THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Introduce your child to horseback riding with A M Equestrian’s Junior Groom & Ride near Queenstown. With expert coaching and calm ponies, kids learn grooming, saddling, and enjoy a gentle pony ride in a serene rural setting.
Introduce your child to horseback riding with A M Equestrian’s Junior Groom & Ride near Queenstown. With expert coaching and calm ponies, kids learn grooming, saddling, and enjoy a gentle pony ride in a serene rural setting.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by A M Equestrian · Queenstown, Otago
Set against the rolling countryside of Lower Shotover just outside Queenstown, A M Equestrian offers a heartfelt introduction to horseback riding for children aged 2 to 8 with their Junior Groom & Ride program. This hands-on experience invites young adventurers to learn the basics of equine care—grooming and saddling their own pint-sized pony—followed by a gentle 15-minute ride. The setting is quiet farmland punctuated by soft grassy paddocks and native trees that border the property, giving kids a safe, natural environment to engage with these calm, well-trained ponies.
Queenstown’s landscape is famous for its dramatic alpine backdrop, but it’s moments like this, close to the earth and animal, that create memorable childhood milestones. The ponies themselves are expertly cared for and enjoy varied activities that keep them healthy and sociable. Coaches bring patience and expertise, ensuring that each child not only rides but also gains confidence and respect for these gentle animals.
This activity highlights an often-overlooked side of Queenstown’s outdoor scene—family-friendly, low-impact, and educational equestrian adventures that deepen a love of nature and animal care. The farm’s location at 13 Headley Drive in Lower Shotover situates it nicely away from the bustle of tourist hotspots while remaining accessible.
A M Equestrian is known locally for its commitment to a welcoming, safety-conscious experience, making it an ideal first step into outdoor recreation for the youngest explorers. For families seeking a unique and joyful way to engage kids with the outdoors, Junior Groom & Ride provides a balance of excitement, learning, and pure fun under professional supervision, set against the stunning Otago countryside. It’s a quiet corner of the Queenstown region dedicated to creating lasting smiles and treasured memories.
easy.
30 minutes total with 15-minute ride.
Suitable for young children with no prior fitness requirements; parents should ensure children are comfortable sitting and engaging with ponies.
This program is designed for children aged 2 to 8 years old.
Yes, helmets are included and are mandatory for safety during rides.
Riders must weigh less than 35kg to participate in the Junior Groom & Ride.
Each session is 30 minutes long, with approximately 15 minutes spent riding the pony.
Yes, parents and guardians are welcome to observe and take photos from the designated areas.
Sessions run rain or shine unless conditions become unsafe; in that case, your session will be postponed or rescheduled.
The Otago region, including Lower Shotover, holds significance for the local Māori and was historically a key area during the Central Otago Gold Rush.
A M Equestrian emphasizes well-being for both animals and environment by maintaining varied work schedules for ponies and preserving the natural setting around the farm.
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