The Kāpiti Equestrian Advocacy group celebrated a year since its inception with a ride from the Otaki Surf Life Saving Club to Waikawa Beach on August 25.

The group was formed by Ruth Halliday, the equestrian representative on Kāpiti Coast District Council’s Cycleway, Walkway and Bridleway Advisory Group. The equestrian group engages with agencies such as KCDC, GWRC and NZTA so the equestrian fraternity is not left out of infrastructure planning, policy reviews, and parks and recreation planning.

“This is important as at present the equestrian industry contributes over $13 million per annum and around 100 FTE jobs into the local Kāpiti economy,” says the group’s chair, Shelly Warwick. 

These figures are based on the estimated number of sport horses in the district and the average cost per annum, based on a survey undertaken by the New Zealand Horse Network. They don’t include the racing industry.

“We have an opportunity here in Kāpiti to make our district the go-to place for equestrian tourism.  If we can link up our shared paths with our hills, beaches, and regional trails, then lots of people will come with their horses and stay and ride, bringing their friends and family. Accommodating horses in our district’s parks and recreation and infrastructure plans is a sound economic decision.

For more information, contact Shelly Warwick on 021 949 214 or go to Facebook and find Kāpiti Equesrian Advocacy group