Natural Horsemanship
Treks & Horse Rides
Dart Valley, New Zealand
An adventure that changes how you see horses; and yourself.
It’s what happens when horse and human truly connect—
and negotiate together, which path to choose!
EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An unforgettable experience. The scenery around Glenorchy is simply breathtaking, and seeing it from horseback made it even more special. The horses were calm, well looked after and perfectly matched to the riders, while the guides were friendly, knowledgeable and made everyone feel comfortable. A genuine highlight of our South Island holiday. Highly recommended!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing experience, in a beautiful part of NZ. Our guide Aurore was fantastic and showed us how to communicate and ride our horses in such a gentle and respectful way. We learned a lot and will definitely be back. Thank youPosted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Horse trek was amazing horses well trained. The guide aurora was absolutely amazing she was so kind and had lots of knowledge about horses. And she made me feel alot better when I was nervous to go. She is the sweetest lady and definitely will be back xPosted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lovely tour, my 6 year old daughter absolutely enjoyed riding a big horse by herself (with the help of lead). What a memorable experience!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are considering this, it’s a must! I booked this trek without realising they were a company trained in and using Parelli principles. Any company using natural horsemanship is putting their horses first in all decisions made and the outcome is a safe and fulfilling experience for both the rider and horse. I did the 2.5hr and could not recommend it highly enough. The ride and scenery go without saying, but the experience of the guides and their wealth of information about the local area make it a stand out. Both our guides were not only lovely but highly educated and it was a joy to be able to experience this once in a lifetime ride with them.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. All of the staff were warm, welcoming and knowledgeable! Horses were all well behaved and the scenery was outstanding. Our 7 year old daughter loved this activity so much.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My wife and I had an absolutely wonderful time at Lighthorse Adventures. We had a mix of experience levels in our group, from beginner to experienced and the guides knew exactly how to deliver all of the information clearly enough to make each rider feel comfortable and confident. We really valued the tone and attitude of the guides, creating a calming, yet safe and fun atmosphere for everyone to enjoy, (including the horses!) rather than focusing on a fear-based approach. We also enjoyed learning about natural horsemanship and the differences to what we had learned and were taught. The guides were patient and reassuring, which helped us to feel comfortable in a new setting.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Natural Horsemanship
Treks & Horse Rides
Dart Valley, New Zealand
An adventure that changes how you see horses; and yourself.
It’s what happens when horse and human truly connect—
and negotiate together, which path to choose!
EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An unforgettable experience. The scenery around Glenorchy is simply breathtaking, and seeing it from horseback made it even more special. The horses were calm, well looked after and perfectly matched to the riders, while the guides were friendly, knowledgeable and made everyone feel comfortable. A genuine highlight of our South Island holiday. Highly recommended!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing experience, in a beautiful part of NZ. Our guide Aurore was fantastic and showed us how to communicate and ride our horses in such a gentle and respectful way. We learned a lot and will definitely be back. Thank youPosted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Horse trek was amazing horses well trained. The guide aurora was absolutely amazing she was so kind and had lots of knowledge about horses. And she made me feel alot better when I was nervous to go. She is the sweetest lady and definitely will be back xPosted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lovely tour, my 6 year old daughter absolutely enjoyed riding a big horse by herself (with the help of lead). What a memorable experience!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are considering this, it’s a must! I booked this trek without realising they were a company trained in and using Parelli principles. Any company using natural horsemanship is putting their horses first in all decisions made and the outcome is a safe and fulfilling experience for both the rider and horse. I did the 2.5hr and could not recommend it highly enough. The ride and scenery go without saying, but the experience of the guides and their wealth of information about the local area make it a stand out. Both our guides were not only lovely but highly educated and it was a joy to be able to experience this once in a lifetime ride with them.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. All of the staff were warm, welcoming and knowledgeable! Horses were all well behaved and the scenery was outstanding. Our 7 year old daughter loved this activity so much.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My wife and I had an absolutely wonderful time at Lighthorse Adventures. We had a mix of experience levels in our group, from beginner to experienced and the guides knew exactly how to deliver all of the information clearly enough to make each rider feel comfortable and confident. We really valued the tone and attitude of the guides, creating a calming, yet safe and fun atmosphere for everyone to enjoy, (including the horses!) rather than focusing on a fear-based approach. We also enjoyed learning about natural horsemanship and the differences to what we had learned and were taught. The guides were patient and reassuring, which helped us to feel comfortable in a new setting.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Horseback
Rides & Treks
WILD RIVER Haven
Horsemanship RETREAT
Farm Tours
Carriage Rides & Animal Feeding
Horseback Adventures
Rides, Treks & Lessons
Breathtaking scenery. Extraordinary horses.
A connection you didn’t know was possible.
child & Beginner Friendly Rides
Perfect for kids and beginners alike. Gentle, guided rides— no experience needed, just a sense of adventure and a willingness to enjoy the ride.
Day Rides
& Treks
From half-day rides to multi-day treks — First-timer or seasoned rider; we match you with the right horse, the right trail, and the right experience.
