1 / 2Mariska Lochead - Equestrian services & trekking
π Spencerville, Canterbury
Horse riding lessons and guided treks led by Mariska Lochead in Spencerville, north of Christchurch. Forest and beach trails, gentle horses matched to ability, and welcoming for complete beginners.
Amazing experience! We were all beginner riders. Mariska was so patient, kind, a great teacher and we all grew in confidence on our trek. Highly recommend and we will be back definitely! Update: since this trek I have been having lessons. Amazing experience. Chanelle and Mariska both so patient and incredible teachers. I have already learnt a lot, about the care of the horses as well as riding.Highly recommend this excellent business and the experiences offered.
π Family Action Verdict
Beginner-friendly. Multiple reviewers describe themselves as first-time riders and were guided through the basics one-on-one. Mariska also accommodates last-minute bookings and runs in light rain. Suited to families with kids old enough to ride independently and to nervous adults wanting to start.
βΉοΈ What to Know Before You Go
π¬ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews β109 Google reviews
C and J Newton
2 months ago
βAmazing experience! We were all beginner riders. Mariska was so patient, kind, a great teacher and we all grew in confidence on our trek. Highly recommend and we will be back definitely! Update: since this trek I have been having lessons. Amazing experience. Chanelle and Mariska both so patient and incredible teachers. I have already learnt a lot, about the care of the horses as well as riding.Highly recommend this excellent business and the experiences offered.β
Viktorija LipkaitΔ
2 months ago
βVery friendly and welcoming atmosphere. I had the best time riding with Mariska and 2 other girls in the forest and beach trail. We were all experienced riders, and we did lots of trotting and cantering, which was a lot of fun! I have ridden in other stables and it wasnβt as good as with Mariska. Would come back many more times if I could. Thank you for the great last ride in New Zealand. Best wishes to you Mariska and to Smoky :)) π€β
abin singh
8 months ago
βI had a fantastic trekking experience with Mariska and her beautiful horses! As a beginner, I felt completely safe and supported throughout the ride. Mariska was kind, and made the whole experience enjoyable and memorable. The views were stunning, and the horses were well cared for and gentle. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful and fun outdoor activity. Iβd love to come back again somedayβ
Vanessa Tse
2 months ago
βIt was a last minute decision to visit Mariskaβs center but she was able to kindly make arrangements. Although the weather was not very nice when I visited, Mariska and her team did their best to make us feel comfortable; the horses are very well trained and the trek was easy to manage for a beginner like myself. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and would definitely recommend anyone who wants to visit.β
Reviews from Google
Overview
Mariska Lochead runs guided horse treks and riding lessons from Spencerville, just north of Christchurch. The treks combine forest tracks and Pegasus-area beach with horses chosen to match each rider's experience. Beginners are welcomed with a thorough introduction to handling and riding, while experienced riders can ride out in trot and canter through more challenging terrain. Lessons are available for those who want to keep riding after a first trek.
