A Heavenly Spot

From the breathtaking 360-degree views to the talented and diverse horses to the charming and comfortable yet beautiful accommodation this was the trip of a lifetime. The four of us spent almost a year planning and anticipating what the trip would be like. Every one of us was a different level and different type of rider with different interests and goals. Yet we were assured that would not be a problem and that promise was fulfilled.

What made this trip not only great but also unusual was the opportunity to actually live for a week with a two time Olympic gold medallist. Greg opened up his farm, his home and his heart to us. His "family" cooked all of our delicious meals and was available 24/7 to attend to all of our needs and desires. By the end of the week we felt like part of that warm and loving family.

The programme is individually designed based on the guest’s desires. Those of us willing and able to take to 1½ to 2 hour lessons in one day could do so while those of us wanting to sleep late and take a more leisurely pace could do that also. The afternoons we were too physically tired to ride were filled with visits to local wineries, parasailing, shopping in town and even a trip to the local thoroughbred races.

But the focus of the trip, the riding, was not once disappointing. Greg’s teaching style is no nonsense. He was willing and enjoyed giving his honest assessment and explanation of his theories and practices yet his approach is cerebral and analytical. We then were able to practice those theories over and over throughout the week and ask many questions. We were never left wanting more riding or individual attention. The famed New Zealand thoroughbreds are notoriously athletic and calm making them able to accommodate any level of rider. Believe me, there were several horses we discussed the possibility of flying home with us. But all in all I don’t think any of the four of us went home without having learnt so much from this intense and wonderful week. I know I am already scheming and saving to go back. How else do we get to spend a week in heaven?