Healing With Horses Workshop
Come Back to Yourself With Horses Beside You
Sometimes the world moves too fast, and our bodies carry more than they were meant to. This one-day healing workshop is a chance to slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect with the land, with yourself, and with the quiet presence of horses.
Through gentle, guided experiences alongside our horses, we’ll explore how to notice what’s going on inside, regulate our nervous systems, and find steady ground again, not through words, but through presence.
No horse experience needed. Just come as you are.
What You’ll Experience:
Grounding into the present
Settle into a calm space where you can breathe, feel, and let go.Horse-led connection
Be with horses in a way that’s natural, respectful, and healing no pressure to ride, just to be. Observe how your body responds as you step into shared space.Body scan and awareness practice
After connecting with the horse, we guide you through a full-body check-in noticing shifts in breath, tension, and energy, and gently naming what’s changed.Nervous system tools
Learn simple strategies to recognise when you’re in fight, flight, or freeze — and ways to return to calm.Gentle interaction
Grooming, breathing, and standing with the herd, connection through quiet presence and consent.Reflective space
Time to journal, share if you wish, and simply be in a space that honours rest and reconnection.
Who It’s For:
Anyone feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or disconnected
Those seeking calm, clarity, or a reset
Adults (18+) — no horse experience required
Professionals, parents, caregivers, or those carrying a lot for others
Workshop Info:
Location: Standfast Stables, 7391 State Highway 35, Te Kaha, Ōpōtiki
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Cost:$120 per person, $50 fence sitter (for guest watching will be charged on the day)
Includes: Gentle facilitation, horse time, journal prompts, refreshments and lunch
Group size: Small, safe and supportive — spaces limited, minimum of 6
MWDI Maori Business Woman Awards 2025
Exciting News: MWDI Māori Business Woman of the Year 2025 Finalist
I’m humbled and honoured to share that I have been named a Finalist in the Māori Women’s Development Inc. (MWDI) Māori Business Woman of the Year Awards 2025 — as a Pakihi Whai Ora (Social Enterprise) Category Finalist.
The Pakihi Whai Ora (Social Enterprise) category celebrates businesses driven not just by profit, but by the wellbeing of people, culture, and whenua. For me, this recognition honours everything Standfast Stables stands for — from equine-assisted healing programmes and NZQA-recognised equine training, to sharing stories through Standfast Plushies and Whisperers of the Wild, and carrying forward our Standfast legacy of resilience, aroha, and connection.
Being recognised from the Waiariki region and in Pakihi Whai Ora is truly special—this honour belongs to every supporter, whānau member, and rider who’s been part of this journey.
Event Details & Ticket Info
Date & Time
Friday, 24 October 2025
5:30 pm – 11:30 pm NZDT
Venue
Tākina Convention Centre, Wellington
(50 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington)
Dress Code
Formal / Black Tie / Unapologetically Māori
Evening Includes
Full awards ceremony with entertainment and event photography
Three-course dinner
Opportunities to connect with indigenous business leaders, sponsors, and supporters
Ticketing
Tickets are available through Humanitix—please note the event is R18+, and non-refundable.
You can transfer your ticket to someone else if needed by providing their details to MWDI at least 5 business days before the event.
To Get Tickets:
Visit the MWDI Māori Businesswomen’s Awards 2025 event page on Humanitix to reserve your tickets and explore payment plan options.
Ngatiwai Horseman Challenge and Horse Sports
Standfast at the Ngātiwai Horseman’s Challenge – 14–15 November
Standfast is heading north, riding with pride at the Ngātiwai Horseman’s Challenge, led by kaupapa, heritage, and horsemanship. Our four riders are ready to test their mettle across an action-packed weekend of competition, community, and coastal whenua.
Event Overview (Friday 14 – Saturday 15 November)
While the full festival unfolds over two days, Standfast is focusing on the main event: the full-day challenge on Saturday 15 November, following Friday’s opening pōwhiri and horse trek.
Saturday 15 November: The Challenge Unfolds (official details will be out later on the Ngatiwai website)
7:30 am – Course walk-through for cowboy challenge obstacles and judging criteria
8:30 am – Official Karakia and Mihi – whenua and wairua open the day
9:00 am – Cowboy Challenge starts:
Featuring youth (14–17) and open (18+) divisions across 13 obstacles based on coastal workhorse tasks—float loading, bush navigation, surf wading, and more
12:00–1:00 pm – Lunch break & gear shift; horsy prep for sports
1:00–4:00 pm – Horse Sports Events:
Pole bending
Stock horse challenge
Flag race
Medley
Mystery event – a surprise that’s always a crowd favourite
4:30–5:15 pm – Thrilling Beach Races:
Youth, bareback, and open divisions thunder along the sand
5:30–6:00 pm – Prizegiving & closing karakia wraps the day
6:30 pm onwards – Hakari & Western Kanikani at the woolshed – eat, dance, connect under the stars
Standfast’s Four Competitors
We’re backing four Standfast riders heading into this epic kaupapa-led challenge. The riders competing are Aroha Grant, Ellen Wairua, Tracey Davis and Kiritapu Jamison.
