We are a small, family-owned and run horse riding school in Sumner, Christchurch catering to all riding abilities and ages. We offer private and group lessons, holiday programs, birthday parties, unicorn parties, and equine therapy.

We also coach for competitions and events. Memberships are available by month, term or year.

Welcome to Sumner Valley Riding School

Horse Riding Lessons & Private Coaching

Nestled in the beautiful Sumner Valley of Christchurch’s Banks Peninsula, the Sumner Valley Riding School has been caring for horses and teaching riding and jumping to people of all ages for more than 20 years. We cater to all levels, including absolute beginners. We hold private and small group lessons. Get in touch to discuss the perfect experience for you or your child.

Riding Lessons & More…

We offer riding lessons on a casual basis and as term bookings. We follow regular school term dates. If you would like to secure a place for a term, payment in full is required prior to the commencement of the term. Contact us for more info.

Children’s Group Lessons

Casual Price = $45 per Lesson. School Term Price = $40 per lesson (Must pay every week of the school term)

Children’s group lessons run for 2 hours (30 mins to catch, groom and saddle. Followed by 1 hour of riding. Then 30 mins to unsaddle, clean gear and put horse away.

Small Adult Group Lessons

$45 per lesson

Adult groups run for 1.5 hours (30 mins to catch groom and saddle. Followed by 1 hour of riding time). Limited to 3 adults.

Private Lessons

$50 per lesson

1 hr private lessons for both adults and children that consist of 15 mins helmet/boot up time and 45 mins riding time. 

Kindy Age Riders Ages 3-5

$35 per lesson

We offer 30 minute pony rides around the property throughout the week and on weekends. Subject to instructor availability

Photography Sessions

$150 per hour

Sumner Valley Riding School offers the unique opportunity to host photo and video shoots on our beautiful property with our gorgeous horses and ponies.  

Perfect for any occasion, including engagements, weddings, birthdays, or even for marketing purposes.

Please note: We do not supply photographers or photography services.​

Equine Therapy

$50 per lesson

We offer private, 30 minute ‘groundwork sessions’, where those who are unable to take riding lessons, but wish to spend time with horses have the opportunity to do so. Under the close supervision of one of our experienced staff members, you will get to know the horse, understand his/her body language, groom, and generally enjoy the calming experience of spending time with these gentle creatures. Our instructors will guide you throughout your time, answering any and all questions you may have.

Ride With Us!

43a Sumnervale Drive, Sumner, Christchurch 8081

Hours
Monday–Saturday
10am–6pm

Phone
0210 821 4315

 

Updates & News

People say…

  • A great place to learn about horse riding and to be part of a great community! Hats off to Lisa and Becca for instilling great values and work ethics into our children!

    Michelle

  • Excellent riding school! Instructors are lovely. Highly recommended!!

    Kay

  • Lisa and Rebecca are full of teaching strategies and very responsible to their pupils! Highly recommended!

    Alice

FAQs

  • Please wear long pants such as jodhpurs or tracksuit pants. We kindly request that you avoid wearing jeans as the thick seams damage our saddles.

    Please wear a long or short sleeved top that is appropriate for the weather. We suggest a collared polo shirt in summer – NO singlets or dresses.

    Your shoes must be fully enclosed with a smooth sole. Sneakers are not permitted. We have riding boots available for purchase at our office.

    In winter please bring a waterproof jacket – we still ride in the rain!

    Please note, if you are a regular rider, correct attire must be worn at all times.

  • We suggest you bring:

    - A labelled water bottle

    - Sunscreen and hat (in warmer months)

    - Waterproof jacket (in cooler weather)

    - Snacks if required – please ensure that you follow school protocol regarding allergens

  • We cater for all rider types and ages and lessons are tailored to suit your level of riding experience. If you are a complete beginner, we will work with you on the basics of riding. However, if your riding is at more of an intermediate level, we can work on Show Jumping, Dressage and even Cross Country.

  • Our customer maximum weight restriction is 95kg. Please be aware that on the day of your lesson our staff may ask you to be weighed and if your weight exceeds our maximum safety weight restriction, we may cancel your lesson and all monies paid by you will be forfeited.

  • We offer riding lessons on a casual basis and a block Term booking (weekly or fortnightly attendance). The Term follows regular school term dates.

    If you would like to secure a place for the Term, payment in full is required prior to the commencement of the Term. This will secure your place for the Term (as group bookings fill quickly). We also try to accommodate your pony preference for the entire Term (subject to the pony remaining in work during the period).

    We do recommend, however, that you ride different horses/ponies so as to gain more riding experience.

    We also offer block bookings to adult regular riders wishing to make advanced block bookings.

  • We have helmets and … we also sell branded t-shirts and hoodies.