📍 Tauranga Adult Riding Club (TARC)
Tauranga Adult Riding Club was formed in the mid-late 1970s. At that time adult riding clubs in New Zealand were quite a new concept and it is thought the idea was introduced from the UK. The first meetings were held at a member’s home in Mount Maunganui and the club quickly became popular with members enjoying the social aspect. This was especially important for those people who weren’t “overly competitive”.
In 2025, Tauranga Adult Riding Club is a thriving club that grows to about 80 members by the end of each season. Their season runs from April 1st to March 31st the following year. Members join them from Matatā, Paengaroa, Pāpāmoa, Katikati, Lower Kaimai etc. They are members of the Tauranga Equestrian Sports Association and often host their rallies and events at the Tauranga Racecourse Reserve in Greerton. Committee meetings, open to all members, are held online monthly and they enjoy dinner together in town for their AGM.
Their most popular activity for members is their rallies. These are at least monthly during winter and fortnightly during daylight savings time. For rallies, the club organises a coach so members are able to have shared lessons. These include flatwork, polework, and jumping lessons. They have a great selection of rally instructors who can also coach working equitation, cross country, rider biomechanics etc. They find rallies are a great way to socialise, receive affordable regular coaching, and get their horses used to working with and around other horses.
They also try to fundraise via practice showjumping days over winter and host an annual Andrews Cup Showjumping Competition. Members earn points for their clear rounds with the highest points-earner winning the Andrews Cup!
They always look forward to their members-only Christmas events in the summer which have included a trek, showjumping, games and BBQ. This year they enjoyed a fabulous Matariki shared lunch and rally. They even had a coffee machine for members to enjoy espresso coffee between lessons and one kind member brought their BBQ for a delicious sausage sizzle. They organise treks informally throughout the year and often arrange summer camps for those interested. Recent overnight camps have included Chester Farm in Paeroa, Donna Smith’s farm in Waerenga, and Stonehill in the South Waikato with activities including a mix of organised lessons, hacking, swimming and socialising. They are also hoping to host an inter-club showjumping event. They already have rosettes organised for the winning teams – watch this space!
They have a long history of attending the North Island Teams Event (NITE), with their teams often doing very well. They entered two teams at the Taupō 2023 event and want to keep up the momentum with this. Their club colours are royal blue and white with club shirts available from the local business Ridr Clothing in Tauranga.
They are always looking to grow their membership and welcome new members. Please feel free to contact them via the email address below and someone from the committee can give you a call to tell you more about the club and answer any questions you may have. You might like to come to a rally on foot to see what it’s all about.
They look forward to meeting you and your horses soon!
Contact: tgaadultridingclub@gmail.com
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