Why It Matters
Kaupapa & Heritage: Driven by Ngātiwai’s enduring connection between people, land, and horses
Skill & Grit: These events test balance, speed, strategy, and spirit
Mana & Support: Our whānau gathering on the sidelines, cheering and rallying behind our crew
Want to Join Us?
Riders ➝ Official regs open through Ngātiwai organiser Manaia Armstrong
Spectators ➝ Kia kaha—bring your whānau, bring your wairua, and back Standfast!
Overnight ➝ There’s designated camping by the Mimiwhangata wool shed (vehicle/horses welcome)
If you want to support us from a distance, you can donate to Standfast Riders 12-3155-0272282-00 REF NHC.
Thank you for your support!
Standfast in the arena, Standfast on the sand — Standfast unstoppable.
Fundraiser Trek
Fundraiser Trek up the Kereu River
Saddle up and join us for a special Fundraiser Trek up the Kereu River — a day that brings together the beauty of our whenua, the power of our horses, and the spirit of our community. This trek is more than just a ride; it’s our way of standing together to support the next steps of the Standfast journey.
All funds raised will go towards:
Ngātiwai Horseman Challenge – helping our riders travel, compete, and represent Te Whānau-ā-Apanui with pride at this prestigious event celebrating horsemanship and skill.
Māori Business Women’s Awards Night – supporting Standfast as a national finalist, recognising the mahi, vision, and resilience behind our kaupapa.
Your participation directly contributes to travel, event costs, and resources for both our riders and horses — ensuring they can step onto these stages with confidence and pride.
By riding with us, you’re not just part of a trek — you’re backing the kaupapa of horsemanship, whānau, and legacy. Together, we celebrate our traditions, honour our achievements, and create opportunities for the generations to come.
Nau mai, haere mai — ride the river, support the challenge, celebrate the journey.
Cost: $100 per rider and horse, $25 for horse hire (only 4 horses available)
Venue: Kereu River Mouth
Time: 10am
Trek durations: 5hrs
Skill: Intermediate +
To Book, please pay $100 to STAND FAST HORSE TREKS LIMITED 12-3155-0156601-00 and reference your name + FTrek.
*There are no more horses available to hire
Tui Teka Better Horsemanship Sports & Cowboy Challenge Clinic
Four of our Standfast riders — Aroha, Ellen, Kiri, and Tracey — are heading to Tokomaru Bay to take part in the Tui Teka Better Horsemanship Clinic, a three-day intensive focused on building trust, skill, and feel in both horse and rider.
The clinic will cover essential horsemanship techniques — groundwork, body control, timing, and connection — alongside practical training in bending, barrel racing, flag races, and the cowboy challenge. It's a powerful lead-up as our team prepares for the Ngātiwai Horsemanship Challenge this November.
This wānanga is more than just prep — it's about sharpening our craft, learning from some of the best, and standing strong in our kaupapa as a team.
We’re proud to represent Standfast on the East Coast — horses loaded, hearts open, and ready to ride.
Healing With Horses Workshop
Come Back to Yourself With Horses Beside You
Sometimes the world moves too fast, and our bodies carry more than they were meant to. This one-day healing workshop is a chance to slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect with the land, with yourself, and with the quiet presence of horses.
Through gentle, guided experiences alongside our horses, we’ll explore how to notice what’s going on inside, regulate our nervous systems, and find steady ground again, not through words, but through presence.
No horse experience needed. Just come as you are.
What You’ll Experience:
Grounding into the present
Settle into a calm space where you can breathe, feel, and let go.Horse-led connection
Be with horses in a way that’s natural, respectful, and healing no pressure to ride, just to be. Observe how your body responds as you step into shared space.Body scan and awareness practice
After connecting with the horse, we guide you through a full-body check-in noticing shifts in breath, tension, and energy, and gently naming what’s changed.Nervous system tools
Learn simple strategies to recognise when you’re in fight, flight, or freeze — and ways to return to calm.Gentle interaction
Grooming, breathing, and standing with the herd, connection through quiet presence and consent.Reflective space
Time to journal, share if you wish, and simply be in a space that honours rest and reconnection.
Who It’s For:
Anyone feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or disconnected
Those seeking calm, clarity, or a reset
Adults (18+) — no horse experience required
Professionals, parents, caregivers, or those carrying a lot for others
Workshop Info:
Location: Standfast Stables, 7391 State Highway 35, Te Kaha, Ōpōtiki
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Cost:$120 per person, $50 fence sitter (for guest watching will be charged on the day)
Includes: Gentle facilitation, horse time, journal prompts, refreshments and lunch
Group size: Small, safe and supportive — spaces limited, minimum of 6
Standfast Riders Horse Sports Season Trainings
Standfast Riders Club Training Days
Our Standfast Riders Club Training Days are open to all ages and riding levels — from tamariki finding their seat to adults building confidence or preparing for competition. These days are about more than just riding; they’re about whānau, teamwork, and the Standfast spirit.
