Rayner Riding

“I had been riding fairly extensively about 15 years ago before life took over and now was a bit hesitant to join a riding school again as I had found some could be a bit 'cliquey' and intimidating. Coming to Sandi's school has been a real pleasure however, I have always felt welcome and included.

As far as the riding side of things, Sandi is a fantastic instructor. She has huge amounts of knowledge and experience which she's happy to share without making you feel lost or dumb. She gets really involved with your learning and really 'roots' for you!

Her horses are all so well cared for and all so beautifully behaved.

I have been going to Rayner's Riding for a few months now, it's been such a joy and I can't imagine not going anymore.”

“Rayner Riding has been invaluable on my journey to become a first-time horse owner. I started having lessons with Sandi Rayner on her well-schooled horse, but soon realised that I would really like to have my own horse.  Not knowing where to start, Sandi took the time to have many patient conversations with me, advising me on what to consider and what to look for when buying a horse.  Sandi places big emphasis on matching the right horse to the prospective owners goals and abilities (“horses for courses” is something you will hear her say often when talking about owning and buying horses) and I am glad I followed her advise as I now have the (to me) perfect horse.  Becoming a first time horse owner was super exciting but also a bit daunting and overwhelming.  I had so many questions… “what cover should he be wearing?”, “what and how much should I feed him?”, “what is that scratch on his leg?”, “his saddle doesn't fit anymore – what can I do?”  Sandi was always happy to share her waste knowledge and gave me advice based on her great experience.

Having the opportunity to keep my horse at Rayner Riding has been amazing. Sandi lives on-site, which means that I can be assured that if I can't make it out my horse is checked several times a day, his covers are changed if the weather changes and he is fed daily. Working full-time, I very much appreciate that Sandi offers to help with things such as the farrier, the vet, or getting my horse clipped.

I have own my horse for just over a year now and I am amazed how far we have come. Sandi has helped me hugely to gain confidence, gather knowledge and forge a strong partnership with my horse. Anyone considering buying a horse or wanting to strengthen the relationship they have with a horse they all ready own should talk to Sandi!”

“I had ridden a fair bit as a child when I came to Sandi's riding school at the end of 2012, so consequently I was comfortable and confident on a horse. I was nonetheless a beginner with some bad habits and poor technique. Sandi worked patiently with me and moulded me into a “proper” rider! She knows exactly what things to focus on and doesn't bog you down with too-technical issues until she has helped you consolidate the basics. She has a wonderful sense of knowing when to push you outside your comfort zone and when to build up your confidence. Every lesson is peppered with a good dose of humour and is targeted in some way. You get reassuring and useful feedback at the end of each session. Sandi has a fantastic blend of old school common sense horsemanship, blended with vast experience and a willingness to incorporate new ideas. The happiness and welfare of the horse is the linchpin of her teaching philosophies. After six months of lessons, Sandi helped me find a horse of my own and taught me how to improve his schooling. After two years, he is twice the horse I bought in terms of his schooling, health, experience & temperament and I’m ten times the rider! She taught me not just how to ride, but how to care for my horse and build a bond with him as well. With Sandi’s guidance and encouragement, I bought a horse float and now I take him out and about on a regular basis. I’ve been to jumping clinics, competed in dressage and ribbon days, taken him trekking in the central North Island, gated at the Maramarua Hunt, and hacked him on the roads, the beach and the forest. I am so grateful to Sandi and everyone associated with the riding school for the memories, the friendships, the laughs and the knowledge I’ve gained. Arohanui.”

“I would like to say a huge thank-you to Sandi and her beautiful horses at HRS. I first arrived at the stables as a Mum who knew nothing (and i mean nothing!) about horses with a young daughter that wanted to learn to ride. Sandi started me with all the basics - stable management, tacking up etc - always with safety as the priority. And then at 30 something I rode a horse for the first time. Within 8 months Sandi had me learning to canter and going over some small jumps. And even better yet I have loved every minute of it. Sandi knows exactly when to push for that next step and when to slow down. She has a fantastic way of being able to see what you are doing wrong and is always able to offer good advice about how to correct this. Her horses are amazing - so patient and understanding but with a big range of personalities to suit lots of different riders. I would highly recommend Sandi and her horses to anyone wanting to learn to ride.”

“Having ridden as a kid and owning my own horse as an adult, twenty something years ago, I set myself a challenge to get back in the saddle. Yes I am an Adult returning to riding.

I had never had a riding lesson or gone to pony club as a kid, so upon arriving at HRS for my first lesson with Sandi I am sure I was shouting at her! I was so unbelievably nervous! But this was the moment my love of both horses and riding was rekindled.

Almost 3 years later, under the kind & compassionate tuition of Sandi & her beautifully trained horses, I feel like I am actually “riding” and not just being a passenger. There is so much to learn… Every lesson leaves me wanting to learn more.

Sandi has an enormous wealth of equine knowledge & is a superb instructor. Sometimes I can see her out of the corner of my eye riding every step with me – she really gives her all. Her horses are without question absolutely loved to bits.

Helensville Riding School truly is my “happy place”…”