grooming, saddling and ground skills before riding. A M Equestrian prioritizes safety and a positive learning environment through small group sizes, experienced coaching staff and well-maintained horses and equipment. Clear booking information, scheduled series dates and dedicated facility hire options make A M Equestrian a practical choice for families, beginners and competitive riders seeking quality riding experiences near Queenstown. Accessible booking and clear safety procedures.
Book with A M Equestrian