Westwood Stables Vocational Service
Connecting hooves and hearts for people with unique abilities.
History
Westwood Stables was established in 1999. The primary function of the service was to provide people with a place to go during the day and a continued opportunity to ride horses. Over 25 years later this service continues to provide people with the same opportunities.
Environment and facilities
Westwood Stables doesn’t only offer people the opportunity to ride and participate in horsemanship activities; we provide a beautiful and peaceful environment for people to come and relax, enjoy a cup of a tea and a picnic lunch as well.
Our facilities include:
- 11 covered day yards
- Round yard
- 20m x 40m dressage arena
- Large tack room and two stables
- Ramp for getting on the horse
- Large obstacle riding paddock
- Hay barn
- Forest riding track
- Courtyard with ample seating and space to relax
- Indoor kitchen and canteen area with seating, heating and a range of games and activities
- Accessible toilets and freshening up facilities
Riding at Westwood
To be able to ride at Westwood there are a few criteria that you must meet. These criteria are put in place to ensure both your safety and the safety of those supporting you with your ride.
- Wear a helmet and safety belt – these are provided by Westwood
- Be able to weight bare – this can be with the support of two people if required
- Not exceed 90kg – there is no minimum riding weight
- Wear covered shoes – bring your own
- Have a current medical clearance provided by your doctor
If you are unable to meet the above criteria, we still welcome you to spend time at Westwood and take part in other horse related activities. Other activities might include:
- Grooming
- Feeding
- Mucking out
- General farm maintenance
Meet the team
Horses
- Jake – 33 years, longest serving employee
- Princess – Full Clydesdale, trotting horse
- Bella – Full Clydesdale, kind & affectionate
- Wonky – Warm blood, fancy pants
- Arnie – Standardbred, ex racehorse
- Russell – Full Clydesdale, big blue-eyed boy
Kaiāwhina staffing team
- Lisa Newburgh – Team Leader
- Donna Dellow – Horse Advisor
Benefits of riding at Westwood
Westwood offers a supportive and inclusive environment with people who understand and embrace people who have unique abilities. There is no limit on the time you can ride at Westwood – some riders have been riding at Westwood since it was first established in 1999.
- Improved self-esteem and confidence: Achieving milestones in riding can boost a person’s sense of accomplishment
- Enhanced communication and social skills: Interacting with horses and instructors encourages verbal and non-verbal communication
- Improved balance, posture, and coordination: Riding mimics the natural gait of walking, which helps develop core strength and motor skills
- Reduced muscle spasticity: The warmth and movement of the horse can help relax tight muscles
- Increased flexibility and range of motion: Regular riding sessions can improve joint mobility and overall physical fitness
- Support for neurodiverse individuals: People with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and learning disabilities often benefit from the structured, sensory-rich environment of equine therapy
- Fostering trust and empathy: Building a bond with a horse can help individuals develop patience, empathy, and trust—skills that often translate into human relationships
- Encouraging independence: Learning to care for and ride a horse can instill a sense of responsibility and autonomy
What to expect
Here’s what to do if you’d like to experience Westwood:
- Contact Westwood so we know you are interested in riding.
- Come out for a social visit to see what we are all about – you can have as many social visits as you want, there is no limit or time limit for visiting.
- During one of your visits take away a medical consent form for clearance from your doctor.
- Bring your medical consent form back to us and get a free ride so we can see what your rider needs are.
- Complete the Entry to Service process including signing a service agreement which outlines your responsibilities and those of NZCL/Westwood Stables.
More details on what to expect at Westwood:
- Our sessions generally operate in 10 – 15-minute time slots of riding, not including the time needed to get on and off the horse.
- Every rider must wear a helmet and safety belt, which is supplied by Westwood.
- In the mounting process, you can expect to walk or be wheeled in a wheelchair up the ramp with the support of one or two Westwood staff depending on your needs.
- At the top of the mounting ramp, you will be assisted on to the horse with support of staff. Up to four (4) Westwood staff are available to assist you with this.
- When riding, you will have a Westwood staff person leading you, then depending on your need, you may have one of two people walking next to you providing support throughout your ride.
- Our riding paddock has a range of obstacles, including hills, a bridge, jumps, barrels, ring toss and cones.
- If appropriate, we can offer the opportunity to trot on the horse.
- After your ride is finished, our team will then support you to get off the horse safely.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if I’m eligible to attend Westwood?
Talk to your Lifelinks coordinator or your EGL connector about ways you can pay. For anyone else or for more information you can contact us directly.
How long does a ride go for?
The length of your ride will be determined by your ability and willingness to be on the horse. Generally, rides last for 10 – 15 minutes, not including the time needed to get on and off the horse.
10 minutes doesn’t feel like very long for a ride, can I ride for longer?
A: Provided you can safely sit on the horse for longer than 10 minutes and the horse you ride is available, you will be able to work through increasing your riding time with the Team Leader and Horse Advisor.
When is Westwood open?
Westwood is currently open for riding from Monday – Friday all year round (excluding Christmas and public holidays). Riding times are generally during school hours, however, if you are interested in discussing the possibility of riding outside of these times please get in touch.
Are you still open when it is raining?
A: The short answer is yes; we are still open when it is raining. However, when the weather is bad including rain, snow or high winds there is a high chance that your ride may be cancelled for the day. We will always contact you to discuss this on the day of your ride.
What age do I have to be to ride?
There is no age limit at Westwood; children and adults are all welcome.
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