Private Rides & CUSTOM Treks
Whether it’s a surprise proposal, an anniversary, a birthday or a group celebration — we’ll craft something truly bespoke and memorable.
Natural Horsemanship
Lessons, Clinics, Camps & Retreatss
Private
Lessons
One-on-one coaching, whether you’re solving problems or deepening your horsemanship.
Clinics, Parelli Levels & Camps
Learn to develop horses through psychology, communication, and understanding
Wild River
HAven Retreat
A powerful three-day horsemanship immersion
in New Zealand’s wilderness.
Want a Custom Package?
We create custom package adventures through the breathtaking Dart Valley, designed around what you love most. Whether it’s a special anniversary, a surprise proposal, private rides, riverside camps under starlit skies or dawn rides through ancient forests — let’s craft something just for you.
For the Love of Horses
“There’s something about the outside of a horse that’s good for the inside of a man”
~ Winston Churchill
We love horses. Not just the athletic parts that look beautiful galloping across a field, but the whole horse. The thinking, feeling, sometimes-scared-sometimes-brave soul who trusts us enough to carry us through the wilderness.
We love the parts that sometimes challenge us – the fact that horses are free-thinking creatures with their own minds, that they’re prey animals who can turn into half-ton Scooby Doos when something spooks them.
We don’t just accept these parts; we celebrate them. Because understanding who horses really are is what makes the magic possible.
There’s a way to be with horses that goes beyond the usual level of “you do this, I get that.” It’s a mutually beneficial relationship where we meet their needs as thinking, feeling beings – and in return, they help us become better versions of ourselves
The Lighthorse Difference
Quality Over Quantity, Always
Your safety is paramount. Our horses’ happiness is paramount. These two things aren’t separate – they’re connected. Happy horses are safe horses. Horses who are genuinely partners, not servants, create the kind of experience you’ll remember forever.
Ground Warm-up
We go above and beyond to make sure your horse is not only trained for their job, but also warmed up on the ground before every ride with specific exercises to improve mental, emotional and physical preparedness.
Just like an athlete prepares before every performance, this warmup helps our horses to function, safer, happier and physically healthier than they would if just ridden cold.
This sets our horses up for success and gets them in the mood for their day’s adventure. You are welcome to join in!
Bit-less Bridles
Riding shouldn’t feel like force. Communication shouldn’t require metal in a mouth. We use natural rope hackamores, giving you and your horse the freedom of a loose rein and genuine connection.
You’ll feel the difference when your horse responds because they want to, not because they have to.
Natural Horsemanship isn’t about riding without a bit, nor does bit-less automatically qualify you as “natural”. Natural Horsemanship is a philosophy, and refined riding with a bit when you and the horse are ready is just one of the many avenues of development on the horsemanship journey. Having said that, there is a time and a place for bits, and in on our trails, riding freely, we do not need them.
With our variety of riders and their different feels on the reins, our horses are happier in their soft, rope hackamores. Learn more about Natural Horsemanship here.
Barefoot & Hoofboot
No metal shoes nailed into hooves. Instead, we follow modern hoof science and keep our horses barefoot, using high-quality hoof boots when needed. Just like good hiking shoes help your whole body perform better, proper hoofwear helps our horses move comfortably, perform beautifully, and stay healthy.
You’ll see plenty of horseshoes at Lighthorse… but only hanging on fences for games!
Comfortable Saddles
Feel safe and comfortable as you ride in our high quality, custom made western saddles designed to give you the best riding experience possible for your trek as well as provide comfort and performance for your horse.
We use a variety of the western saddles. Easy Rider, Deep Seats, Litita Wade and Roper from our partner Contour Saddlery.
These saddles have a horn for you to hang on to, a padded seat and a flexible tree that moves with your horse.
You’ll feel better and ride better in our purpose designed and quality equipment.
Our Horses: The Real Stars
Selected for Soul, not just Skill! From pure-bred Clydesdales to Gypsy Vanners, Quarter Horses, and draft crosses – our horses are gentle giants with calm temperaments, strength, and most importantly, good character. We believe that with the right foundation, any horse can become an amazing equine partner. But starting with horses who have a natural aptitude for this work? That makes it more fun for everyone involved.
Each horse goes through extensive foundational development. Not just “can they carry a rider,” but “are they mentally, emotionally, and physically ready to be a true partner on this journey?” We develop the whole horse – mind, body, and soul.
The Parelli Difference
The Parelli Program teaches people to look at life from the horse’s point of view. Learn how to use communication, understanding and psychology to solve problems and bring out the best in your horse!
Lighthorse is owned by a Parelli Licensed Professional, being part of a global movement dedicated to making the world a better place for horses and the humans who love them. If this sparks something inside you—a curiosity, a passion, a desire to learn more— why not begin learning by joining the Parelli community.
RIDE THE GLACIAL RIVERS
WHERE MIDDLE-EARTH COMES ALIVE.
We offer tailor made custom day rides and package experiences.
Perfect for private groups, couples, surprise proposals, advanced horsemanship
or any adventure you can dream up through the stunning surrounds of the Dart Valley.