TWRC - About 

About Our Club

The Taranaki Western Riding Club was formed back in 1979 by a group of local riders who had a keen interest in western riding and is affiliated to the New Zealand Western Riding Federation.

Western riding originated in America and evolved from having a handy type of horse to work the ranch. It was essential they had good minded horses with the athletic ability and stamina to work all day and to make the rancher’s job as easy as possible. The prominent breeds of horses used in western riding competitions both in New Zealand and in America are Quarter Horses, Appaloosas and Paint Horses.

Sportsmanship is an important part of western riding and many friendships are formed among both the youth and adult competitors (and support crew) who have decided to participate at competitions held outside of our local area.

The Taranaki Western Riding Club offer a wide range of activities to its members and some of these activities are:

• Training Days at the Stratford A & P Showgrounds arena held once per month. The more experience riders in the club donate their time to help other club members.

• Club Days once per month. There is no nominated trainer for club days but it gives members an opportunity to help each other.

• Social activities (e.g. video evenings/pot-luck teas).

• Training clinics with overseas and New Zealand western riding trainers (extra cost for training clinics).

• TWRC is affiliated to the New Zealand Western Riding Federation.

• Members receive a Club Newsletter throughout the year (which includes information on up-coming events through the NZWRF such as a Youth School, Shows and Treks).

• The TWRC holds Shows, Ribbons Day and Games Days (entry fees apply).

• Club treks.

• Club meetings held once per month.

• Fundraising activities (if you wish to participate).