Rider Stories
Allana
"I have been going to Maris Equestrian for about a year and since I started, I have looked forward to coming out to lessons every single week. Mainly because of Nicole’s positivity, kindness, and patience as she helps me regain my confidence in my riding. She has such a genuine bond with all her horses as well as the people she teaches. I could not ask for a better coach!"
Dorothy
I have learned equestrian for nearly 5 years: 3 years in China and about 2 years at Maris Equestrian in New Zealand. To be honest I couldn’t be described as a talented rider when I first came to Maris, I was so scared of speed and cantering that I could not even be in control. However, right now canter has become an enjoyment for me and I can even do some jumping courses confidently. Julia is a wonderful coach and always has patience with me. I love that whenever I fall, she encourages me to get on and try again. Also, although I haven't had many classes with Nicole, I have to say she is a very knowledgeable and reliable coach with gentleness and a bit of courage—which is what I need in the process of studying. I am very honored to recommend you to study at Maris or just have fun with the lovely horses.—Dorothy
Kada
Absolutely an amazing place, I was coached by Julia and rode the wonderful Flynty. They helped me greatly improve in my first lesson working on being more forward and getting comfortable riding again. The environment is amazing in their private lessons you get to experience everything from bringing the horse in and out, grooming, tacking up and down to a wonderful ride. Definitely recommend to anyone from any horse background!
Kim
As an adult rider returning after a long break of over 25 years, and being quite a nervous rider being a wee bit older!
I have been taking weekly private lessons with both Nicole and Julia for the past 12 months and can not fault their genuine caring approach to teaching at all levels.
My confidence has soared and I have completed cross-country training and beach rides with Nicole and Julia this year.
Moving forward I am looking forward to having the opportunity to compete in some dressage competitions.
Having ridden a number of the horses at Maris I can confirm they have all had an exceptional level of training.
But I do have a soft spot for one pony called Mickey.
Quinn
"I have been going to Mari’s Equestrian for two years now I have progressed so much during my time at Maris Equestrian all because of my amazing coach Nicole she is so kind and teaches in fun ways and cares deeply for all her students and horses. When I started riding at Maris I was not very good at riding I had no idea how to tack up a horse or anything and Nicole has taught me all of the things I needed to know, she has helped me grow my skills to enable me to reach jumping 90cm while calm and happy. I Look forward to my lessons with Nicole every week and couldn’t ask for a better coach. Thanks to Maria Equestrian I am on a path to own my own horse."
Chrissy & Chloe
" I would nhighly reccomend Maris Equestrioan to anybody from beginners to competitive riders. My daughter moved to Maris 3 months ago, the move had such a positive impact on her riding and confidence level. This is thanks to her riding coach Julia. Julia is an extremely skilled, compassionate and patient coach, which has created a great learning environment. Julia shares her enthusiasm and knowledge of equestrian activities in every lesson. Thankyou Maris for providing great coaches that are not only knowledgeable and experienced but genuinely care about thew progress and wellbeing of their students."
Willa & Carmen
"My daughter loves horse riding and loved having Nicole as her coach in the past about 2 years. Nicole has been a fantastic and motivating coach! Her motivation and encouragement have made an great influence in this horse riding journey for Carmen. We feel grateful that our daughter has had the opportunity to be with Nicole as coach. Thank you very much and we wish Nicole all the best and bright future in New Zealand." - Willa
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"My wonderful riding experience all best when I started my weekly lessons with Nicole. I was hooked straight away! It will forever make my day. I always look forward to my lessons with her. She always greets you with a giant smile on her face. From jumping to flatworm, I loved it all to bits. Nicole is just the best coach in the whole world!" - Carmen