Rodney horse riders find their stride

A new equine group in Rodney is bringing horse riders together with a focus on confidence, learning and community.

Anita Hinton and Michelle Russell established The Giddy Up Gamesters in January and the group held its first event last month at the Warkworth Showgrounds attracting about 15 riders.

Hinton, a local mum who has spent years attending equine clubs and clinics with her teenage daughter “whose whole life is horses”, said it was a huge success.

“It shows there’s strong interest locally in a relaxed riding environment where the emphasis is on the bond between horse and rider.

“What made it so special wasn’t just the turnout, but the atmosphere. Seeing riders who arrived feeling a bit nervous leave with huge smiles and newfound confidence was exactly what we hoped for.

“It’s for anyone and everyone. We’ve designed our events to be inclusive of all ages and equine experience levels.”

The concept was two years in the making before the group was launched.

“With my background in charity work and event planning, I decided, along with Michelle, to bridge that gap by creating the experiences we always wished for.

“These events feel less like a formal lesson and more like hanging out with friends, mixed with a whole lot of fun and learning too.

“Whether it’s a high-level clinic or a post-ride sausage sizzle where everyone sits down to connect, our goal is to ensure no rider ever feels like just another number in the arena. That’s what we want our events to be all about – variety.”

Over seven years Hinton and Russell explored various clubs and clinics.

“We realised something vital was often missing: a true sense of community. It’s not just about what happens in the saddle, we want our monthly gatherings to be a place where the community feels truly connected and supportive.”

So far The Giddy Up Gamesters has held a fun day as well as two clinics led by Russell, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the equine industry both here in NZ and Australia.

“What truly sets Michelle apart is her passion for education. She isn’t just focused on the sport, she is dedicated to supporting riders of all levels, helping them develop their skills and confidence in a way that is both professional and encouraging,” Hinton said.

The Saturday clinics were two distinct sessions designed to offer something for every rider.

“In the morning, it was a partnership and communication clinic that started on the ground to establish a bond before moving into the saddle, focusing on western-style leg aids and refining how horse and rider communicate through subtle cues.

“In the afternoon, we shifted gears for a barrel racing workshop. That was all about the technical side of the sport, learning the pattern, perfecting turns, and building speed in a supportive environment.”
Hinton said the group welcomed riders of all levels to join their growing community, including new riders, and aimed to host one or two gatherings each month at the Warkworth Showgrounds and surrounding areas.

“Our vision for The Giddy Up Gamesters is to become a staple of the Rodney equine calendar while keeping our fun-first philosophy at the core.”