Rebekah enjoys both the constant learning as well as the social aspect of riding. She enjoys riding and the focus it provides as well as time out from the businesses that she manages with her husband under their Niche Management Group brand.

 

Her passion for riding began at a young age, riding ponies although it wasn't until her adult life that she owned her own horses and began regular lessons. Michelle has been instrumental in all aspects of her riding; including ground work, confidence, problem solving and riding, which is why Niche Equestrian has been created to help others in the same way. 

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rebekah

PENI

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MANAGING DIRECTOR

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MICHELLE

Wardell

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Equestrian consultant

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My passion for riding started before I was 8 years old and having farming friends in the North Island I got to help them in the school holidays. Growing up through Kowhai Residential School of Riding and View Hill Pony Club, I realised my passion for coaching as I worked my way through the levels and began examining certificates and judging dressage at Pony Club events. 

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After a relocation to Nelson, I took on the position of Head Coach with Nelson Pony Club and lead teams and riders to events such as Springston Trophy and Area Trials. This is where I also began my career in private coaching. About this time, Natural Horsemanship was starting to make a name for itself. Finding that the ideals behind this really spoke to me personally and I leapt at the chance to be involved. I saw a great need for creating higher levels of handling safety for riders around horses and it came with the bonus of showing riders of any age or skill base how to gain a better level of understanding and responsibility for not only their relationship with their horses but for themselves personally. 

 

This skill I found particularly useful when coaching RDA facilities in the Motueka area, aiding horses, volunteers and care families by increasing their safety and handling confidence in these environments. Having the experience of level 2 for over 20 years now, I wouldn’t be without this and I have found that these skills are transferrable to any discipline. 

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Skills and knowledge include:

• Level 5 Dressage

• Grand Prix Show Jumping

• Eventing up to CNC1

• Natural Horsemanship Level 2

• Western / Cowboy Challenge

• Showing

 

A NZPCA North Canterbury Area Coach, I am coaching at branch to ‘A’ level and am a NZPCA ‘B’ Examiner.  I advise on the Canterbury Area Strategic Coaching / Examining planning panel (to help create sustainability for coaches and examiners) within NZPCA. Building a trusting and respectful relationship with each rider is very important to me, through an attentive, understanding and professional approach. Each rider is encouraged to build a similar relationship with their horse or pony as this relationship is the foundation to a successful partnership.

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Coaching continues to be my life's passion and main focus due to the satisfaction I get from helping each and every rider achieve their goals. No matter the age or level, I aim to help each individual to be the best they can and to strive for continual improvement in their chosen discipline.