Picture this …
Imagine mustering cattle out of a big west facing dramatic hill paddock in the King Country hills, sky softly lit with the orange and pink tones of a vibrant summer sunset, riding a trusty steed with the family fanned out alongside, funnelling a mob of cows and calves down through the gate to fresh pasture. Well thats where this dream found it’s birth into reality. Together we realised that our love for this land couldn’t wait any longer, and we wanted to come home!
Murray has always dreamed of returning home to the family farm one day; and motivated by Ryan’s shared enthusiasm for the land, the boys decided it was time to turn their summer escape into more of a home coming focus.
For both of them their is something about the land here on the farm that speaks to them and feels like home. Hopefully you’ll understand why when you step out into the peace and tranquility of the hills that cradle and embrace their home.
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Murray grew up on the back of a horse. In fact, there is nowhere that he feels more at home than hanging out with his beloved four legged friends. A few days off the farm and he is itching to get back on board.
A lifetime with horses has developed him into a skilled and experienced horseman with a vast background in starting and re-training through to working and schooling top-level dressage and eventing horses. He has over 25 years of experience starting horses, as well as significant experience working and training with top dressage riders and coaches.
Alongside Murray's love of horses and horsemanship, he has a Masters of Management Studies (First class Hons.) from Waikato University, and a passion for working with people; including working with young men in the Youth Justice System and men of all ages though the Essentially Men Education Trust.
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Ryan has always had an affinity for animals and has started his horse training journey under the watchful eyes of Murray since their relationship began. Ryan has a honours degree in Psychology and a masters in Marketing; but his balance and seat on a horse is more likely attributed to his keen passion for aerial arts and yoga than his academic studies. Following Murray’s training, Ryan merges classical dressage with horsemanship affinity and skill in his training and riding style and enjoys brining on young sensitive horses into curious and confident companions.
The lodge on the farm and the caring for the land and development of the farm is where his inner childhood dreams really find home at Hikumutu Valley farm. This is where his inherited green thumbs and extensive experience in hospitality and events get to be put to good use.
Where we started
Starting with the foundational blocks of an accommodation block whose former life hosted summer youth camps, a tack shed, and an undulating paddock, we are on the journey towards creating an equestrian paradise and training property complete with a large sand arena, two round pens, small paddocks and overnight yards, stables, tack shed and barns.
Set in front of a retreat centre ready to host you and your friends for riding weekends, clinics, personal growth workshops, or simple get always as you explore the adventures of this stunning region.
You can see some of our progress in the gallery below. This transformational journey started over two weeks in August of 2023 and is a real labour of love to this day.
