EQUINE CONNECTIONS
Welcome to Equine Connections, EC is not just about training horses but getting that complete connection to get the best from both, horse and rider. Here at Equine connections we offer a wide range of experience, offering a personal and professional service for all your horses education needs.
Meet Melissa
I have been living and breathing horses my whole life, I started riding at the very young age of 18 months old!
One of my biggest passions is starting a horse correctly from the beginning. Laying down the very important foundations, gaining respect and control from the horse to have the connection to move forward and create a strong bond.
I love to share this passion with others to help them achieve the same enjoyment and success working with horses as I do.
My Story
Having completed all of my equine studies, I have learnt and am passionate about the importance of natural horsemanship. Learning how to start horses from a very young age gave me lots of experience with unhandled and green broke horses.
Starting and pre training TBs from the age of only 15 years, producing TB horses off the track, onto their next career and starting my own "bush ponies" has given me a massive experience and been able to excel in the equine business.
I have competed successfully up to 2* with my Eventers, and was a chosen rider to be part of the NZ development squad that went overseas and represented NZ in the mounted games teams, and competed over there during the 3 months stay in Canada and the USA.
I am lucky enough to call this my full time job, I now spend the majority of my time starting young horses and helping others. I'm place huge emphasis on connection, making sure the horse and the rider are on the correct path to create an enjoyable, successful partnership.
My Method
My method is very straightforward, all natural horsemanship. It focuses on pressure and release, join up, the horse viewing you as a leader. I place emphasis on gaining respect, control and connection on the ground before moving these same foundations into the saddle. This ensures clear understanding and communication between the horse and rider. If these foundations are strong, everything else comes naturally. Consistency is key!
Our Property
We are very fortunate to be based at a beautiful 15 acre property in Matakana.
We have a modern stable block, well-fenced paddocks, round pen and a large all weather arena.
Here at Equine Connections we are big on variety, we don't drill our horses in the arena day in and day out. We love to give them real life experiences out and about.
We are lucky enough to be a short ride from the local beaches and have many forest trails and farmland on our back door step to hack out on!
