Horse club aligns with YMCA

PRESS RELEASE FROM YMCA AND AWEC (Auckland Woodhill Endurance Club)

Auckland Woodhill Endurance Club is combining with YMCA of Auckland Inc to assist with operation of the Woodhill Forest Equestrian Park. The Park is situated in the Woodhill Forest which is currently a working forest for tree harvest managed by Hancock Timber Resource Group.

President of Auckland Woodhill Endurance Club, Rowena Tyler says “This is a exceptional and exciting arrangement and one in which YMCA is uniquely positioned to have a real impact on the lives of people, families and communities utilizing this facility. Working together with Auckland Woodhill Endurance Club the aim is to deliver the best horse riding experience possible”

Operations of the Woodhill Forest Equestrian Park will be under taken by YMCA staff at the Massey Branch located at Massey Leisure Centre in Westgate. The team will be led by Centre Manager Karen Legg, who herself is an avid horse rider, riding in the forest for over 15 years and a 23 year involvement in sport and recreation. “In this agreement with AWEC, YMCA recognizes the importance of recreational horse riding and with the fabulous Woodhill forest allowing an experience in what would arguably be Auckland’s closest resemblance to a wilderness park. There is all year round riding and on the door step of the fabulous Muriwai beach - a fantastic experience and one which many horse riders cherish” says Ms Legg

Initially there will be a large focus on marking trails within a newly designated horse riding area, with a wide variety of trail lengths and routes for the adventurous and for those needing less challenging tracks. New initiatives include weekend casual visits for those wishing to bring a friend, roaming park rangers on horse back and first aid qualified staff situated in the car park on weekends and public holidays.

YMCA take on the operation from 11 October and both parties are looking forward to the new opportunities this partnership will bring.