At Alpine Horse Safaris we are very much an international operation, and welcome people from all over the world. We have met people from all walks of life, and many seem to come for a day and end up staying for weeks or even months! We also take away many company groups for social days or ‘team building’ outings, including Air New Zealand and Telecom. These prove very popular, a chance for colleagues to really get to know each other out of work. We have a visitor book available for everyone to fill in after their stay; here are a selection taken from it.
“The best 10 day holiday I ever had. A million thanks for your companionship and top horses.”
– HELEN MURDOCH
Auckland, NZ
“I put my trust in Alpine Horses and Guides and had the best ride of all time. Thanks for showing me the back of beyond and more. Would love to do it all again.”
– GILLIAN STONE
Wellington, NZ
“Thanks for a wonderful week. Fantastic, big horses, the best I’ve ever ridden.”
– CLAUDIA STAUDT
Christchurch, NZ
“Fabulous trip – such beautiful scenery – these were some of the best horses we’ve ever ridden. Very sure-footed, alert, ready to go and still kind-hearted and gentle with their riders. We really appreciated the way you made us feel at home straight away. Thank you so much for a wonderful time.”
– SANDY BREIDERBACH
USA
“I can hardly believe I have completed this marvellous experience. Thank you Lawrie for your meticulous attention to detail – thank you Jenny for your super cooking and kindly tolerance. I loved my horse whom I trusted implicitly, what a wonderful 11 days!”
– CHRIS BROWN
Tauranga, NZ
“We came for two days but stayed in two weeks! Thank you for opened your home for us, so we could share your daily life and see what’s going on, on a farm. We really appreciate your hospitality, the good food, the horse riding and your sense of humour! We love you!”
– EVA & CURT GRINDENSJO
Sweden
“Excellent, in 2 days I managed to lose my fear of horse riding and learn to enjoy it. Will recommend it to all I meet.”
– LISA KAY
Sheffield, England
“A beautiful horse trek with Lawrie and Jenny. It was a great experience, so beautiful landscape, very quiet country and a nice camp. You can be sure the saddles are very good – no problem for your bottom.”
– DAMIEN MERMETY
France
“Thanks for a really enjoyable trip – we’ve had a lot of laughs, the company has been great, countryside fabulous and lovely horses. A unique experience – very Kiwi!”
– MARGARET ARMSTRONG
Rotorua, NZ
“Thank you very much for everything. I had a very exciting experience and memories so I was happy to stay here. I’ll never forget here. And I hope to come back here again.”
– KUMIKO MAITA
Japan
“Thanks very much for a wonderful farmstay – we could see so many interesting things. Then we had a fantastic 3 days trip on our lovely horses. Thanks to you Lawrie and especially you Jenny for the excellent food!”
– CHRIS BLUMER
Switzerland
“Thanks very much for a lovely trip. I had a great time and really appreciate the opportunity to see such magnificent scenery. I will go home with fond memories.”
– JUDY OBORN
Adelaide, Australia
“I discovered a wonderful area. Now, I know the true Kiwi. The Kiwi is Lawrie – like John Wayne. I’ve never seen him before. Never I forget this horse trek. I would like to come back again.”
– LUDOVIC HERVIEU
France
“An absolute novice on an 11 day trip, I was a bit nervous at the beginning but with every step through this beautiful countryside I felt more and more confident, and now at the end of it all, I wish I could go on for a few more days!”
– SUSANN WINTER
Auckland, NZ
“Everything is excellent here: the, the horses, the countryside and of course the food! A marvellous experience but too short…Thanks a lot to Lawrie and Jenny…”
– JEANNE & JEAN LOUP DOLBEAU
France
“Thank you Jenny and Lawrie, the ride was all I expected and more. I had a great time. Good luck in the future, I hope you carry on being this successful.”
– CAROLYN BAYER
London, England
“I think it was a very nice trip. Before going, I haven’t expected such a good trip with so nice people. Moreover the landscape is very beautiful. Sometimes I have thought that I lost time when you work its very nice to get outside like that.”
– FRANCOIS TILLARD
France
“Hello there! I am writing to you about Jenny and Lawrie O’Carroll, owners and operators of Alpine Horse Safaris, who have been taking us on numerous exhilarating 2 hour, ½ day and BBQ, three day and four day rides.
I work in the airline industry. A group of colleagues get together and there is no stopping us. There is always a trip in the planning and anyone can partake, from novice riders to the most experienced. Only an hour and ¼ from Christchurch and you are on a journey most people dream of. Fortunately for us it became a reality and so easily. Nowhere else can you be riding strong Clydesdale Thoroughbred Cross horses through magnificent rugged alpine pastures, native bush, crossing rivers and staying overnight in musterer’s huts on your weekend!
Give Jenny and Lawrie a ring and find out how easy it is to organise a trip to suit you, your friends, your colleagues, anyone! So much fun, I can guarantee it!”
– JANE LOFTHOUSE
Air New Zealand