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Horse Riding

Davis Stables

📍 Whitford, Auckland

3.4(10 Google reviews)

Outdoor beginner horse riding lessons in Whitford for children and adults. Multiple reviewers — including former students — report instructor misconduct, unsafe horses, and incidents that damaged children's riding confidence.

Instructor conduct complaintsBeginner lessonsOutdoor ridingFormer students warn against
★★★★★Featured review by Duleepa Wijesiri

It was just a one off ride, but I really enjoyed it. As a Newby it was a bit rough at the beginning, but had a chance to learn the fundamentals in a short time. A good place if you wish to learn. Yes, he sounds a bit rough, but he is not. 😉 Will ride again.

🏆 Family Action Verdict

The pattern of independent reviews from former child students and parents describing shouting at children, inappropriate horse handling, and an allegation of intoxication during lessons makes this venue very difficult to recommend for families with children.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Request the instructor's current qualifications and ask to observe a lesson before enrolling a child
Ask specifically which horse your child will ride and its full health history
🎟️Consider trialling a single session before committing to a term
🚗Contact Auckland riding schools in Clevedon or Maraetai for comparison options

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
3.4

10 Google reviews

Positive beginner experience (adults)20%
D

Duleepa Wijesiri

4 years ago

It was just a one off ride, but I really enjoyed it. As a Newby it was a bit rough at the beginning, but had a chance to learn the fundamentals in a short time. A good place if you wish to learn. Yes, he sounds a bit rough, but he is not. 😉 Will ride again.

L

Lynda Chilcott

3 years ago

The kids loved the experience

Reviews from Google

Overview

Davis Stables offers outdoor riding lessons in Whitford, with instruction from the owner. One adult reviewer enjoyed learning fundamentals as a beginner. Multiple other reviewers — including former child students — report the instructor shouting at and making children cry, use of a lunge whip on horses, a nine-year-old being placed on a horse that was unknowingly pregnant, and one reviewer alleging the instructor arrived to lessons drunk.

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