Note from Laurence and Suzanne

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you in the tourism industry who have supported our business by sending your clients to ride with us. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time and have happy memories of the many varied customers we have met. We are excited about our next step and welcome you to come and visit us anytime.

The Riding Centre which is still operating here at Stonehurst will offer pony rides for your customers and we are endorsing the Baton Run Horse Treks (formally Western Ranges Horse Treks) for trekking options.
www.nelsonhorsetreks.co.nz or 035224164.

Once again, thank you for your support and we wish you all the best for the coming summer season.

Kind regards

Laurence and Suzanne Max
 

Exciting new equine opportunities for Stonehurst Farms

After 16 years and more than 56,000 satisfied horse trekking customers, the owners of Stonehurst Farm are about to significantly diversify their operation and cease horse trekking in order to establish a premier equine agistment facility.

In 1994 when Suzanne and Laurence Max established Stonehurst Farm Horsetreks they were looking for opportunities to manage the ongoing viability of their 330ha Hope sheep and beef farm.

More than a decade and a half on the couple will cease their trekking operation in November in preparation for expanding their existing agistment business. This will create Nelson’s most comprehensive equine agistment farm.

“We still love horses,” said Laurence, “but keeping a property financially viable is about adapting to what the market wants and seizing opportunities that arise. We already look after 15 horses and ponies for the Riding School and 18 horses that are privately owned and can see this service expanding.”

Stonehurst’s agistment will provide grazing, hay and the level of daily care required by busy or urban horse-owners to sustain their mount, right down to managing hoof care and animal health.

The farm has established facilities, including a large all-weather arena, lungeing pen and extensive trail rides that horse owners will be able to utilise. The current riding school at the farm will continue to operate under its existing management.

On 27 November 2010 the farm’s 20 trekking horses and all their gear will be auctioned off at a dispersal sale.

“It’s going to be sad, but what we’re really hoping is that people who are wanting to get into riding will buy the trekking horses and choose to keep them here,” said Suzanne.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone who wants a proven, reliable horse. If they want they can keep their horse here at Stonehurst and have the ongoing support of knowledgeable people, with the addition of care and attention to the horse twice daily.

“We know we have a really safe riding environment and we’re hoping to develop a riding club culture.”

We are currently building a western style arena and future plans at the farm include developing a small cross-country course and organising clinics with visiting experts. We would like to cater for English and Western interests.

“What we’ve done with the trekking operation has been a great success and we know we’ve given a lot of people a really enjoyable horseback experience. For us it’s really time to step up to the next challenge and we’re confident there is a market here in Nelson just waiting for a quality agistment service. We’re really excited about it,” said Laurence.

All 20 horses and the gear up for auction will be available for inspection on Friday 26 November between 10am and 3pm and just prior to the sale on Saturday 27 November.

The sale, which will be conducted by PGG Wrightsons, will start at 1pm. The full catalogue is available from 1st November for viewing online at www.pggwrightson.co.nz or www.stonehurstfarm.co.nz.