A social group of horse riders is seeking to improve access to several Department of Conservation (DOC) tracks around the Upper Clutha which are already approved for horse riding.

Lifelong rider and farmer Jo Simpson-Shaw, who started the Riders of Central Otago (ROCO) group, said in order to gain access to most of the horse-approved tracks, riders need to contact DOC or the relevant farmer for a gate key.

“Typically walkers and cyclists can get onto the tracks via wooden stiles, but obviously that’s not possible on horseback,” Jo said.

Jo’s inspiration for the group came from her own desire to explore the region’s tracks and trails on horseback. “I looked for information about horse-accessible tracks, but couldn’t find anything, so thought I’d do it myself.”

Jo is currently targeting several tracks around Wanaka where she would like to arrange the installation of a small gate in a location agreed with DOC and any farming operation involved. 

ROCO hopes gates may be installed in some locations to ease access for horse riders.

“The gate just needs to be large enough a horse can get through, but not four-wheel-drives. We’d have a combination lock that ROCO members would know the code for,” Jo said, adding that cyclists who can’t lift their bikes over the stiles could also have the code.

Cyclists and trampers are supposed to know it’s possible that horses and/or stock are on some trails, Jo said. “We may need to make sure that people are aware of DOC’s code of conduct for track etiquette.”

Currently the group is looking at funding options to purchase suitable gates and posts – or have these donated – to enable better horse access to these first few tracks.

Jo said there are already a lot trails on the DOC website tagged for horse riding – 16 in Otago, but she said there are more tracks suitable and allowed for horses than are already marked. 

“I want to work with DOC to sort that out, and also create a map for a trail showing the horse access gate, where you can park horse floats, water your horse and places you can hitch your horse for a lunch break.

“People can do these things on their own, but our group helps get people to try the trails and know what’s available.”

Over the past 18 months, Jo has organised rides around Poolburn, Minaret, Bendigo, Chatto Creek, Long Gully, Roaring Meg, and many others. The Bendigo ride was the biggest so far with 22 riders enjoying the opportunity to explore the historic property. Jo has also organised ‘have a go’ obstacle days at Grace Farm just outside Wanaka, attracting 24 participants to the last one. The next challenge day is planned for February 2.

ROCO members communicate via a Facebook group that Jo started in June 2018, originally called Central Otago Social Riding Group. It now has 407 members who often arrange casual meet-ups to ride at Dublin Bay and other locations.

ROCO is not a formal club with paid memberships, and people who come along on the rides Jo organises are responsible for their own horse and safety. “We are a friendly and supportive group, respecting the land we ride over.”

PHOTOS: Supplied