North Otago Working Equitation

09/05/2025

Interested in giving Working Equitation a go or want to utilise the off season to fit in some more training sessions? Then don’t let the opportunity to train with Sarah from Blackburn Equitation pass you by!

Sarah’s dedication to teaching the sport has spanned over a decade and has seen her judging not only in NZ but also Australia.

Her kind manner, keen eye and passion to encourage and help riders and their horses on their journey, sends you home on a high.

I have attended several of these clinics as well as competitions. They are fun, positive and enjoyable events that are well run. I love the camaraderie.

I hope you get the opportunity to give them a go.

Happy horsing. 🦄

☔️ WINTER WORKING EQUITATION TRAINING DAYS 🌧

Beat the wet weather! Come ride inside! 😄

🔹 WHERE: Christchurch RDA Indoor Arena, Curletts Rd, CHCH

🔹 WHEN: Sunday June 15, Saturday July 5 and Sunday August 17

🔹 WHAT: Small group sessions for beginners and experienced WE riders. In-hand welcome too.

🔹 HOW: Register via the Jotform link below ⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://form.jotform.com/sarahjsb/WinterWE_Training

Feel free to PM me (Sarah) with any questions. 😊

15/04/2025

🍂 AUTUMN WORKING EQUITATION TRAINING DAY 🍂

🟠 When? Sunday 4th May
🟠 Where? Christchurch RDA (indoor) arena
🟠 What's on offer?
✅ Group obstacle sessions with WE coach and judge - Sarah Blackburn
Catering to newbies and experienced WE riders.
$75 for 90 min lesson (includes arena fee!)
Horses in beginner classes may be in-hand.

✅ Private Dressage/Flat-work/In-hand lessons with Nelson-based WE coach and judge - Liz Brown (pictured).
$50 for 30 mins or $75 for 45 mins (Special offer - no arena fee!)

Liz is an accomplished rider (45 yrs!) and is also a registered equine sports coach (in dressage, jumping and eventing) and latterly Working Equitation. Ex registered Dressage judge and current WE judge.

Her approach to coaching is to foster the harmonious relationship between each horse and rider using a progressive method that is simple and clear to both at all levels.

You choose the focus of your lesson - be it improving your position and effectiveness of aids; introducing in-hand work; understanding dressage movements etc.

🟠 How do I sign up?
To book your lessons please use the link below. Online payment must be made for a valid booking. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://form.jotform.com/sarahjsb/WE_Training

🟠 Questions?
PM me (Sarah) with any questions. 😊

23/03/2025

What a fantastic opportunity. Get in touch with Blackburn Equitation to snap up a booking. Have fun 🦄

❄️ Winter Re-Set Workshop Series ❄️

🔹 Brought to you by PureEquine Paula Doherty and Blackburn Equitation
🔹 Sponsored by Healthy Horses Inside Out 🐎

Following a great response to our expression of interest post, we are excited to be taking registrations for Workshop One: Know Your Horse - Detecting Problems Before They Escalate!

Two dates to choose from:
📅 Sunday, April 6th (daylight savings means an extra hour of sleep the night before!)
📅 Saturday, May 3rd

📍 Venue: Christchurch RDA Indoor Arena (covered yards may be hired)

💰 Special Introductory Price of only $99! 😮

This full-day workshop (9:30 AM – approx. 4:00 PM) is designed to empower you as a horse owner, giving you the tools to assess your horse’s posture and movement and detect small issues before they become bigger problems. In addition you'll learn some manual therapy techniques to support your horse's comfort, while adding only minutes to your daily Winter routine.

What to Expect
🔹 Morning – Theory session on conformation, posture and movement; plus hands-on time photographing and videoing participant horses for static and dynamic assessments.
🔹 Afternoon – Learn a simple yet effective routine that integrates seamlessly into your daily grooming. This "pre-hab" approach helps you assess your horse’s comfort, monitor subtle changes, and prevent issues before they escalate.

You’ll Walk Away With:
✅ A baseline understanding of your horse’s posture and movement, whether you’re a happy hacker or competitive rider.
✅ Improved observation skills to recognise early warning signs before unsoundness or lameness develops.
✅ A time-saving routine that can be easily incorporated into your daily practice.

You can attend with or without a horse – either way, you’ll gain practical, actionable skills to support your horse’s long-term well-being.

Spots are limited, so secure yours now using the link below. ⬇️⬇️
https://form.jotform.com/sarahjsb/WinterWorkshops

We're looking forward to seeing you there!

- Sarah & Paula 😊

09/03/2025

What a fab day! Thank you to everyone who came along to the show today.
Sorry I didn’t get many photos but here are a few that I did take and some from others.

08/03/2025

Ready. Set. See you tomorrow!
Looking forward to seeing those who have entered Kiwiana themed Summer Show 🦄

07/03/2025

A big shout out to Weston Four Square for sponsoring some prizes. Pop in to get supplies for lunch on the way to the show. Yum! Or carrots for the ponies 😂
Four Square Weston

05/03/2025

A big shout out to Blackhawk Saddlery & Upholstery for donating some prizes for this weekends Summer show. 💛🦄
Thanks so much team.

02/03/2025

Another practice day done and dusted. By crickey it was hot 🥵

Thanks to those who came long. The bridge has been built and got the big tick ✔️

21/02/2025

Practice day - 2nd March - who’s coming?
Group 1: 10am-12pm
Group 2: 12pm-2pm
$10 per horse
Maximum 6 horses per group.

16/02/2025

Wow, what a cracker of a day! Summer is finally here. ☀️ Another wonderful bunch of humans and horses having a go at Working Equitation. Such fun 🤩 🦄🤠
Some spaces left in the 2nd March Practice Day. Group 1: 10am - 12pm and Group 2: 12pm - 2pm. Max 6 horses. $10 per horse.

02/02/2025

What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday - hanging out with a great bunch of people and their horses.

If anyone is keen to give Working Equitation a go, then book a spot at the next practice day on Sunday 16th February 2025.

Maximum six horses per group. $10 per horse.