It surely is an impressive sight, walking through the gate into the yards of the Nga Tawa School's Equestrian Academy.
For this is clearly, from first glance, no hobby venture. This a serious, no-holds-barred training centre for horse and mistress alike.
The academy is the real deal with stalls for
82 horses, three riding arenas, lush green fields and a 1200m canter track.
For the horse-mad girl it is the absolute ultimate in horse heaven, and it's all part of school.
But not all the girls are at Nga Tawa for the equestrian pursuits. In fact, some have never been near a horse and have certainly never touched or looked one in the mouth, so to speak.
An Asian student who was suffering from extreme homesickness was taken on a visit to the stables in an attempt to distract her from grieving for home.
Equestrian director Libby Rayner said the girl was utterly terrified of the horses, the stables and especially riding.
But she kept visiting and, after several ``looks'' and a lot of gentle coaxing, she is now not only riding but also has her own lease horse, and she is down at the stables every day, mucking out, grooming her horse and riding after school.
She had even fallen in love with the three very personable small dogs who believe they own the stables _ Poppy, Flea and Spot, rat catchers extrordinaire, said Mrs Rayner.
Equestrian is a sport demanding high levels of commitment, leadership, physical strength and agility, she said.
``We support our students' passion to ride with very disciplined instruction and guidance and ensure that all students have the chance to follow their equestrian dreams.''
Nga Tawa is one of only two New Zealand Schools featuring equestrian sport.
It was especially sought after for its equine studies, especially for students going on to further their studies at Massey University, she said.
Many international students aim to pursue an equine studies degree. They come from Germany, Italy, Japan and the UK.
Many of the New Zealand students come to Nga Tawa from prominent racing families.
``They have grown up with horses. It's second nature to them. They couldn't imagine living without a horse. They're all competitive and keen to do well.''
Though ostensibly Mrs Rayner works five days a week, she goes beyond the call of duty every weekend and thinks nothing of it.
Trips to Santoft Beach to ride through the surf and canter along the broad stretch of the mostly deserted beach, cross-country riding and travelling to most horse shows in the central North Island are par for her course.
The school horse transport bus carries eight horses, so these young riders have ample opportunity to appear and compete at horse events, she said.
Assisting Mrs Rayner are four staff to ensure the academy is always kept in pristine order.
However, every student at the academy is meticulous about caring for her horse _ mucking out the box, daily grooming, and riding her horse every day after school, Mrs Rayner said.
``It would never occur to any of them not to.''
The students head for the stables religiously at morning break, lunchtime and after school every day.
Outside experts and instructors regularly come in to teach, Mrs Rayner said.
``Expert tuition is a prerequisite here, which is why this academy is world-class.''
A farrier visits weekly for any shoeing or hoof requirements and local feed merchants deliver feed, grooming products and other equine accessories weekly.
The local vet visits as needed, which is often weekly.
The school's record of equestrian success is born of the wide range of disciplines available, including individual instruction.
More than 25 per cent of Nga Tawa students participate each year in academy programmes and compete regularly in all disciplines up to national level, Mrs Rayner said.
It is one of few schools in New Zealand accredited to teach Unit Standards to Level 4 in equine studies (the sport horse strand).
This National Certificate can be achieved within the school curriculum.
Nga Tawa is a branch of the Rangitikei Pony Club and students regularly represent their area in Zone Dressage, Showjumping Championships and New Zealand Pony Club Championships.
There are 10 school horses and ponies for Nga Tawa students to learn to ride on or to use if they don't have a pony.
Mrs Rayner admits with a huge grin that it is her dream job.
``I love it here. The girls are happy, and the horses are all fantastic.''
She leaned on a stall looking across the yard.
``Look, aren't they great?''
On cue four ponies dip their heads over their stall gates.
``And they know it . . . don't you?'' she laughed.-->-->-->