Frequently Asked Questions
Who Are We?
Originally formed as "Bridleways Auckland" in 2007, as the result of a horse riding workshop held by the ARC (Auckland Regional Council). The name was changed to NZ Horse Recreation to recognise the wider need for an organisation to work on projects throughout the country. NZ Horse Recreation is now an Incorporated Society. We welcome all 'equines' including donkeys and mules, and all equine people whether you own, drive or ride. We are sport, breed and club agnostic; individuals who just like to look at their horses in the paddock are as welcome as those who aspire to compete at top level. Our Objectives:
| Why Join?In New Zealand there is no national body representing all horses or riders\drivers. The ESNZ does not include recreational riders or the promotion of the horse for recreation, and health as one of its roles. At the moment recreational riders are reliant on pony clubs, sports clubs or individuals to represent them. Other sports have well organised bodies that represent recreational users (as well as competitors) - that's why they are getting better access for their sports! It's time we riders got more organised and got a fair share of the recreational access.
All members receive a regular newsletter to keep up to date with current activities and projects. We abide by Privacy Principles and will not provide your membership information for other purposes. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Who Can or Should Join?Every rider and horse owner! We need as many riders as possible to sign up and show support for riding issues. Going to a Council or Government agency with 300 or 3000 names is much more effective than turning up on your own. There is no body or group that represents recreational riders, I hope that we can begin to work together and gain more riding access through better advocacy. Our newsletter let's you know about projects and events, and about submissions that are open and results to those we have made.
Clubs and sports groups are encouraged to affiliate, pass information on to members, and collaborate on submissions. All in the horse world should be concerned with the profile (or lack of it) of horse sports and recreation, and with the dire lack of horse recreation space. It is all our responsibility to do something about it. What Does it Cost to Join?At the moment joining is Free. Our rules have been set up so that there will always be a Free membership option (Social Membership), because it is so important for us to be able to communicate with and mobilise recreational riders. We are completely voluntary. We rely on members to provide ideas, photos, local riding information for the website and work on campaigns to increase recreational riding areas. We will fundraise for projects that create trails, or provide access infrastructure such as horse friendly gates or stiles.
| What Can Members Do?We want active, participating members. All members are encouraged to proactively work in their area, at whatever tasks they have the time for or interest in. These tasks include:
Can I be more involved?YES! Please volunteer to help. You can create a local sub-group in your area or work with the National body. If you have a good network of contacts in your area, have special skills that will assist us in fundraising or other activities or just have time and motivation to offer, please do contact me. Clubs, organisations and groups can partner with NZ Recreational Horse Riders Existing clubs, and organisations are encouraged to partner with us, and keep their members up to date with news. If possible have an interested person in your club assigned as Recreational Advocacy Liaison, to be the point of contact and relay information between your club committee and our group. Learn more about partnering We promote open and transparent communication and abide by the Privacy Principles. More Questions?If there is anything that you want to know that is not answered here, please ask. |