What Training Days Look Like:
Group riding sessions – drills, barrels, cowboy challenge practice, and team activities.
Horsemanship – groundwork, horse care, and building trust with your horse.
Club atmosphere – encouragement, connection, and plenty of fun along the way.
Preparation – helping riders at every level get ready for events, competitions, and community rides.
Who it’s for:
All ages welcome – tamariki, rangatahi, and adults.
Open to new members as well as existing Standfast Riders.
No matter your experience, there’s a place for you here.
Why Join?
At Standfast, horses teach us more than riding — they teach resilience, courage, and respect. Training Days give our riders a chance to grow, support one another, and ride as part of a strong, connected club.
📅 Keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming Training Day dates.
Standfast Riders Horse Sports Season Trainings
Standfast Riders Club Training Days
Our Standfast Riders Club Training Days are open to all ages and riding levels — from tamariki finding their seat to adults building confidence or preparing for competition. These days are about more than just riding; they’re about whānau, teamwork, and the Standfast spirit.
What Training Days Look Like:
Group riding sessions – drills, barrels, cowboy challenge practice, and team activities.
Horsemanship – groundwork, horse care, and building trust with your horse.
Club atmosphere – encouragement, connection, and plenty of fun along the way.
Preparation – helping riders at every level get ready for events, competitions, and community rides.
Who it’s for:
All ages welcome – tamariki, rangatahi, and adults.
Open to new members as well as existing Standfast Riders.
No matter your experience, there’s a place for you here.
Why Join?
At Standfast, horses teach us more than riding — they teach resilience, courage, and respect. Training Days give our riders a chance to grow, support one another, and ride as part of a strong, connected club.
📅 Keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming Training Day dates.
Standfast Opening Season Festival CANCELLED
Whenua • Whānau • Horses • Heart
It’s our first festival — and we’re going BIG.
Join us for the very first ever Standfast Opening Season Festival — a one-day, boots-on, all-in celebration of everything we stand for: horses, whānau, connection, and country spirit. This isn’t just an event, it’s the launch of a legacy.
We're turning the Kereu River Mouth into a full-blown country carnival with the dust flying, the music pumping, and the community riding high. And it’s all to back our Standfast Riders as they head into competition season.
What’s on the schedule:
- Carnival Games & Competitions – Test your aim, skill, and luck
- Food Stalls – Local kai, hot eats, cold drinks, sweet treats
- Live Music & DJ – Country vibes, feel-good tunes, crowd pumping hits
- Line Dancing – Kick up some dust and shake loose with the crew
- Exhibition Events –
• Barrel Racing
• Reining
• Cowboy Challenge
• Horse Sports
See horsepower, skill and spirit in action — Standfast style.
Date: Saturday 6 September
Time: 10am – 6pm
Location: Kereu River Mouth, Te Kaha
Entry: Gold coin koha – all proceeds go to our riders
Why we ride:
This event is a fundraiser for our Standfast Riders:
Aroha, Ahikaa, Ellen, Kiri, Tracey, Ravana, Motuaruhe, Chozen, Haunui, Bry, Kayde, Acacia & Nadine.
Every coin, every cheer, every moment helps get them to the arena.
STALLHOLDERS WELCOME:
• $10 per stall
• Plus a $100 donation to sponsor a rider of your choice
Support a good cause while being part of a day to remember.
Healing With Horses Workshop
Come Back to Yourself With Horses Beside You
Sometimes the world moves too fast, and our bodies carry more than they were meant to. This one-day healing workshop is a chance to slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect with the land, with yourself, and with the quiet presence of horses.
Through gentle, guided experiences alongside our horses, we’ll explore how to notice what’s going on inside, regulate our nervous systems, and find steady ground again, not through words, but through presence.
No horse experience needed. Just come as you are.
What You’ll Experience:
Grounding into the present
Settle into a calm space where you can breathe, feel, and let go.Horse-led connection
Be with horses in a way that’s natural, respectful, and healing no pressure to ride, just to be. Observe how your body responds as you step into shared space.Body scan and awareness practice
After connecting with the horse, we guide you through a full-body check-in noticing shifts in breath, tension, and energy, and gently naming what’s changed.Nervous system tools
Learn simple strategies to recognise when you’re in fight, flight, or freeze — and ways to return to calm.Gentle interaction
Grooming, breathing, and standing with the herd, connection through quiet presence and consent.Reflective space
Time to journal, share if you wish, and simply be in a space that honours rest and reconnection.
Who It’s For:
Anyone feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or disconnected
Those seeking calm, clarity, or a reset
Adults (18+) — no horse experience required
Professionals, parents, caregivers, or those carrying a lot for others
Workshop Info:
Location: Standfast Stables, 7391 State Highway 35, Te Kaha, Ōpōtiki
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Cost:$120 per person, $50 fence sitter (for guest watching will be charged on the day)
Includes: Gentle facilitation, horse time, journal prompts, refreshments and lunch
Group size: Small, safe and supportive — spaces limited, minimum of 6