Lighthorse Adventures Horse Treks — Local services in South Island

A Ride to Remember – Heart First, Hooves Second

Under an hour west of Queenstown lies an experience that will change the way you see horses, riding, and possibly your own soul. (Okay, maybe that’s dramatic - it is Lord of the Rings territory - but also maybe not.)

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a cowboy/girl with a conscience or a horse whisperer in waterproofs, this is your moment. These folks don’t just throw you on a horse and shout “Yeehaw!”—they introduce you to a whole new way of connecting with these majestic animals through the Parelli school of horsemanship, where kindness, trust, and mutual respect take the reins.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel it: the deep care, knowledge, and passion these guides have for their horses. It’s not just a job for them - it’s a calling. And before you even mount up, you’ll start to see horses not just as animals to ride, but as partners in a shared journey.

Yes, the horses are barefoot and bitless, and no, that’s not something to worry about - it’s something to admire. These horses are relaxed, responsive, and clearly well-loved. You’ll be kitted out with all the gear (seriously, they’ve thought of everything: boots, gloves, helmets, oilskin jackets, quilted coats—you’ll look like you’ve done this for years, even if it’s your first time).

But the real magic? It’s in the connection—with the horse beneath you, the breathtaking Dart River landscape around you, and the incredible team guiding you every step of the way.

A special shoutout to Indigo, our lead guide (part horsewoman, part sage, part legend), and the rest of the brilliant crew—five of them in total—who made the whole experience feel intimate, safe, and unforgettable.

This wasn’t just a trail ride. It was a reminder of the beauty that happens when humans slow down, listen, and learn from creatures much wiser than we give them credit for.

10/10...

Wow, what an experience, again! This was the second time I have been lucky enough to be able to take a horse trek with this company and what I originally thought couldn’t be improved upon was even better!! The trek started with meeting the horse we were assigned to, this in it’s self was a wonderful experience as we were shown how to gently move the horse around, forwards, backwards, left, right, around etc which gave us the time to start bonding with the magnificent creature. The level of respect and kindness shown to the horses from the instructors was incredible. The understanding of horsemanship all the guides had was second to none. We then mounted safely and again were shown the basic commands that would serve us well when we went out, again the level of tuition was lovely to watch and experience. The trek its self was breathtaking, we were lucky to be there just as the lupins were coming in to flower, what amazing scenery. I found the information given, along the way, about the area interesting and entertaining. Both the guides were very professional yet fun and engaging, they clearly had a deep passion for horses and loved their job. I felt completely safe from the time we met our horses to the time we said goodbye and it was obvious that the care for the horses is lighthorse adventures number one priority which was great to see. I would highly recommend experiencing one of these treks, the scenery, the guilds, the horses and everything about this experience deserves an...

SO DISAPPOINTED!!!! BEWARE OF BOOKING WITH THIS BUSINESS!!! Communication from this business via email is slow or non existent. I was having to chase them constantly for information or answers to my questions.

I signed up last minute to a horse clinic they were offering and they didn’t confirm my payment of $1500+ was received or send me any details about the format of the days or location etc until I chased them via phone calls.

Unfortunately my horse was injured after being transported down south several days before the clinic which alone was traumatic plus I was so upset I wouldn’t be able to attend. I let them know straight away and had a vet report to confirm my horse was unable to attend.

Not only was there a complete lack of sympathy for my situation but apparently any refund (even partial) was out of the question. They kept my $1500 even when I explained the extraordinary circumstances and mentioned my vet bill was likely to be double that. I was completely blown away.

I have since heard of another participant unable to attend the same clinic with a lame horse who gave several weeks notice and again they DIDNT REFUND ANY OF THEIR MONEY!!!

NEVER HAVE I MET ANYONE IN THE HORSE COMMUNITY SO UNETHICAL.

It seems this business is out to keep your money no matter what.

Such a shame as I would have attended plenty of other clinics or ridden on their treks had I had a better experience with them.

BEWARE BEFORE YOU...