1 / 2Maris Equestrian
📍 Templeton, Canterbury
Maris Equestrian in Templeton (just outside Christchurch) runs private riding lessons and dressage, showjumping, and cross-country coaching. Nicole and team take riders from age 4 — first horse to local jumping shows.
My daughter started riding at 4 years old having never been on a horse. After 2 months she is confident to help tack up, Trot and steer the horse on her own. Her coach Nicole is gentle but challenges her in each lesson. The horses, arena and paddocks are in immaculate condition. My Daughter has built a strong, trusting, loving relationship with the ponies she rides and her coach. Highly recommend and we look forward to watching her progress.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families wanting structured ongoing lessons rather than a one-off trail ride. Reviewers consistently name Nicole and call out how quickly children build confidence — one parent describes their 4-year-old going from never-ridden to confident steering inside two months. Lessons cover all the around-the-horse skills, not just riding.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →23 Google reviews
Adi
3 years ago
“My daughter started riding at 4 years old having never been on a horse. After 2 months she is confident to help tack up, Trot and steer the horse on her own. Her coach Nicole is gentle but challenges her in each lesson. The horses, arena and paddocks are in immaculate condition. My Daughter has built a strong, trusting, loving relationship with the ponies she rides and her coach. Highly recommend and we look forward to watching her progress.”
Kada Bryant
3 years ago
“Absolutely an amazing place, I was coached by Julia and rode the wonderful Flynty. They helped me greatly improve in my first lesson working on being more forward and getting comfortable riding again. The environment is amazing in their private lessons you get to experience everything from bringing the horse in and out, grooming, tacking up and down to a wonderful ride. Definitely recommend to anyone from any horse background!”
Emma McAlister
11 months ago
“Maris is the best from ponies to amazing coaches! Nicole is so warm and welcoming, when I first started I rode Jordy and with him my confidence sky rocketed! I enjoy all of my lessons with the different coaches, and the different ponies and I have even had the chances to participate in some local jumping shows……without even needing to own my own pony. Thank you so much to Nicole and her Maris team!”
Jenny Chan
3 years ago
“Couldn’t recommend Nicole enough! It was my first time horse riding and I was feeling so nervous! Nicole was amazing, made me feel so relaxed and comfortable. After a few loops around, Nicole had taught me so much on how to handle Roman and made me feel so confident.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Maris Equestrian is a riding school on Maddisons Road in Templeton, run by Nicole (an Australian-trained, NZQA first-aid-qualified coach) and her team Julia and Cole. Lessons cover dressage, showjumping (with a small on-site cross-country course), and general horsemanship — including grooming, tacking up, and handling alongside the ride itself. Children from age 4 are welcomed; private lessons available; competition opportunities for students who don't own their own horse.
