ABOUT HORSETACKNZ

Be sure to check out our

trade stall @ HOY 2010

Marquee 12 Stall 109

"YOU HAVE TO BE THERE!"

Thanks for taking the time to browse through my website. I have been in the equestrian products import/wholesale/retail business for 7 years and have learnt a lot in what seems such a short time. HorseTackNZ has developed into a specialised treeless saddlery and is typically kiwi home-based running alongside our B&B. Riders drop in to trial my range of the lovely Sensation Ride saddles and to look over the products on offer. These are all top-rated and best quality products, and are sourced from  Europe, USA, Australia and Canada.

Holidaymakers are also able to bring their equine friends to stay with them when they book into our B&B called The Painted Pony Inn (named after the unique Painted Pony Trail of art in New Mexico.) A day pass for horse riders can be purchased for access into the forestry next door.

My beginnings started here in Whangarei and although I have always had fond childhood memories of horses and the odd equine excursion, sadly our family was never in a position to own a pony. Always horse-mad, I consoled myself with a love of drawing horse posters for anyone who expressed the slightest interest in owning a piece of my art - so that was the beginning of my career as an award-winning artist which came later on. If I have time left over from my work, I can usually be found completing the next painting or commissioned artwork in oils ... my current series of artworks being the subject of horses... which shouldn't come as any surprise!  Having had a previous career in advertising, I am also the advertising designer and webmistress, forever updating and hopefully improving the promotion of the wonderful products that I have on offer to the NZ and AU riding public.

After raising the family, I realised my childhood dream and bought the  "Court Jester " a 14.2hh tank-like pony who appears to be a crossbreed of unknown origins. He has been a source of valuable information, especially in telling me that although he has had the best of treed saddles on his back in the past, he much prefers and best suits the treeless saddle...and he makes a great model (albeit a portly one).

The HorseTackNZ marquee can be seen at nearly all the major local and national North Island horse shows including the Kelt Capital Horse of the Year Show in Hastings, and the Horse Expo in Helensville. We are planning on more shows in 2009-2010 and hope to get down to the South Island this time!

We have been sponsors of eventor Kate Wood and her talented horse Easy Tiger for the past 3 years. Following Easy Tiger's progress is fascinating as he rises in the ranks of the NZ eventing world under Kate's expert hands. We are also thrilled to sponsor the Smith family of endurance riders Murray, Andrea, Georgia and Brigitte Smith  - all of whom have attained top places in many endurance championships. Also on board with us as a team rider is Caroline Barber, Endurance Sport NZ manager, stud breeder of Lone Star Arabians,  and an avid endurance & CTR rider. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to them all for their enthusiastic endorsement of TuffRock and other products.

The highlights of 2008 for me were: meeting fellow Sensation Ride dealer Robyn Hood from TTeam, at Equitana in Melbourne. Robyn and friends own The Icelandic Horse Farm in BC, Canada. Also finally having the pleasure to meet Melissa from Nickers Saddlery in Canada, who came to stay with us at the Painted Pony Inn!

We had a fabulous time at HOY 2009 when Steve Hurley from TuffRock head office in Australia attended our trade stall. It was great to see the huge number of people lining up to talk to him about the excellent equine and animal products of his own invention. Bring on HOY 2010!

Finally, as riders and equine caretakers, we are always learning about saddle-fitting from the ones that wear and work in - what we have placed on their backs...so do listen to your horse and watch his body language when saddling up and riding. It could be that he is asking for a more lightweight and  comfortable saddle. Proper rider-weight distribution is often the key to stopping pressure pain on horses' backs and it's resulting "bad" behaviour. I'm happy for you to consult me about achieving real comfort whilst riding, and the suitability for a SENSATION^TM RIDE brand saddle for you and your four-legged friend.

Many happy, comfy & safe trails :)

Suzanne.