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Welcome to Hurunui Trails and Adventures. If you need to take time out and refresh your spirit, you've come to the right place. We have pioneered horse treks through some of the most spectacular wilderness in New Zealand for over 25 years. We are internationally recognised for some of the finest treks available worldwide, and have been featured in Horse & Hound magazine (UK), Horse & Pony NZ, and many other magazines and TV shows. Our treks are also the only New Zealand treks to be included in Julie Miller's acclaimed book "Great Horse Treks of the World". Hurunui Trails and Adventures brings you an even greater trekking experience, with upgraded accommodation either staying with station owners or in good quality shearers quarters (with hot showers, and comfortable beds) and brand new trails. We look forward to meeting you and to sharing this incredible part of the world with you. Hurunui Trails and Adventures is owned and run by Pete Mallinson. Pete is a very experienced horseman who grew up on a Hill Country Farm near Geraldine. Pete has worked as a Sheppard in the Rangitata Gorge, Te Anau, Mt White Station, Lock Harbour Station etc. Pete moved into the Hawarden area 20 years ago and works as a shepherd at McDonald Downs and then moved to Esk Head Station as head shepherd for nine years; he knows the High Country like the back of his hand. His father John Mallinson put him up on his first horse in front of him at 6 months of age and went mustering, at the age of two he had his own pony and rode out alongside his father. Pete competed in Endurance races from the age of 12 years and went onto the Rodeo Circuit at 15 years of age riding the steers and broncs and later on progressed to bulls, bareback and saddle broncs, where he excelled. He is highly experienced as a farrier, horse trainer, fencer and farmer. His partner Heather Lucas is an experienced horsewoman who rode competitively for some years in Britain. She is a fully qualified French chef and owned a restaurant, farm and Auberge in France (she speaks fluent French). She has also owned and ran a nursery school and children's adventure clubs in Cornwall, England, where she grew up. Heather has been riding since the age of seven and with Pete she trains all of the young horses and keeps the other horses well schooled for the guests who visit and stay with them from around the world. They focus on giving their guests a fulfilling, satisfying and informative experience of the High Country which is an intimate and sensitive relationship with nature due to the small groups and responsible style of trekking; which they enjoy sharing with other people. Their horses are chosen for being level-headed, sure-footed and sensible, well-bred and mannered. Pete and Heather spend a lot of time training them so that their guests can enjoy their experience on horseback.
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