Equestrian activities take place at a number of rural community parks and along the Pegasus Bay Coastal Reserve. Some sites have purpose-built facilities catering for local pony or equestrian club members, while others offer wider use for the general public.
Pegasus Bay Coastal Reserve
The Pegasus Bay Coastal Reserve track network allows casual horse riding along back dune areas between Kairaki-Pines Beach and Waikuku Beach. Although tracks through this area have traditionally been seen as walking routes, the upgrading and formalising of numerous tracks is helping to improve the multi-use value. The aim is to eventually establish a comprehensive track network to accommodate walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Much of the Coastal Reserve is managed by Te Kohaka o Tuhaitara Trust, and it is closely involved with this work.
Horse riders and trainers can easily and legitimately access the beaches along the coast at three locations. Purpose-built horse float parking areas are provided at Waikuku Beach (off the end of Reserve Road) and Woodend Beach (end of Ferry Road). An area is also provided at Pines Beach, alongside the main beach car park. Beach accessway maps can be found on the Northern Pegasus Bay Bylaw 2010 Background page.
Silverstream Reserve
Silverstream Reserve, near Clarkville, has the Kaiapoi Pony Club located alongside its eastern boundary. The club has a pavilion on site and a large paddock area for training and rallies. It can also arrange access to neighbouring Silverstream Reserve land for cross-country events or trail rides.
Development of a public horse trail through Silverstream Reserve is provided for in the Silverstream Reserve Management Plan 2009 (pdf, 785 kB). The web site will be updated when routes are formally established.
Mandeville Domain
Mandeville Domain is home to the Eyreton Pony Club and Western Riding Club. The pony club has a sizable jumping area and small arena spaces for rider training and club events. The Western Riding Club uses an all-weather arena. Both have small clubrooms. There is also an on-site ring at the Domain which is used for rodeo events.
Facilities are reserved for use by club members, although there is some provision for hire.
Cust Domain
The Cust Equestrian Group has a fenced area within this large domain. It features a full sized all-weather arena. The domain’s pavilion facilities are often used by the group. Access to the facility is available to all members.
View Hill Domain
View Hill Domain is home to the View Hill Pony Club. The club uses the open grassed area and associated facilities for rider training and club rally activities such as jumping and dressage.
Sefton Domain
Sefton Domain is located alongside the small township of Sefton. A 700 m long oval dirt track runs around the outside of the domain and is used for horse training and general riding. Use of this track is available to the public.