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Horse Riding

Saddles and Sanctuary

📍 Belfast, Canterbury

★4.9(35 Google reviews)

Saddles and Sanctuary at 218 Coutts Island Road, Belfast (north Christchurch) runs guided horse treks with Western saddles. Owner-guide Stuart matches horses to rider experience; suits beginners and experienced riders alike.

✓ Stuart as guide✓ Western saddles✓ Calm, safe horses✓ 20 min from Christchurch✓ Beginner-friendly
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★★★★★Featured review by Chuckel Valeza

My partner and I had an amazing guided horse trek with Stuart today. The horses were beautiful, calm, and safe to ride, and the western saddles were very comfortable. Stuart was a great guide and gave us clear, simple instructions, which made us feel safe and confident. He chose the perfect horses to match our riding experience. The scenery was stunning, especially riding by the river, and the length of the trek was just right. I got to ride Chester and even experienced some uphill and downhill riding, which was fun and memorable! After the ride, we even had the chance to cuddle the horses, which made the experience even more special. Overall, it was an excellent and safe experience, especially for beginners. We highly recommend it! 🐴✨

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families with kids comfortable on a horse and beginner adult riders. Reviewers consistently name Stuart and call out the comfortable Western saddles and the safe, well-cared-for horses. A short drive from Christchurch makes it an easy day trip.

â„šī¸ What to Know Before You Go

💡Western saddles used — comfortable for beginners and longer rides
⏰Stuart matches each horse to each rider's experience
đŸŽŸī¸About 20 minutes north of Christchurch CBD
🚗Bookings essential — small operation

đŸ’Ŧ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.9
★★★★★

35 Google reviews

Stuart's guiding100%
Calm, well-cared-for horses100%
C

Chuckel Valeza

a month ago

★★★★★

“My partner and I had an amazing guided horse trek with Stuart today. The horses were beautiful, calm, and safe to ride, and the western saddles were very comfortable. Stuart was a great guide and gave us clear, simple instructions, which made us feel safe and confident. He chose the perfect horses to match our riding experience. The scenery was stunning, especially riding by the river, and the length of the trek was just right. I got to ride Chester and even experienced some uphill and downhill riding, which was fun and memorable! After the ride, we even had the chance to cuddle the horses, which made the experience even more special. Overall, it was an excellent and safe experience, especially for beginners. We highly recommend it! 🐴✨”

S

Sonia Hunt

2 months ago

★★★★★

“My partner and I had an amazing guided horse trek with Stuart yesterday, absolutely beautiful horses and safe to ride, lovely comfortable western saddles. Stuart is an excellent guide, we were given very clear and concise instructions on how to ride safely, Stuart chose horses that were most suitable to our riding needs. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous with a river feature and the perfect amount of time on horseback. Close to the fringe of the city, I highly recommend.”

S

Sam Calvert

2 months ago

★★★★★

“My partner and I had a great time at Saddles and Sanctuary today. Taylor and Stuart are lovely, plus the people they having helping them. The horses are beautiful, all well looked after and have their own wee personalities. I got to ride Diva and see was a sweetheart. I recommend this place for all levels of riders!”

J

Jocelyn Sim

7 months ago

★★★★★

“We did the beginner 1 hour horse trek with Stuart being our trek guide! Had an amazing time and it was such a therapeutic ride with the horses â—ĄĖˆ Super reasonable price points as well! Truly enjoyed myself”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Saddles and Sanctuary is a horse-trekking operation at 218 Coutts Island Road, Belfast — north of Christchurch. Owner Stuart leads guided treks with Western-saddle horses, matched to each rider's experience. Reviewers consistently describe the horses as calm and safe, and the saddles as comfortable. Bookings essential.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday09:00 – 16:00
Wednesday09:00 – 16:00
Thursday09:00 – 16:00
Friday09:00 – 16:00
Saturday09:00 – 16:00
Sunday09:00 – 16:00

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