Indoor Arena Proposal Since 2016, we have tried to promote an indoor arena and associated facilities in the North Taranaki area. NP Riding for Disabled was an obvious potential stakeholder. Our discussions led to NP RDA deciding to extend and cover their existing arena in Westown. This will certainly will make the experience for their riders and volunteers so much better and more predictable. But it leaves an arena without an obvious stakeholder ...
Currently (mid 2020) Jubilee Park at Inglewood Pony Club has been ruled out. Waitara Pony Club and TEN have jointly submitted for an Indoor at Waitara. That is still under discussion. Stratford A&P Assoc are progressing with their equestrian park concept as well.This is a dynamic and rapidly changing issue as sports facilities all over North Taranaki are affected by what will happen with Yarrows Stadium and at Airport Road with Central Footballs huge proposed development. We will keep you updated.
Equestrian Tourism TEN would like to see our Bell Block to Waitara Coastal Walkway extension include horses alongside it. The Kaitake Trail part of the Taranaki Crossing is also a potential ride to give us a 'mountain to sea' experience. TEN has the vision of a 'Taranaki Equestrian Week' where people come from all round NZ and ride in our forest, on our beaches, and beside our mountain. Wouldn't this be amazing?
Wairau Estate and Oakura Farm Park This wonderful concept with equestrian lifestyle blocks with a bridle trail round the outside and communal arena in the middle has been scuttled by the Oakura community's opposition. Lets hope another developer has the same concept somewhere else. It's much needed by equestrians.
Taranaki Tracks and Trails Group This is a partnership of Sport Taranaki ,and the Regional and District Councils of Taranaki. TEN has busily promoted horse riding and trail sharing to this Group. Expanding the Pukeiti tracks is in the pipeline so we would love to see horse riding happen there. Anywhere that has good lines of sight and is wide enough for a walker/cyclist to pass a horse, will be in TENs line of sight too.
Lake Mangamahoe-Bridle Zone This is a 130ha council -owned forest on the outskirts of New Plymouth where horse-riders have priority and cyclists are banned.TEN continually upgrades the tracks and liaises with Council to keep it safe. We hold a very well attended Quiz Night in August each year to fund the maintenance but we are now looking also to secure a Strategic Partnership with the New Plymouth District Council, like the Mountain Biking Group do,to develop the Zone even further. The working bees and fundraisers organised to maintain the Bridle Zone have been a lot of fun in themselves;quite a unifying activity for what can be quite a disparate sport due to all the different codes we run by. Balsom Park,Mangorei Road,New Plymouth Equestrians living in this area are now able to ride in the beautiful Balsom Park reserve. Cheryl Hopkins (a local rider) is the Balsom Park Group (BPG) coordinator. She liaises with the council appointed grazer to make the practical arrangements. Keys are sold for an annual sub of $25 and initial bond of $30. Subs are due on 1 November each year.
