Taurimu Riding School - Taurimu Equine Interests

Riding School 2007.
A line up at the East Coast Breeders Show 25 February, of pupils who are taught by Margaret.
From left: Tom Moffit, Lauren Dolan, Adrianne Van den Berk,
Lydia Fullerton- Smith (my daughter helping with showing the mares and foals), Margaret, Molly Moffit, William Moffit.
During the day five Champions or Reserve were won by the ponies in the photos as well as rider classes for the children.

Riding School Riders and Ponies at Competition

Riding School at Competition.
Ponies from left: Taurimu Heidi, Legend Top Class, Taurimu Finness, Reach Far Silver Queen, Cindy Sue, Evermore Stardust, Glynmawr Fabergee

Peter was showing an interest in riding. We had bought him a pony, Cindy Sue. Both Robert and I were hunting once again.

I had ridden from the age of 7 years old, winning my first ribbon at the Ohura show at 8 years old. Robert had ridden to school from the age of 5, then on leaving school rode horses most days on the 8,000 acre Foxley farm just out of Ongarue.

I had always found it difficult to learn about riding, as my parents were not interested. My interest had come from my paternal grandmother.

I enjoyed working with the children and teaching. I was pleased to pass my knowledge on. As in the time of learning to ride, growing up, getting married and having our first child I had spent a lot of my time doing courses in the equine world as well as ridden courses. Once Peter started Pony Club I started to do my Pony Club Instructor Certificates.

The riding school began with children from the local Pony Club wanting to come for treks to our farm which was an hour's drive (easily a full day's ride). Before this time I had been teaching children, with their own ponies. This opened up a big window of opportunity for me. From there it went from strength to strength. Groups of people would come from all over the Waikato and King Country to ride on our 1500 acre farm and learn my techniques. I also travelled to many places and groups (Pony Clubs, Saddle up and Riding for the Disabled) to teach adults and children.

Trekking in the Manawatu/Rangitikei District.
Margaret in centre on Anworth Dandy.
Most of the ponies in photo at that time belonged to Taurimu.

In this time I was breeding many horse and ponies, breaking in, showing in hand - as well as Peter and I competing under saddle. Then Lydia came along and showed an interest in riding (practically being born on horse back), winning her first ribbon at the North Island all Welsh in Hamilton at 18 months old. Where ever we went competing or trekking, her rocking-horse had to go in the truck or on the tractor. At three years old Lydia on Fabiola was able to join others. In 1978 I gave up competing to spend more time with my children's riding and showing the breeding ponies. I carried on riding at home, trekking and teaching from horseback until 2003.

The riding school has been in operation for over 32 years now. In that time, riders I have taught have gone onto Pony Club Champs, winning at Horse of the Year in dressage, show jumping, showing classes, lead rein and led ponies. Some riders have gone on and represented N.Z.

I still love teaching and helping riders who want help with skills as well as passing my breeding and handling knowledge on. Over that time I have had a lot of fun and seen a lot of happy riders.